Splashes of Red, Splashes and Anarchy Chic

I haven't forgotten the Cycle Chic Hat challenge laid down by some readers. Until I collect the appropriate shots for the series, here's a couple hatastic Copenhageners.

Old school charm and grace.

While visiting the new Royal Theatre Skuespilhuset on the harbour, I saw this person just riding around in slow, happy circles on the old quay. Riding through puddles. That's it. Nothing more to it than that. How lovely.


Here's a spot of Anarchy Cycle Chic. If you're going to protest the World Bank summit in 2000, what better way to get around than on a normal bicycle. That chainguard is handy for stopping water cannons from getting your chain wet. That back rack is convenient for carrying molotov cocktails or a friend or a friend carrying molotov cocktails. And the dynamo light will help you through the tear gas/smoke from burned cars. And lord knows you'd look stupid if you were wearing lycra in this situation. Normal clothes are fine. From an advert for Lee Jeans' Make History photo contest.

Conquering Physical Challenges With the Bicycle

We've posted a few of these photos before, but here is a little series showing how the bicycle increases mobility for those faced with physical challenges. The chap above is dapper and chic on his trike, looking sharp in his suit and scarf. The fact that his right arm is missing is a detail. He still gets around perfectly well.


Cycling while pregnant is virtually a prescription in Denmark. It lightens the load and keeps you exercising and keeps you mobile.


When aging sets in, there are still plenty of opportunities for getting around - and looking sharp while doing so. The bicycle is such a liberation tool to this day, just as it was back it at the beginning of bicycle culture.



Many elderly ride trikes in Copenhagen.

Disabled persons are often seen on bicycles, like this chap with Down's Syndrome at the beach last summer.

If you're 'vertically challenged' as political correctness will have it, there's nothing stopping you from riding a bike.

Even with a leg in a cast, if the injury allows it, you are flying along the bike lanes like there is no tomorrow.

Old People, Animals and Children

We have a rule in the film industry that one should always avoid working with old people, animals and children. Fortunately, this unwritten rule does not apply to a true bicycle culture.


Au contraire. The very prescence of old people, animals and children on the bike lanes is the surest sign that you are doing something right.


Found this half-forgotten photo of Felix from a holiday a couple of years ago on the brilliant Île de Ré off the west coast of France. The island's best beach was 10 km from our house and we made the trip on rented bikes each day. On the way home, the Boy Wonder invariably fell asleep on his kid's seat on the back of my bike - in the 35 degree heat with headphones playing his favourite music.

Morning Traffic

Heading out of the city last Friday, on my way to Swedish Summer House, it was lovely to see the morning traffic. A smooth, aesthetic flow of human powered goodness.

Bike Lane People

Bicycle Togetherness

I seem to have run into a flurry of cycling couples over the past few days. It only serves to underline how sociable cycling can be, whether they're both cycling or just one of them. It's not quite the same as driving down the motorway with your friend in the lane next to you. Here you're chatting, interacting, moving from A to B and back again together. To work, to the cinema, to a café, to a nightclub, what have you.

And you do it regardless of age.

With those you know or those you hope to get to know even better.

And you do it on bike lanes wide enough for two or even three.

And if your friend or loved one isn't available, you can always take their bike for a ride instead.

Copenhagen Skies

One of the primary joys of urban cycling is that your view is not restricted. You move along under the open skies. Wind in your hair, squinting into the sun or the rain, unconstrained by a roof, windows or doors.

Racing the storm clouds.

Up front and personal is the best way to ride.

Age and grace with a spot of funk.

Sunday Classics

Classic, classy, Copenhagen. Billowy skirts and sunglasses and sunshine.

Age is no hindrance for cycling in Copenhagen.

Summertime is barefoot cycling time and 'take kids to beach' time.

A Hub of Copenhagen Cyclists

If we can say 'a pod of whales', 'a memory of elephants', 'a murder of crows' why not 'A hub of Copenhagen cyclists'?

Simple Elegance.

Yet another casual cyclist stance.

Funk is the New Punk.

Age is no reason to stop cycling.

Solid heel stance.

Guest Photo: New York City

NYC Bicycle Commuter, Park Ave. @ 58th St., originally uploaded by bicyclesonly.

A wonderful shot from New York City by BicyclesOnly over at Flickr.

The title tells all:
NYC Bicycle Commuter, Park Ave. @ 58th St.

Looking chic. stylish and just plain cool.

Fur-tive

Fur-tive, originally uploaded by [Zakkaliciousness].

Respect to this elderly lady muscling it [ever so slowly] along the bike lanes on her ancient bike and flowing furs.