Cycle Chic Postcard Paris

Paris. City of cities. And now also city of bikes. Especially the Vélib' used above - a public bicycle sharing system - has been a huge success with lots of daily users.

Here a guy looking cool on his vintage bike at Notre Dame. When I was a student in Paris in the 1980's you would hardly see any bikes at all. Now the streets are full of lovely Cycle Chic Parisians.


A colourful and innovative Russian inspired combination.



Classic business elegance.



Oh yes. Still the city of love too...


Happy Cycling!

Super Cycle Highway

Copenhagen has just inaugurated the first of a series of Super Cycle Highways.

The idea is have a "Green Wave" of traffic lights from the suburbs to Copenhagen City Centre.



The speed of the the "Green Wave" is 20 km/h. And almost the entire route is along cycle paths.



There are also special facilities such as cycle stands at traffic lights...



...and free cycle pumps.



Happy Cycling!

Brazil and Cycle Chicness

We're abuzz with Cycle Chic activity this year. It's off the charts. I'm particularly looking forward to riding a bicycle with the good Citizen Cyclists of Vitória, in Brazil. I'll be arriving on Saturday and on Sunday we'll have a smashing Cycle Chic bicycle ride in association with Vitória Cycle Chic. So... if you're in the neighbourhood....

Then it's off to Sao Paulo for work on this exciting project of ours - Bicycle Schools / Escolas de Bicicletas - with the City of Sao Paulo. Then wrapping up this Brazil trip in Rio for more Cycle Chic events.

Triobike - Cargo Bikes Deluxe

We've always loved the Danish cargo bike brand Triobike. Cool design, lightweight build and a real statement on the urban landscape. The Mercedes of cargo bikes, if you like. Their Mono model is becoming more and more popular on the streets of Copenhagen - and beyond.

We've taken a fair share of photos of bicycle users on Triobikes over the past few years, too.

We also love the way they've branched out into co-branding and using their bikes as marketing space.

This customised model features the trademark detailing of the famous Royal Copenhagen brand and was done in association with them for Illums Bolighus - the iconic design store in Copenhagen.

The possibilities are endless, given the rebirth of bicycle culture and especially the increasing focus on cargo bikes as cool tools for urban life. Burberry Bike, anyone? Or a Paul Smith version?


Flying away or enjoying a cup of joe?

How to get your cheap DIY bits and pieces home from a certain Swedish warehouse.


And how about this? Wouldn't THIS be brilliant? Not just parked outside No. 10, but actually used around London by the resident.


Danish design meets the demand for city life once again. Practical, functional and elegant.

Triobike's website

At the Beach

The Danes love going to the beach with their bikes. In Copenhagen we are fortunate to have several nearby beaches to choose from.

The water is still icy cold, so for now most people just bask in the sun.



Or stroll along the dunes enjoying the salty air.



Or play in the sand and have fun.



And top off the day with a big ice cream.


Happy Cycling!

The Girl with the Dragoon Tatoo

One Winter afternoon she suddenly showed. The Girl with the Dragoon Tattoo. Thus inspired I searched my archives for her sisters and brothers.

"I am not afraid to keep on living"



The mysterious double band has many origins but almost always refers to past events.



"Viggo" could be himself, his brother or a friend.



Ambiguity: modern symbols right - ancient symbols left.



Happy Cycling!

Choo Choo Cycling

In the late 1980's the Danish railways were at last forced to accept cycles in the trains. It proved an immediate success.

Today millions of people commute every year by combining train and cycling. And 13 of the busiest railway stations have repair shops to take care of your bike if needed.




Designing the bicycle cars was a challenge.  For the first few years cyclists and passengers had to struggle for the same tight space in front of the doors. Now there are dedicated cycle cars with flexible parking areas.



Since last year its been free to bring your bike on the train. Further increasing the number of people who combine cycle and train for their daily commute.



Today the Danish railways love their cyclists. The main challenge is to make sure that the train services are regular and punctual.


Happy Cycling!

Its Spring When...

Its been a long wait. But you know its Spring in Copenhagen when the skirts cannot be too short!

...and the hot pants are rolled out.


When summer dresses have their début...


...and suddenly a shirt is all you need.


And when little chic toes pop out to enjoy the fresh air!


Happy Cycling!

Timeless

Cycle Chic Postcard - Zagreb

Tomislav works at the Danish Embassy and he deftly and elegantly led me around the city when I was there for to give my Bicycle Culture by Design talk and open my Monumental Motion photo exhibition. The bike belonged to his grandfather and was so cool it was painful. Suits the man, though, doesn't it?


A bicycle made for two.


Balkan cool.


A young Zagreb-ian ... uh... Zagrebite... um... Zagreber... uh... citizen of Zagreb out for a spin.


Unfortunately, I found myself in a car at one point. Fortunately, I only spend about 15 hours a year in automobiles.


It's scientifically proven... bicycles make you want to kiss more.


Or just flirt.

Cycle Chic Postcard Berlin

There is a wonderful variety of Cycle Chic motives to explore in Berlin where cycle infrastructure has improved dramatically in recent years. Here a stunt for two.

Signal coloured bike for signal coloured tights - or vice versa.



Elegant match of natural colours.



The pictures are from last month and it was still chilly



Relaxing at the Spree.


Happy Cycling!