Visiting Amsterdam like a cousin

For a Copenhagener, visiting Amsterdam - the other city of cyclists - is like visiting a cousin. We feel at home but we like to spot the differences between the two bicycle cultures.



People cycle slowly side by side


No worries about safety, people cycle with kids sitting as they want. The view is actually better from that perspective.









Even the black bikes are spiced up with colors

But whatever the city, riding during the sunset after a day of work remains the nicer moment of the day.


Cycle Chic in Utrecht too


Thanks to Meredith from Amsterdam Cycle Chic for sharing with me a perfect watching-cycling spot.

Clo

Portraits of cyclists: Kata & Signa: “Cycling is not an identity, it's freedom”

(woman on the left) “I'm from Iceland. I cycle at least once a week. I live in a very small town in the south of Iceland and I'm almost the only person who cycle often. I cycle even if it's windy and even if my bike and I tilt. People look at me thinking that I'm a little bit weird to cycle. But still I keep on cycling. The weather doesn't matter, the opinion of the others doesn't. I love to cycle.”

(woman on the right) “I'm from Copenhagen and I cycle every single day.”

“As a Copenhagener, do you feel that you belong to a city with a specific identity related to cycling?”

“Cycling is not an identity, it's freedom!

I don't like to take the subway and to be underground. I prefer to enjoy the city and be able to stop when I run into a friend.”

More pictures of Copenhagen on Byliv in CPH. 

Color Combos

Love the color combos that Copenhagen cyclists bring to the city scene. Above Red / Black / Gold. Below understated White with Starfish Orange / Marine Blue contrast.



Guy's tend to be more casual with their choices. But here's some Sparkling Red with complementary color strips.



Happy Cycling!

Easy Elegance

Chic Cycling in the dark Copenhagen winter does not take anything more than just being yourself and enjoying your ride. Above; Simply charming. Below; Engulfed in Red.




White bike and accessories.



Happy Cycling!

Colorful Cycle Chic Mamas

BAM – even the baby bike seat is covered with neon flower power love.

Waiting for that classic red Danish hot dog… bicycle and bag showing crispy love.

A colorful beanie gives edge and energy to a classic black outfit.

Peace & Love,

a-g & www.cphblonde.com

Copenhagen Free Bike Rental

A German couple giving back the bicycles after a trip until Arken Museum


Copenhagen Free Bike Rental is a great way to get a bike to use for a few days for free in Copenhagen. You just fill in the form on their website and turn up by City Hall Square. If you have visitors to Copenhagen, it's a great way to get around the city.

Everyone involved is a volunteer, and they fix up old battered and unwanted bikes until they are ride-able. Then they can feel the wind in their spokes and be loved again. You donate if you can, to help fix more.

Copenhagen Free Bike Rental is based on trust. It is based on strangers meeting, and giving a key. The key unlocks the city. On a rescued bike like one of these, even if it is raining, there will be sunshine in your day.

The full story of the Copenhagen Free Bike Rental here.

As easy as giving a key!


A couple from Hong Kong visiting Copenhagen

A Dutch young girl visiting a friend studying in Copenhagen

A ladies golden bike to get around town during a week-end

Portraits of cyclists: Johanna & Caroline:"When I cycle, I like to recognize people and stop to chat"

"We are from Copenhagen. We cycle everyday to go to school and to work."

"Do you cycle when you visit cities abroad?"

"Sometimes, in Barcelona for instance. But it seems that Copenhagen is a better city to cycle thanks to the bike tracks. In some cities, it seems kind of dangerous."

"What do you like when you cycle ?"

"I like to be able to recognize people. Then, you can just give them a wave or stop to chat with them. You can also spot stores easily."

"I have lot of good memories of biking with friends around the city to go to a party."

The Bicycle Flower Pot

Flowers and bicycles go hand in hand. One of the loveliest events we've seen anywhere in the world is the Bicycle and Flowers Festival in Riga, Latvia. But what about if you want some permanent plant growth adding some green to your machine? And the Bicycle Vase just isn't big enough for your green thumb needs?

Two Danish designers, Mads Busk Larsen and Jacob Bang Korsholm have been thinking about this and they have developed a design for a bicycle flower pot. They were kind enough to let us test it out, above. The first thing we noticed is how many people smiled at us at red lights. Above, the flower pot looks lovely on the handlebar of my Bullitt cargo bike, together with the little wooden bike bell.


The flower pot is designed so that the small plants and flower pots you can buy at supermarkets will fit. With the earth and roots in a small fabric bag, the plant is stable in the pot. You can attach it to your handlebars, but there's no reason you can't attach it elsewhere on your bike, like on your back rack, for example.

While many Copenhageners park in bike sheds in their back yard, bikes are often parked out in the open, so the plant will grow under the same conditions as if it were in your garden.

Mads and Jacob are looking at a series of colours to suit different tastes. Colour coordination is always important.

We love the Bicycle Flower Pot. Nothing wrong with some more green in any city.


Of, course, if one lovely plant isn't enough, you need to go BIGGER.

Laidback Copenhagen by bike

Two Copenhagen bicycle chicas like what they see.

Classic chica rolling the streets of Copenhagen.

The laid back dude, the trendy haircut dude – and the classic casual dude.

Peace & Love,
a-g & www.cphblonde.com

Ps. Bicycle friendly Copenhagen - this sweet stranger saved my morning when the chain slipped on my Lady in Red:

Portraits of cyclists - Norwegian girl: « Don't forget to put a big basket in front of your bicycle to carry your handbag»

« I'm from Norway. In Copenhagen, I use my bike every day which I did not do in Norway».

« Do you have something to say to women who read the blog from abroad ? »

«You can all cycle, wear the clothes you want, even cycle in high hills. It's just a matter of practice. Don't forget to put a big basket in front of your bicycle to carry your handbag.»



More pictures of Copenhagen on Byliv in CPH. 

Ten Things To Do With Your Bike

Your bike ride can be anything from A-Z transport to a fashion statement. Here's some inspiration:


1. Hold on to your Love:



2. Dream you're a Circus Princess:



3. Give Quiche Lorraine a lift:



4. Mail that Love Letter:



5. Join the Carnival:



6. Tie that Yellow Ribbon with your friends:



7. Practice your Musical Skills:



8. Explore your Artistic Side:



9. Dry your Hair!:



10. Imagine you're a star in a French Film Noir:



Happy Cycling!

White as Snow

Snow or no snow White is sure to show up on Copenhagen's winter streets. Cool white always looks great in the cold. Here in fluffy, leather and down cuts.




Real Wow-outfit! Sharp, elegant combo with alternating white and natural brown.



Happy Cycling!