You Tube video of the Topshop cycle podcast:
I have been following the awesome Copenhagen Cycle Chic for a little while. I was so pleased when I found there was such a site because I agree EXACTLY with their ethos of style over speed, non-cycle wear, and so on, you can read the manifesto here. I love riding my bike around :)
I was thinking about why cycling is so good from a practical level of lady living in the city:
1. You can wear completely impractical shoes because you never actually have to walk in them.
2. You can have a completely impractical bag because you never need to carry anything as it will go in the basket.
3. It is free, so no bus/train fare/petrol.
4. It is independent. You don't need to wait for anything.
5. The exercise and fresh air.
6. It is quicker than walking or public transport.
7. It is safer at night or in troubled areas (you are long gone before anything can happen).
8. It is the best stress-buster.
Obviously this all depends on the infrastructure of the city cycle ways. Cities seem to be getting their act together, and creating more cycle lanes and bike boxes to make things pleasanter for all city cyclists.
Ps. My favourite thing is the wind in my hair, oh and night cycling on empty roads.
3 Comments
I am afraid that cycling is less attractive if you have spent your childhood among steep hills and deep valleys. I can understand the whole wind in your hair thing but could achieve that with a convertible. I may have to re-educate myself.
Thanks for your comment – I am glad that the post is helpful – take it in small doses!
I am so jealous of people who can ride there bike instead of taking a car. You can’t really ride your bike to all of the local amenities in my neighborhood. Some people do but they have to ride on the side of very busy roads so they have to put full cycling gear on. Although I love riding my bike and would love to ride it everywhere spandex really isn’t my cup of tea.
you’re so right !!
i live in Copenhagen, and when i first arrived (from France) i was staring at everybody on their bike, wearing high heels and skirts, because in France, when you cycle, first it has to be sunday, so you have time, then you wear sport cloth, and then you talk about it for a week after that, like a performance !! haha
when here it’s so natural :)