This particular Suburban Cyclist is an adult female, well past her prime. There are many clues which give evidence of this. Note the baggy purple and pink plumage - it is in stark contrast to the svelt, darker, sleeker plumage sported by the young who are still of mating age. In those birds, you will see racing stripes and sometimes corporate logos, but you will most certainly see every curve and every cranny of the bird's body, to advertise to the opposite sex that it is ready to mate.
Not so with this particular bird. Its baggy jacket clearly indicates that it is well past breeding years. It is dressing for warmth and comfort, something the young never do.
Note also the cuffs of the bird's pants are rolled - if you were to suggest to a young bird that she roll her cuffs, she would roll her eyes at you. Only older birds roll their cuffs. It is an indication they are completely uninterested in mating.
Another clue as to the bird's age are the baskets on the rear of the bicycle, which in this case contain a bag of knitting.
Lastly you will note the heavy steel-frame of the bicycle, and the high-ride handlebars. These are clear indicators that the bird is well past her prime, and is not "showing off" for anyone while she is out riding. We do not know why this bird continues to ride, since she is obviously not seeking a mate, but we may surmise that it is out of habit, or perhaps even simply to get from A to B.
One oddity remains, the pleasant expression on the bird's face. Since she is not ready to mate, we have no explanation. Perhaps she is visiting her grandchildren.
For further information on the Suburban Cyclist, contact the Canadian Wildlife and Fisheries Service, 52 Sparks St., Ottawa.
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