The Launch & The Dismount

A classic Cycle Chic launch moment when the bicycle is propelled into motion.

Which goes hand in aesthetic hand with the elegance of the dismount.

Getting Started

At Cycle Chic headquarters, one of our favorite themes is pushing off, that initial movement to propel your bicycle in the right direction. We found this photo appropriate as Mikael heads off to Canada for the launch of Montreal Cycle Chic. Between his presentations and 24 hour photo shoot, I doubt he'll have much time for blogging, so this week you've got me, and of course lots of photos of beautiful people on bicycles.

Great Moments in Cycling

A Copenhagener propels her bicycle into motion.

Off the Light

A cluster of Copenhageners move into motion just as the light changes on Nørrebrogade. Temperature was about -15 C today with the wind chill.

Lovin' the classic Copenhagen scarves.

Launchtastic

A classic Cycle Chic launch moment.

Great Moments in Cycling

Late night, outside the always cool Galathea Kro bar, I saw a lovely launch moment when a bicycle was propelled into motion.

Café View

Whilst munching a delicious lunch at a corner café, these are some of the things I saw.

Copenhagen's Seasonal Early Warning System

Wooly stocking combinations, begone. The seasonal transitions bring all manner of clothing-related transitions with them. When the weather is getting colder in the run up to winter, there is an inevitable week or so when you keep forgetting your gloves or scarf.

What we're seeing now on the streets of Copenhagen is a more conscious transitional shift signalling warmer weather and springtime goodness. The woolen stockings of winter are being replaced by the thinner stockings of spring. The jackets are still warm and toasty and the footwear likewise, but this subtle shift is a sure sign of spring.

There are scores of signs signalling springtime. Bare hands on handlebars, with gloves tossed happily in baskets, the first sighting of bare legs, hats pulled off at red lights and shoved into pockets, open jackets, etc.

But these photos represent an early warning system heralding winter's exit stage left.

Bring on the springtime.

Anticipation and Release

I love this shot. Look at the pent up energy in it. Five Copenhageners on bicycles. None of them are speed demons. They're just people heading to work in the morning. Nevertheless, this is the moment when the light is about to change. Bodies tensed. Eyes narrowed, waiting for the moment. Urban life, urban tension, urban ballet.

And all resolved with one graceful launch moment when the bicycle rolls off with a push of the foot and momemtum is achieved.

That Launch Moment

There it is again. That magical moment when the bicycle is propelled into motion.

Pushy in Pink

The fine art of performing an overtaking whilst pushing the bicycle into motion off the light.

Les Nuits Nordiques

Just a fraction of a second too quick. I was aiming to get this Copenhagener framed in the middle of the passing van. Oh well.

Rainy nights, a symphony of lights and motion.

Launch Party

The all-important moment where the bicycle is pushed into motion.

Purple Stopping and Going

Purple stopping.


Purple going.

Paris Trois

Regular readers know I love that launch moment when the bicycle is pushed into motion. Here's two and half moments in Paris, feat. Vélib.


Here's the same girls at the next light, discussing where to go. Ahh, urban cycling is sociable, lovely and fine.

I Love Yu, Harajuku.

This girls OWNS her personal style utterly and completely. Respect.

Stylish knickerbockers on the move.

Carry all Tokyo.

My favourite moment. The launch. The bicycle set into motion. This time, Tokyo style. Heading off into traffic.

All shots from Harajuku, Tokyo.

On and Off

As any dedicated reader of this blog knows, I love this magical moment when a cyclist launches into motion.

Although dismounting is an art form that is much underrated.

In other cycle chic news, here's an article from the New York Times about bicycle fashion.

And a warm Cycle Chic welcome to the newest bud on the Cycle Chic Tree - Romanian Cycle Chic. It warms our hearts to see Cycle Chic spreading out around the globe, inspiring people to take to their bicycles in their normal clothes and make a difference. Taking back the bike culture.

Potpourri

In Danish we say "first to the mill", meaning 'first come, first serve'.

That magic moment when the bicycle achieves momentum.

Copenhagen SUV. A Triobike.

Motion Detection

Umbrella is up but she chose to sprint through the intersection before sitting up, relaxing and holding the umbrella properly.

Two Copenhageners propelling their good selves into motion.

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.