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Riding a bike to work = unprofessional?

G

gbadude

New member
Joined
Jun 26, 2009
Location
SoCal
Moto(s)
'06 SV650S
I'm going to be working for one of the Big 4 accounting firms starting this January in LA, and was hoping to use my bike as my main mode of transportation. Traffic down there is just down right terrible. I know a lot of people ride to work, but I don't want to be seen as unprofessional, especially when a large part of the job entails client interaction. Does/has anyone work(ed) for any of the Big 4 firms and rode to work? Is that something that they could potentially "frown" upon?

BTW has anyone thought of mounting their phones to their bikes? Of course I wouldn't be talking on the phone. But I know for blackberrys they can have different color LED alerts. That way I'll know if I get an important call and pull over to call back.
 
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Image is important in your field. I would play the game until you are at a point in your career where you can afford to be judged on your merit. Lots of business is conducted at lunch, you won't make friends leeching rides all of the time. The Iron Butt guys have communication systems that allow you to use cell phones on the roll, Audiocom(?)
 
Yow, you're doing bridge commute though, which makes it even more obvious why you'd want to bike commute.... I guess I'd listen to Wack - if you are expected to be driving to lunch a lot, yeah, you may well need to drive in, at least part of the time. Or, if "client interaction" entails driving (as opposed to taxi or whatnot - how far out are these clients?) obviously that may have an even bigger impact. And it is indeed often good to get a feel for such things first.

That said, my feedback would be that SF is so generally transportation-impaired (i.e, Muni sucks, driving in sucks, etc) that usually people are pretty relaxed about motorcycling - i.e, it shouldn't be like you are perceived as ruffian outlaw rapist or something like that (or even "unprofessional" as your question asks). In fact, I'd be surprised if all your coworkers drive cars in, but maybe I don't know the field. Point is, I imagine some BART in and have to "leech rides" as it is, and it's probably understood/no BFD (see Wack/my first paragraph about getting feel though).

Of course, you will have to worry about things like changing in to your nice work clothes (some work under commuting gear, but it sounds like you'll be wearing suits?) and stuff like that. And for god's sake, don't be one of those guys that you see with wingtips sticking out from under overpants (or just wearing suit slacks, for that matter, though I find the former to be more vexing as the need for gear is obviously understood, then partially ignored).

T
 
Yes image can be important with potential high flying client interaction but maybe not quite how you might think.

I think it depends more about how you roll and what gear you wear on the motorcycle.

If you rollup on a ratted out bike and take off your ratty jacket revealing wrinkled clothes from the Mervyn's clearance sale rack then clients might be less than impressed.

But if you rollup on a well maintained bike and take off your fashionable Aerostitch type one piece suit revealing a proper suit-n-tie or other appropriate corporate monkey suit attire then folks will be properly impressed.

As if we care what other people think.

return-of-the-saint-bmw-motorcycle-400.jpg
MarlonBrando.jpg
 
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Wack said:
Image is important in your field. I would play the game until you are at a point in your career where you can afford to be judged on your merit. Lots of business is conducted at lunch, you won't make friends leeching rides all of the time. The Iron Butt guys have communication systems that allow you to use cell phones on the roll, Audiocom(?)
Click to expand...

I didn't even think about the lunch situation. To be honest, I don't have a complete idea of what a typical day is like yet since I haven't started working. But I imagine, at the very least, I'll have to go out and buy lunch or dinner every once in a while. Good point. Hmm...

Mawg said:
Yow, you're doing bridge commute though, which makes it even more obvious why you'd want to bike commute.... I guess I'd listen to Wack - if you are expected to be driving to lunch a lot, yeah, you may well need to drive in, at least part of the time. Or, if "client interaction" entails driving (as opposed to taxi or whatnot - how far out are these clients?) obviously that may have an even bigger impact. And it is indeed often good to get a feel for such things first.

That said, my feedback would be that SF is so generally transportation-impaired (i.e, Muni sucks, driving in sucks, etc) that usually people are pretty relaxed about motorcycling - i.e, it shouldn't be like you are perceived as ruffian outlaw rapist or something like that (or even "unprofessional" as your question asks). In fact, I'd be surprised if all your coworkers drive cars in, but maybe I don't know the field. Point is, I imagine some BART in and have to "leech rides" as it is, and it's probably understood/no BFD (see Wack/my first paragraph about getting feel though).

Of course, you will have to worry about things like changing in to your nice work clothes (some work under commuting gear, but it sounds like you'll be wearing suits?) and stuff like that. And for god's sake, don't be one of those guys that you see with wingtips sticking out from under overpants (or just wearing suit slacks, for that matter, though I find the former to be more vexing as the need for gear is obviously understood, then partially ignored).

T
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Oops I forgot to mention I'm actually going to be working in LA, which is why I really wanted to use my bike as a main source of transportation. My office will be in downtown, but I assume my clients (don't know who/where yet) will be in other nearby cities. Either way traffic is going to be miserable. I plan on driving my car for a while just to ease into things, especially since I don't want to make a bad impression. I don't think motorcycles are as accepted down there as up here. But yeah, just wanted to see if anyone has had a similar experience.
 
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I would wait to see what your particular situation is like. When I used to work as a "Big Firm" lawyer in L.A., I would ride to work, but only when I knew I wasn't going to have client meetings. Also, helmet hair can be a problem. So scope out the scene first.

