23 July 2012
22 July 2012
Bicycles and Flowers in Riga
On a recent visit to Riga, Latvia, I was invited on two bike rides. One of them was probably the loveliest bike ride I could imagine. All around the world there are bike rides taking place. Celebrating the bicycle, riding in support of this or that cause. All nice.
In Riga, however, a local bike shop arranged a Bicycle Flower Festival. Encouraging people to decorate their bicycles with flowers and go for a ride.
For no other reason than bicycles and flowers are a match made in heaven and compliment each other brilliantly.
So simple, so lovely. We wish we had thought of it ourselves.
Getting a police escort for a Bicycle Flower ride is a fantastic irony.
The ride ended at the Dutch Bike shop for a barbeque and DJs. But there had to be a winner for most splendidly-decorated bicycle and here she is. What a brilliant decoration. She transformed her bicycle, using flowers, into a peacóck.
21 July 2012
Sit Tall - Sit Proud
17 July 2012
The Triobike/Cycle Chic Roadtrip!
On my recent trip to Vancouver I got a crazy idea, together with the Danish cargo bike brand Triobike. Why not take a Danish cargo bike with me and test it out in a North American city?
So, we shipped a Triobike Mono to Vancouver and, with the help of friends in the city, we rode it around and let other people have a go. At top left is Victoria from Vancouver Cycle Chic riding me around. At right is David from Vancouver Cycle Chic and me - in and on the bike - and Chris from Whoa Nellie - the coolest bike shop in the city. At right is Chris Bruntlett, also from Vancouver Cycle Chic.
The best thing was watching the reactions of the citizens of the city. Always positive, often amazed, at the sight of the Triobike.
David and Victoria from Vancouver Cycle Chic (at left) and together with me while we were parking the bike at the Four Seasons Hotel downtown (middle). And David and Victoria in the cargo bay while I rode us around one night, barhopping.
Here's a view of the cargo bay with the bench (at left) and parked outside the Simon Fraser University downtown venue where I gave my Bicycle Culture by Design talk to a great crowd (middle) and parked in a Vancouver neighbourhood (at right).
Chris and Melissa tested out the bike for a couple of days, too. Riding home one evening (at left) and complete with their kids on grocery shopping trips and just fun trips (middle and right)
The Triobike blending well with the local landscape (at left) and transporting men and beasts (at right).
It was great fun to ride in the city and thanks to all our friend for babysitting the bike.
The Triobike is now off on a roadtrip across Canada and the States. We have hooked up "babysitters" in Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, New York and Chicago before the bike will end up in Long Beach in September so I can ride it while I speak at the Pro Walk - Pro Bike conference in September - as well as cool Cycle Chic events.
Next stop for the Triobike is BikeBike bike shop in Calgary! Let's see what THEY can do with it. :-)
16 July 2012
Copenhagen Elegance - The Gents
Every day the elegance and style of the Copenhagen Street scene amazes me. And at least some of the Gents try to follow the Ladies' lead.
Above the ultimate blazer with unbuttoned shirt ,silk scarf and suede shoes. Below a classical sports coat with tasselled suede loafers.
English suit in classic grey with a light coloured vest for contrast.
Casual look with French beech pants and Italian sweater. And a lock the size of his front wheel!?!
Dracula rides again. Urban style of course.
Happy Cycling!
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