CHICAGO – With temperatures reaching yearly highs and commuters relying on pedal power instead of public transportation, a recent study provides evidence that biking to work may be a highly effective way to be both sweaty and late.
While research is still in the early phases, a team from the University of Illinois at Chicago has noticed a trend among bikers in the workplace. According to lead researcher Dr. Joseph Corrino, the uptick of sweat-stained backs and armpits arriving to the office after 9 a.m. in the warmer months is notable.
“It’s remarkable how much perspiration can be produced during a hot morning ride,” Corrino said. “We’re not talking about standard wet underarms, we’re also seeing saturated backs and, to a lesser extent, collars.”
When asked about the data collection, Corrino concedes that it’s been fairly easy. “They’re not really difficult to spot. We’ll most likely see them arriving after the majority of the office with a pushed-up pant leg and a helmet swinging loosely from their backpack.”
Subjects are also quite habitual, says Corrino. “We have a team standing by the paper towel dispenser at 9:15 where subjects typically stop to wipe their face and back of their neck. There’s also a secondary crew stationed by the subject’s cube at 9:35, when they actually begin to be productive.”
Though the study won’t be concluded until later this year, Corrino is happy to share his team’s progress.
“I think we’ve got a good amount of information so far, but comparative data won’t be available until we pass the autumnal equinox,” he said. “We’ll likely be able to release the final study by mid-to-late December.”
Corrino concluded by noting that he is beginning to see a correlation with biking to work in extreme heat and wearing light-colored shirts.