I found the bigger problem being that many folks, in the law field at least, don't understand why a colleague of theirs would ride a motorcycle. I gained a reputation as the "crazy" and "dangerous" one. That continued even when I moved on to an in-house legal environment. I didn't like that so much in my field of work, so I eventually gave up riding to work.

I still do track days and race though.
 
Your appearance is expected to be professional in the office and in front of clients. That means no mass o' wrinkles or helmet head. A 'stitch and a short hairstyle are easy solutions. Worry more about buying a decent sport coat.

Many offices (but not all) have locker/gym facilities somewhere in the building where you can change out of your gear. You may also be able to store your gear there. If you can't store your gear in a locker somewhere, and you're just starting out, you'll need to keep it at your desk. It'll be better if this is tidy. Backpack, helmet bag, whatever.

It is unlikely that you will need to drive others around. It is just as unlikely that you'll suffer for "bumming" rides. If you're working a client site out of town, you'll fly in and rent a car. If you're working a client in town and can't ride with others on the team, you can also rent a car (usually at firm/client expense). More often than not, it'll be someone senior to you renting the car (they want the frequent renter/flier points, eh?). Most large firms have a policy that requires you to rent a car (or catch a ride) if your car doesn't meet certain standards (insurance limits being one of them).

How you conduct yourself at work will (should?) have a much stronger influence on how folks see you than your transportation choices. Rat bike or no. Some of the partners drive bling -- Porsche, Ferrari, whatever -- but some of 'em drive a six year old Dodge Stratus with a dent in the door.

I've been with a big 4* for 9+ years. PM me if you'd like more details.



*after the Anderson debacle many of us changed it to "final 4" :teeth
 
You're worrying about nothing. I work for a Big 4 and several of us from Staff all the way to Senior Manager ride to work. Nobody cares. It's all how you handle yourself. I make sure to get in earlier so I have time to change and groom myself a little, and I try and be subtle.

Really. It's a none-issue.
 
in general, i agree what is said on this thread. image can be everything, but it depends on your seniority within the company. everyone makes accommodations. i like knowing upper management rides to work. the last four companies i worked for, upper management rode into work. there is nothing like walking into your bosses office and seeing a helmet, gloves, jumpsuit and riding boots in the corner. if it's hanging up, it's even better. it's also a way of telling if he's in the office.

have you thought about leading a double life? have a car stashed at work... they're paying for your parking space. ;)
 
HappyHighwayman said:
You're worrying about nothing. I work for a Big 4 and several of us from Staff all the way to Senior Manager ride to work. Nobody cares. It's all how you handle yourself. I make sure to get in earlier so I have time to change and groom myself a little, and I try and be subtle.

Really. It's a none-issue.
Click to expand...

+1

It's more relaxed here than on the east coast.

Do good work ; don't look like a slob and you'll be fine.
 
Drive to work until you scope the situation out. Then consider making a bike work.
 
Smile, and explain how you're doing your part to reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gasses and weight impact on city streets and bridges. let them know that 50mpg makes a dent on foreign oil dependence and you appreciate how the ability to split lanes means you will never be late for work.

(who cares what anyone thinks what you drive or ride, just be sure when you are on the job you present professionally)
 
HappyHighwayman said:
You're worrying about nothing. I work for a Big 4 and several of us from Staff all the way to Senior Manager ride to work. Nobody cares. It's all how you handle yourself. I make sure to get in earlier so I have time to change and groom myself a little, and I try and be subtle.

Really. It's a none-issue.
Click to expand...

I agree..........and as Ogglodyte said, get an Aerostitch riding suit (you can wear ANYTHING underneath it), make sure your hair is re-adjusted after the ride.........ANDFORGETABOUTIT!!

Some people are ALWAYS going to have pre-conceived notions regarding motorcycle riders.....nothing you can do about them. Just don't do things that enforce their "notions".
 
ofcounsel said:
I would wait to see what your particular situation is like. When I used to work as a "Big Firm" lawyer in L.A., I would ride to work, but only when I knew I wasn't going to have client meetings. Also, helmet hair can be a problem. So scope out the scene first.

I found the bigger problem being that many folks, in the law field at least, don't understand why a colleague of theirs would ride a motorcycle. I gained a reputation as the "crazy" and "dangerous" one. That continued even when I moved on to an in-house legal environment. I didn't like that so much in my field of work, so I eventually gave up riding to work.

I still do track days and race though.
Click to expand...

+1 I too worked at BigLaw in downtown LA until about 2 years ago. You will drive everywhere (everyone drives in LA). At an accounting firm you may be taking clients out or at least meeting them at fancy restaurants. I would start with the car and see if you can get a bike routine going so that no one will know that you ride to work. I parked in a guarded garage. People will judge based on their attitudes on motorcycles (i.e., you are reckless since you ride). If you are experienced and well-regarded, then riding may come across as a positive "quirk".
 
Having a small, cheap, light weight clothing iron with a vertical steaming ability stashed at work might also be helpful.
 
It's funny when I see people riding very nice BMW or other high end touring bikes wearing proper gear to work I often assume they're a professional :)
 
What practice area will you be in and what is your level? I'm a former partner at one of those firms and would tell you, it depends.

There were some people who commuted on motos, but they were rare and it fit their position in terms of client interaction, daytime transport needs, hours, etc.

I'd say, in this day and age, it's totally fine if it doesn't interfere with your work and you realize that it doesn't change your responsibility to be able to transport yourself at any time in any kind of weather to a client site, airport, other office, etc. And don't show up in ICON gear with a mohawk on your helmet unless you work in the mailroom.
 
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