New Year's Eve in Copenhagen with Bicycles

New Year's Eve in Copenhagen. 2015 became 2016. We headed out in the late afternoon to some friends. There is a veritable rush hour in Copenhagen from about 16:30 to 18:00. Traditionally, you get to where you're going by 18:00 to hear the Queen speak on television, with a little glass of wine or champagne. The bicycle traffic falls dramatically after 18:00. Parties are getting started all across the city.

There was drizzle when we left, which meant an umbrella was needed.

Unfortunately, the umbrella didn't work so... an alternative style was required.


The Biomega cargo bike was loaded with food and loads of wine for the evening ahead.

The cycle tracks were filled with revellers heading off to their parties.

Later... much later... it was time to head home. We saw this group of friends parting ways at an intersection. Saying thanks for a great night to each other.

We rolled through the city, which was still bustling with life even at three in the morning.

These three girls asked for directions to their next party.

They spotted their destination after some discussion and off they went as we headed home.

Waterproof Dog

Just when I thought I'd seen it all in Cycle Chic/Social Documentary of Urban Cycling. After six years, it's tough to see something new, but yesterday, this gentleman rolled past.

Check that out... handlebar-mounted mini umbrella for his dog in the basket. Fantatsic!

Red Coat, Red Pants, Red Bicycle

Here's another shot to add to our collection of Red Coats on Bicycles. So lovely.

Red pants on a rainy day add a certain puncuation mark on the urban landscape, complementing the umbrella.

A red bicycle can do the trick all on it's own.

Umbrella City

Ferrara. Again. It's hard to let go of the city. It was raining on the first day and I've never seen so many people using umbrellas whilst cycling. Anywhere in the world, although Japan is a close second.

Loads in the Netherlands, sure, but Ferrara has them beat.

And not just any old umbrella - they are, as a rule, big, splendid umbrellas that you don't often see anymore elsewhere.

Umbrellas and bicycles. A match made in heaven. A century-long long love affair and they're still in love.

Meeting a friend. Having a chat.

Ljubljana Cycle Chic

From his first day in Ljubljana, Mikael excitedly told us about the understated capital city and all of its bicycle culture. Sure, we understand 10% modal share and separate cycle tracks, but what we didn't realize, until seeing photos later, was that he meant cycle chic culture. Full style-over-speed ahead, cycle chic bicycle culture.

Skirtguards, umbrellas, wicker baskets- we see it in the accessories.






We see it in the people too- in their poise and in their movements as they ride easily through their city. Keep it up Ljubljana, you're lookin' good.

The Elegant Art of Cornering

Valencia Raindrops

Lovely little film featuring Citizen Cyclists in the rain in Valencia, by my friend Fernando.

Brolley Evening

The evening traffic rolls on despite the rain. And the umbrellas come out, too.

Copenhagen Cargo Bike Moments

Autumn rain.

Playground arrival.

Birthday party in the park.

Cargobrella

Rain, rain go away.

Look Left and Elegant Patience

Looking left before proceeding.

Style Over Speed, indeed. Not worried with muscling her way to the front of the rush hour red light crew, she waits patiently at a relaxing distance for the light to change.

May Day - Demonstration Cycle Chic

May Day - the first of May - is a popular day for demonstrations. There are all manner of festivities and traditions celebrating this International Workers Day and last Saturday there was a large demonstration that wove its way through the city streets. You can read more about May Day in Copenhagen over at this post on Copenhagenize.com, as well as see our massive armadas of cargo bikes. Here at Cycle Chic we'll focus on Demonstration Cycle Chic.

There were thousands of people and easily thousands of bicycles. It was a festive event so most people walked their bikes along as they talked and drank beers.

Nothing like a rainy day smile.



What a groovy little cluster of Copenhageners.

City Hail Squareishness

Avec parapluie.

Into the Arctic headwind.

Tokyo is All White

Another series of Tokyo Chic Chic brilliance from Stephen Crawford.


From the looks of it, everything's all white in Tokyo these days.

The fashionistas of the city go hand in hand with the thriving bicycle culture.

Style over speed, indeed.