:: Anorak free

Posted by Joelle on April 11, 2008

Danish Blue by Zakkaliciousness on Flickr

Copenhageners have it. Amsterdammers have it. Londoners still need to catch on. What am I talking about? A culture where cycling is just a normal thing everybody does to get around their everyday business. Where there are no ‘cyclist’ just normal people, in business suits, in high heels, loaded with shopping, just being normal. The lovely picture above comes from the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog, providing inspiration everyday for how it could be.

There are some Londoners like this, but many cyclists here are dolled up in their special gear, full of aggression and speed. I think it puts off a lot of ordinary folks from seeing cycling as something they could do.

That’s why I am happy to see a few places popping up promoting cycling as something which does not have to be at odds with personal style. Check out London’s Cycle Chic, and Bobbin bikes for starters. The image above is from their joint window display currently on show in the old Reckless Records window on Upper Street in Angel. I love the 10 Commandments of Cycle Chic, especially #8 “Legwarmers are the new cycle clips”.

I’m particularly interested in all this at the moment as a new seven mile commute means it has become time to upgrade my beloved but cranky old beachcruiser. Somehow I have become obsessed with bicycles, spending ages googling, and peering at any nice bike as it speeds by trying to catch the name. I am on a quest for the holy grail - a bike that proves that style and speediness can coexist! I will report back if I succeed.

Thanks to my friend Sarah for sending me the link to the Copenhagen blog a while ago and getting me thinking about all this.

Categories: green, london, style
Tags: bobbin bikes, copenhagen, cycling, style

9 Responses to “Anorak free”

1. Kirsty says:
   April 12th, 2008 at 8:23 am

   I love those helmets! Unfortunately, with three bike thefts this year, the only thing not to go has been the helmet, so I’ve still got my trusty black one.

2. Peter says:
   April 12th, 2008 at 12:40 pm

   I might be wrong, but I heard Copenhagen Municipality spends as much on cycling as it does on road transport. If only Edinburgh did the same I wouldn’t end up in the middle of a 40mph one way system on a tiny bit of pot-holed pink tarmac every day…

3. Joelle says:
   April 12th, 2008 at 8:08 pm

   Hey Pete, you’re right you know. It’s not just people on bikes who can help change cycling culture, the roads and infrastructure need a lot of help! Don’t get be started on one way streets and bike parking…

4. Vanessa says:
   April 13th, 2008 at 2:37 am

   I kind of wish I’d learnt to ride a bike. Not that on the scary LA roads it would be feasible to cycle myself to Westwood; still, since I can’t drive it might be handy.

5. xtian says:
   April 14th, 2008 at 9:03 am

   If you want cool Copenhagen chic bike get a Christiania or Pedersen bike not the Christiania trike which is a different animal altogether!

6. Julie says:
   April 14th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

   Cycling really is more stylish than ever, and if it can become a way of life for more people then that’s fantastic. Maybe we could get Dutch ‘fietspads’ an secure cycle parking to go with it. I’m rather tired now of the image that cycling a couple of miles to work is an adventure sport or an uphill leg of the Tour de France :)

7. Joelle says:
   April 17th, 2008 at 9:54 am

   xtian - yeah the Pedersen looks amazing! I wonder what they are like to ride?

   Julie - couldn’t agree more. And I bet Kirsty would appreciate more secure parking after three thefts in three months.

   The good news for me is that I have just ordered my new bike. Got to wait for it as it is being painted a custom colour. What a thing of beauty it will be! Look out for a very excited post in a couple of weeks.

8. Caz says:
   April 29th, 2008 at 1:00 pm

   Thanks for the mention girls. Love the blog. Will put you on my ’sites I like’ list
   x

9. Joelle says:
   April 30th, 2008 at 9:32 am

   Thanks Caz!

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