Rush Hour, Bridges and Suchlike

I've been out shooting film footage for a little film I've been asked to make about Copenhagen's bike culture - all the wonderful aspects of it. I'll be posting some great still shots from the streets in the coming days.


Bicycles and Bridges. They seem made for each other. This is Langebro. Long Bridge. Cyclists have been crossing the harbour on this bridge since 1954, although there has been a bridge here since 1656.
The bridge has been immortalised in a Danish song by a band you've never heard of named Gasolin'. And by me, in this little time lapse video where I took a photo every weekday for about eight months:


BACK TO THE BIKES

There has been a trend for a year or so of Copenhageners investing in newer, cooler bikes. Going for quality brands like Velorbis or Batavus instead of buying cheapish models at supermarkets. Nevertheless, the workhorse bicycle in it's funkiest, most personal incarnation lives on. Slap some stickers on the beast. Smile as the rust develops. It's all personality. Old people acquire charm and an air of experience when they get wrinkles. The same applies to bikes. Rust, a squeak, a wobbly wheel.


Another shot of the bicycle as a social form of transport. Couples pedalling about, free to chat and regard the city that surrounds them.


Alternatively, you don't need to ride with someone to get the sensation of riding with someone, if you know what I mean. You are constantly surrounded by your fellow citizens, each on their own personal version of the most efficient machine ever invented.

Wifealiciousness and I decided that this photo of her on the Velorbis Scrap Deluxe shoot is the coolest.

Copenmonday

A purposeful urban stride.

I'm sure their destination will be pleasant, but the journey together is, too.

Dapper chap on the King's New Square.

Three Copenhageners.

Funk is in the new punk.

Copentastic

No matter how you twist it or turn it, Copenhageners ride bikes.

Two cylists waiting to turn left. They rode from the left of the shot, continued over the intersection and are waiting on that path of bike lane. They can either continue on if there is no traffic - just like cars - or they can wait until the light changes. The latter suits the Style Over Speed mentality.

Funkaliciousness. The best thing is that her shoes match her skirtguard.

Sit Up and Beg

"One sits on it either straight-backed, as though at a festive dinner party, or hunched painfully forward, as though one just failed an exam. All according to the situation, your inclination or your inborn characteristics."
Johannes Wulff 'Paa cykle' 1930

Now I'm all in favour of the aesthetic pleasures of a 'sit up and beg' bicycle. Nothing beats it, in my opinion. That's how I prefer to ride. The Copenhagener above takes the passion to a whole new level on her 8-ball bike. And she makes it work. Funky style and cheeky attitude.

Colour and Style

Colour and Style, originally uploaded by [Zakkaliciousness].

Funktastic combination. A splash of colour this morning.

Galoshes, b'gosh!

The whole point of this blog is to show how cycling and bike culture can be effortless. Just wear your regular clothes and slow down if you start to sweat.

If it snows and the slush on the bike lanes is a tad too harsh on our lovely [pricey] shoes, we opt for a pair of Swims. A modern twist on a pair of tradtional galoshes, Swims protect our bespoke footwear with style.

They come in a variety of groovy colours so it won't be a tiring task to find a pair to match your wardrobe or, more importantly, your bike.

Prices start at £60 for the models pictured and £80 for the Mobster, a model providing more ankle protection if you're particularly fond of your stockings or trouser legs.

All this and more on their website: SWIMS

Copenhagen Chuck Chic

One can debate whether or not Converse shoes are 'chic' but it's hard to deny their funk value... can't get around that. Even though Chucks have lost a great deal of their historic rebel yell since the company went bust a few years back, [bought by Nike and the shoes are now made in Asia] Chuckies are still quite groovy on the right person. And the right bike lane.