Bad Day At Cycle Chic + Rainy Moods

Once in a while there's a bad day here at Cycle Chic. I wasn't even trying to take a photo of this Copenhagener. I was focused on something up ahead. My finger hit the button and I first saw the result at home.

Which goes to show that you can virtually close your eyes and point your camera in Copenhagen and you'll probably end up with a shot of a chic Copenhagener.


I love this rainy day shot. I love all the shots when a cyclist is just launching into motion but this one is great. Both chaps have just reached speed and their right feet are gliding towards the pedals. It's stationary and yet filled with movement, motion, momentum.


Another little umbrella shot.

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.

Sunday Launch Party

A Copenhagener launches her bicycle into motion. She has a little Danish flag - Dannebrog, the world's oldest national flag - in her hair. I'm guessing she's heading to a birthday or other celebration.


Two Copenhageners launch off the lights in the rain. That magical moment when human powered transport begins.

Four People on Bicycles

Three here.


One here.

Well Heeled, Well Wheeled

Serious heels on an autumn's day.


Serious wheels.

Swimmingly Chic This Winter

Autumn is in full swing and winter is around the corner. The bicycles roll on. The good people at SWIMS in Norway have already developed fine products to protect your bespoke footwear from the seasonal elements. Here in Copenhagen you'll have fenders on your bike to protect your much-loved Paul Smiths or your trousers/stockings to some degree from the spray when riding to work but when you invest in quality footwear and clothing, it's not a bad idea to have a bit of extra protection. Like the dapper chap above and below.

We've blogged about SWIMS before but now we've chatted with them and recieved some great photos, too. They adhere to the time-honoured mantra of Scandinavian design: simple, practical, elegant. Galoshes will never be the same again. They are on the cusp of launching a new product so we're pleased to present a little world premiere here:

The City Slipper is the new product from SWIMS this season. Given the fact that urban cycling in high heels is a normal part of life in Copenhagen and many other European cities, it's a welcome addition to the urban landscape. Whether you are just riding to work in your workhorse Louboutins or heading off to a smashing fancy do with the who's who in the evening, if the forecast calls for precipitation of any kind, why not equip yourself with the City Slipper.

Like with all of SWIMS products, there is a host of colours to choose from. At time of writing, the City Slipper has yet to premiere on the SWIMS website or in the SWIMSSTORE, but they are right around the corner.

SWIMS will work hard protecting your footwear, but they are apparently not designed to help you avoid frizzy hair associated with humid, moist weather. Now you know.

Cicloeleganza in Milano

Our intrepid - and frightfully fashionable fashionista - friend Raquel from Madrid was on the Cycle Chic beat in Milano recently, recording a series of cicloeleganza shots for us here at the blog.

A splendid series of shots of citizens enjoying a cycling life in the Italian city. Cyclists who are clearly feel safe and secure and who know that taking it easy is the safest way to ride.

Shades of Gold

Golden colour on the gloriously car-free Nørrebrogade.





A golden yellow mini-bike leading the pack.

This is how you watch a concert [lead singer wearing a golden dress] on the City Hall Square. On or beside your bike.

Art and Things

We've been looking forward to the next piece from our favourite artist, Janet Karam. This time she interpreted our most iconic photo:

Thanks again, Janet!


Overtaking off the light.

Coasting towards the light.

Copenhagen summer cycle wear.

Rückenfigur and Suchlike

Once in a while we return, quite happily, to our Rückenfigur phase. Here with a cyclist in typical rain clothes on a rainy day. Complete with shocking pink heels.

The blue bag on her seat is a Copenhagen classic. A basic plastic bag pulled out of your bag to cover your seat if it's been raining. Simple and practical.

The art of rolling gently through a light that just changed green. Autumn is just round the corner and chic long boots are appearing once again as the days cool off.


Thanks to Anisa for sending us this photo from her blog Makool Loves You. Funky grocery bag for urban cycling. Available for purchase at her blog.


And a splash of gentleman cycle chic to round it all off.

More Great Moments in Cycling

Great Moments in Cycling - A Copenhagener accelerates [a relevent term in Copenhagen] off the light.


Cyclist crossing street near the new Royal library extension The Black Diamond [Sorte Diamant].


This is what it looks like when a photographer from the Politiken newspaper - riding a company issue Kronan - takes photos of a photographer from Copenhagen Cycle Chic on the King's New Square for an interview.


A lawyer in motion. Well, at least the bag in his back rack had a law firm logo on it, so we're assuming.

A brochure from the Belgian Cyclists' Union - "Wanted - Cyclists [Male/Female]" for membership of the cyclists' union. They certainly know how to promote cycling, using a positive, happy image instead of fear-mongering, like the Danish Cyclists' Union. We have a series of posts over at Copenhagenize.com about promoting cycling.

Cycle Chic Roundup

It's not surprising that when Facehunter ended up in Copenhagen, a photo of a bicycle was involved. And of course it was taken with The Lakes in the background. Quintessential CPH.

Even the dreadfully dull Times has tried their hand at men/fashion/bicycle. Yet another journalist reluctantly forced by his editor to cover this strange phenomenon called "bicycling". At least he tried his best.


ACNE of Sweden have teamed up with Bianchi for a new collection, according to Swedish ELLE. I suspect a healthy dose of dark, vodka-induced Swedish irony is in play here. Combined with a biting bitterness at the Swedes' worst Olympic performance in over 2000 years.

Meanwhile, back in Gotham City...

A New Yorker shows us the way forward in one of Bill Cunningham's photos.

Julio's Copenhagen

A photographer friend of ours, Julio, was in town recently from Portugal. Here's his take on Copenhagen Cycle Chic. Always wonderful to see someone elses angle on our fair city.
A determined stride is a trademark of a Copenhagener, when not on the bike.

A casual glance at the mobile. Either checking for text messages or checking the time.

Bring a friend for a ride/walk.

Gentleman Cycle Chic.