Top Three Cycle Chic Police Forces

We were asked a good question the other day. "Which cities have the cycle chic'est police officers on bicycles?" After some thought and a look in our photo archives, we thought we'd whip up a list based on what we've seen over the past five or six years. We admit we haven't seen every cycling policeman in every city, so there may be more out there. Please let us know in the comments.

Finding the number one spot was not difficult. Off to Japan we go.

1. TOKYO, JAPAN (and other Japanese cities)

Leave it to the Japanese to excel in uniforms. Perfectly pressed shirts and trousers, shined shoes and dapper caps abound on the cycling police officers.

We love the bicycles they ride, too. Sensible steeds, with proper chainguards and an upright position. We'd love to have a look in that box on the back rack, but we've never dared asking.

The cycling Japanese police officers are everything a cycling police officer should be. A uniform that commands respect and authority and that allows the police officer to blend in with the citizens. If you're stopped by a cop as you walk or cycle through the city - or have to approach one for directions - it is certainly best if they are dressed in a uniform that regular citizens can relate to. As opposed to a spacey outfit made out of stretchy, artificial fibers and all sorts of sportif gear.

So dapper are the gentleman policeman in Japan, like in the above photo, that we have to repress the urge to salute and stand up a little bit straighter as they pass.

2. FERRARA, ITALY

Che sorpresa that we're going to Italy for the number two spot. In Italy's premier cycling city, Ferrara, with 30% modal share for bicycle users, these two police officers commanded our respect and admiration. Pillars of calm in a world of chaos. And helpful as wayfinders to boot. 

It was autumn when we were last there and sensible, styled jackets were de rigeur for the cycling police force. Not to mention impeccible uniforms and splendid hats. And my goodness, we love their bicycles, too. Matching his and hers models.

3. AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

These two police officers were casually watching the crowds wander past on Dam Square, having a chat as they did so. Like every Amsterdammer, they exuded a cool and approachable demeanour. If you don't feel like you could sit down and have a coffee with a police officer then they aren't doing their job right.

The bicycle cops we see in Amsterdam roll along with the flow, blending in with the urban landscape. You don't doubt, however, that when they need to muscle it - chasing a suspect or responding to an emergency - they will do so with vigour and graceful speed - they're Dutch after all.

HONOURABLE MENTION
VITÓRIA, BRAZIL

While a bulletproof vest may be a bit of an exaggeration rolling along the beach on a Saturday in 35 degree heat in a lovely, beach city like Vitória, these police officers don't look like it bothers them. That's the key, really. If their dress code dictates that they have to carry around all manner of police equipment, you as a citizen don't want them to look like they're some Rambo bumbling through the jungle. They have to make it look effortless and even stylish. Citizens should be able to reflect themselves in their law enforcement officers and this chap appears approachable and calm, cool and collected.

HONOURABLE MENTION
BARCELONA, CATALONIA

While we haven't recorded a cycling cop in Barcelona, we love this recruitment poster stating that the city was recruiting 150 new officers. Lovely, sensible bicycles placed firmly and proudly alongside the police cars and scooters. That earns an honourable mention in our books.

The Incredible Pedersen Bike

Both my wife and I would love to have a Pedersen bike. Today there are two or three producers of the original Danish bike that lets you cruise elegantly through busy streets in an upright position (not sure I would raise my pinky though...LOL).




I tried riding one in Japan. It was a blast!



Because they are speciality bikes they often come highly customized to owner specs.



It’s the kind of bike that owners tend to keep for many years. And most prefer the original signature “hanging” saddle which helps make this bike special.



Happy Cycling!

Keep Calm and Carry Amsterdam

A lovely cushion for your back rack, spotted in Amsterdam.

For carrying friends and loved ones like this:


But then again, you can also carry them like this:


Or this:


Or this:


Or this:

Amsterturbandam

You see so many splendid things in Amsterdam.


I was at the Blogging the City conference and, as I promised the audience, we put up a Copenhagenize Love Handle in the city.


Read more about the Love Handle here and the brilliant Blogging the City conference here.

Sillesen Cycle Chic

Caroline Sillesen is a talented Danish artist. On the Ride in Style we wrote about yesterday, she was kind enough to create a illustration on the occasion of our visit to Urban Room No. 11, pictured below. Thanks so much, Caroline.


www.carolinesillesen.dk

A Ride in Style in Copenhagen

Not long ago we were on a little Ride in Style here in Copenhagen. Normally, bike rides are something that are associated with Emerging Bicycle Cultures. For Copenhageners it's usually just A2B on our trusty iron horses.

We've been on many a bike ride around the world in our Cycle Chic and Copenhagenize work but this one was a little different. It was very Copenhagen. The cool bike design shop Biker's Remix organised a cool little tour one Saturday. On bikes, of course, 'cause that's the way we all roll here, but with focus on design, food and drink. A pleasant afternoon with fellow Copenhageners cruising our beloved Copenhagen.



First stop was the Biker's Remix showroom to check out cool designed bicycles and to sample the first sip of the day (above left).



Onward we rolled. To visit design studio MAIK in the Vesterbro neighbourhood.

MAIK dished up some beers and we were invited to participate in a design process brainstorm.


Back to the streets we climbed.


It was time for ice cream.


We stopped at Oswald's Ice Cream Bar.


And off we went. To the Nørrebro neighbourhood. With beverages, of course. This is Denmark, not Afghanistan.


Next stop was Urban Room No. 11. The groovy little design shop in Nørrebro. They dished up coffee and cake for us.



We were never in a hurry. When it was time to leave, it just felt right.


We visited the workshop of the coolest bicycle designer in the Kingdom. Cykelmageren (The Bike Maker), for more snacks and refreshments and a look at Rasmus' brilliant crafted bikes and bits of bikes.


Then we returned to Vesterbro, to visit the Vess art gallery. It was now cocktail time.




We wrapped up the afternoon back where we started, at Kødbyens Deli in the Meatpacking District, for chili con carne and beers.

Some of our lovely friends took their leave of us, as above, and others headed out for the evening at a bar in the centre of the city.

Thanks to Biker's Remix for a brilliant day out with friends, design, sweet and savoury food, refreshing beverages and a super concept.

We'll roll with you anytime.