Cycle Chic®

4 May 2020

Copenhagen Rides On

During the pandemic, Copenhageners could still go out, although most shops were closed. The bicycle was - as ever - an important tool for transport.

Cycling levels were down, because many people were working from home, but there was still impressive numbers of cyclists in the city.

7 September 2018

Its Raining! – Its Pouring!

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Rain is a fact of life when you are cycling in Denmark. This year has already seen its fair share of downpour – and then some.

But even heavy rain can be braved in style.

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Some have proper rain clothes.

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Others brave the elements.

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Which reminds me that I was once asked in Japan what we would do if it started to rain during a cycle promotion I helped organize: “We get wet!”.

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Happy Cycling!

10 February 2017

As you can see from the pictures above, whether it is snowing or not, the daily bicycle commuter does not change clothes to particular winter gear when the weather changes the grey urban landscape to a white layer. Urban cycling in winter does not require your wardrobe to have something specific. Just the typical winter clothes will do and that is what you can see in the streets of Copenhagen. Life still goes on and it is still fun and easy.

Happy Cycling and don't forget to follow us on Instagram @cycle.chic.republic !

9 February 2017

Viking Biking in February

Some might say that they are urban heroes, but cycling all year round in Copenhagen is a common thing. 75 % of bicycle commuters do it. Snowflakes in your eyes while trying to pass by some slower bicycle user, or just perfectly created desire lanes on the street. Viking biking is exciting and snow on the ground or temperature below zero won't stop bicycles to roll on the streets, because still, it is the easiest and fastest way to get from A to B. Moreover, the winter city finally changes from grey to a layer of white. And there is no other way how to enjoy that then taking your bicycle and go outside.

Happy Cycling!

24 January 2017

Cargo Bike - a Workhorse That You Don't Have to Feed

Cargo bikes can easily replace car in your everyday local trips throughout the city. They are everything you would need a car for, but as the famous slogan says : "This one runs on fat and saves you money."
Take a look at the family above - a family of four fits in perfectly... and still there is a place for shopping bags. No problem! And yes, it is also winter, a bit of cold breeze and still Cargo Bikes is the perfect choice for the journey.

Happy cycling!

11 January 2017

Life-sized Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid isn't small. She's life-size. Much like city she calls home, and that is the key word for everything here in Copenhagen. Greatest thing about this city is motion. It is never ending flow of happy people heading from A to B. In the 1960's this city was as car centric as any other city. Visionary decisions were made and now we can see the result of constant fight for life-sized city. City that is made for people, for its citizens. The vast network of safe, segregated bike lanes criss-crossing the city has encouraged people to use their bicycle. Everything starts with infrastructure. Build safe, reliable and connected infrastructure - more cyclists will come.

Image above proves the liveliness of this city, the human scale that Copenhagen stands for. To Cycle Chic in this city is so easy. It just comes naturally.

Happy Cycling!

And don't forget to follow us in Instagram @cycle.chic.republic for more daily updates.

8 January 2017

Bicyle Icicles

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Suddenly an icy cold wind swept over Copenhagen from the North Pole, chilling everyone to the bone. Even if the temperature only reached freezing, a brutal wind put turbo on the chill factor. Afterwards the temperature dropped like a rock. Still the bikes kept rolling. Above: cutting through the morning sun in carefree elegance. Below: Keep Calm and Bike!

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Yup. There's iciles in that Viking's beard!

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Not to disappoint, here's the Authentic Iced Bike.

Happy Cycling!

7 January 2017

Squad Goals: Cycle Squad.

A group of friends cycling together on a chill afternoon. Tribe mentality, happy traveling.

A family cycling together on that same chill afternoon. Tribe mentality, safe traveling.

We all search for a good company, life is better spent that way. Life is also better spent in a city where you can ride along with your favorite company and spend a good time moving from point A to point B. Mobility and a good company should go hand in hand. Mobility and a good time should also go hand in hand.

Happy cycling!

6 January 2017

Age is Not an Issue

A humanistic, people-friendly city is first and foremost an accessible city, where mobility is possible for all. Copenhagen is a perfect example for that. The Danish cycle culture is as old as bicycle itself. With the best practice bicycle infrastructure, it is easy to spot older people cycling everyday. These ladies ether running their daily errands, going to work or just taking in that winter breeze, use their bikes to do that. Just beautiful!

Wind chill is not a problem. Just put on bigger scarf.

All set. Full front basket and package on the back rack.

In Copenhagen everyone meets on a cycling lane. Young or old, men or women, single or with family. Everyone is cycling!

Happy Cycling!

5 January 2017

Look Out for Cargo Ladies

Three-wheeled cargo bikes with ladies by the handlebars are a familiar sight in Copenhagen – they are the perfect solution for urbanites wanting to drop the kids off at nursery or simply after attacking the local shopping mall during the weekend. Cargo bikes give you freedom to move and bring the stuff that you need in your everyday life without any problem. Moreover, the infrastructure in Copenhagen is designed wide enough to provide the space for cargo bikes, so you never feel unwelcome.

Cargo bike with the kid and the dog inside. Why not.

Cycle track wide enough to ride along with your older child and while the youngest is still inside the cargo bike.

Catching the sunlight together is the best way.

In other cities you would probably see these people in the car. Not in Copenhagen.

There are no excuses. You can look elegant and chic also while riding cargo bike.

These ladies look as good as people taking public transport, car or walking. Urban cycling, even with cargo bikes, is an everyday activity that does not limit you from dressing up nicely. You can cycle and still look pretty, be healthy and overall happy. You can pick up your kids from school or go grocery shopping. Cargo bike is the right choice when it comes to mobility in the city!!!

Happy Cycling!

4 January 2017

About the Cool Guys

The colour black persists. It is the essence of the men in Copenhagen. At least that's how it feels when you are trying to capture the ordinary Copenhagener. Why do so many Danes wear black? As simple as it is - it keeps you warm! Especially in winter, when sunlight is sparse and temperatures dip. Black absorbs heat, and so wearing more black is a practical method of thermal isolation.

You can feel the desire to maintain an understated image within Copenhageners, which essentially appears to be the accepted norm, people living in Copenhagen play it safe (together with the infrastructure that is made out of the best practice paying attention to its user) by donning neutral-colored apparel within the city that gives understated feeling in minimalist architecture and interior, hardly any huge advertisements... However, individuals can still stand out through details when you know where to look, like the trimmings of a coat, the silhouette of sneakers, or a flash of a piercing.

3 January 2017

Good Morning 2017!

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Struggling to get out of bed on the first working day after New Year's Eve? This morning lots of Copenhagen cyclists seemed to have fought their way from bed side to street level. Still a few were striding out in style. Like this elegant Lady with her sleek curry coat, motor gloves and chic French PomPom ready to make 2017 another amazing year.

Happy Cycling!