10 January 2010

Gentlemen Strangers on Wheels

Headwings
Whilst the Cycling Girl is - and has been - a cultural icon for more than a century, the gentlemen cyclists of Copenhagen are not to be forgotten. Funky hats feature prominently on these frigid days as much as they do on the heads of their female counterparts.
Transport
This is a scene that baffles many a visitor to this city. Visitors from countries where the bicycle is considered little more than a sport or a recreational activity for persons interested in athletic pursuits.

The bicycle is transport here. People in cars who smoke light up whilst commuting. Why should it be any different for commuters who choose other transport options? Or eating or drinking for that matter? Hardly surprising we have a number of posts about these things. And what a wicked cool scarf.
Skiis
Bringing skiis with you on your bicycle these wintry days is probably a wise choice.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

mikael,

what surprises me is that these gentlemen are wearing just regular jeans in these arctic temperatures instead of wool pants

Kiwehtin said...

I wear regular pants when cycling in Montreal winter cold, which is regularly worse than that in Copenhagen, i'm sure.

About attitudes to biking, I was surprised when I worked in Washington DC at the reaction of a Norwegian woman who was on a short stay in my department to my biking between home, work and other places in Washington: she thought I was "really athletic". Are attitudes really that different in Norway? That would be kind of surprising...

Anonymous said...

Hej Mikael.

Can I buy this magnificent shot:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16nine/3079399037/?addedcomment=1#comment72157623060046503

either as a poster or in hi-res.?

Kind regards
Erik

Anonymous said...

@Kiwethin

Are you sure this guy was Norwegian? Sounds rather implausible to me.

Or maybe he was just complimenting your legs, Norwegians can be really awkward that way...

KH
Erik

She Rides a Bike said...

Love the shot of the bicyclist hauling his skis. I just got a pair for Christmas and was thinking of skiing in and out of work on days when I can't bike. It's practically a straight shot from my front door and I think the idea stretches the notion of people powered transportation just a little bit further.

She Rides a Bike said...

Love the shot of the bicyclist hauling his skis. I just got a pair for Christmas and was thinking of skiing in and out of work on days when I can't bike. It's practically a straight shot from my front door and I think the idea stretches the notion of people powered transportation just a little bit further.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, Norwegian girl, so probably she wasn't complimenting your legs. But wonders never cease. I've recently met a Norwegian woman that didn't ski(!), so I guess your story isn't so implausible after all.

KH
Erik

Dottie said...

Thanks for the pictures of men, always welcome :)

Colville-Andersen said...

any old pair of trousers will do. although in this current weather if i have to cycle about more than normal i'll wear some ski longjohns. if i remember to do it.

norway, in relation to bicycle culture, is still a bit behind. they are struggling with reestablishing the bicycle as transport and the sports freak label is strong.

Colville-Andersen said...

Erik: All merchandise is here:
http://www.cafepress.com/copenhagenchic

The photo in question is now available as a poster here:
http://www.cafepress.com/copenhagenchic.426562022

Lars Daniel Terkelsen said...

Also, I think calling our temperatures arctic is an insult to artic weather ;-)

Anonymous said...

Mikael

Thanks. I forgot I already asked you, so it seems I re-posted the question further up. Sorry. Have been browsing your Flickr-archives all weekend. Almost want to make me bike. Almost.

Erik.

Adrienne Johnson said...

That first hat... not good. Not good at all. Really needs to go.

townmouse said...

It's a great hat! I saw a chap wearing one here (in Scotland) on his bike and immediately coveted it. Sure, it looks a little mad, but who cares?

Anonymous said...

http://www.blogger.com/profile/10687885027990493634 zycxxcz1234

Unknown said...

I am the person with the skies... I had just picked up the skies at a friend. I was leaving the same afternoon to Valdisere..

Concerning jeans and winter, long underwear, or skiing socks, helps a lot.

Colville-Andersen said...

hey rune, sige til hvis du vil have en kopi af billedet i højopløsning. email mig på copenhagenize [at] gmail dot com
vh
mikael