Skirt guard

A skirt guard, dress guard or coat guard is a device fitted over the rear wheel of a bicycle to prevent a long skirt, coat or other trailing clothes or luggage catching in the wheel, or in the gap between the rim and the brakes.

[1] Skirt guards are common on bicycles in continental Europe, where the bicycle is commonly ridden in smart-casual or formal clothing; but very uncommon in English-speaking countries where many cyclists wear specialised cycling gear.

There are several forms, for instance: Large, solid surfaces have the disadvantage of air resistance, which increases the risk of being blown sideways by gusty sidewinds.

Air-permeable designs such as mesh and string provide a more stable ride, but can be more difficult to keep clean.

A pair of small plastic sheets gives moderate air resistance and a smooth surface which is easier to keep clean.