The Style File. Vol. 2
Last time we tried to argue the essential nature of style in cycling. This week we’d like to explore the whole subject of style on the bike a little further.
Most of us have ridden bikes since we were kids. But this doesn’t mean the culture of cycling is any where near mature in Peterborough. Just 20 years ago I could name every cyclist in Peterborough seen in stretchy pants. Not many adults rode bikes then. Although many more ride here now, cars and trucks still rule our city and rural streets and most motorists still try to fight our existence. So, the concept of looking good on the bike is, of course completely foreign to many of the good people of Peterborough. Just look around. It is largely ghastly.
For guidance, then, we must look to a place where cycling is part of the culture and has been for a long time. For me that’s northern Europe. (But to be honest Montreal is doing a good job, too.) I was lucky to be in Leuven, Belgium a few years ago. I was walking along the main downtown street and two girls rolled by, side-by-side, looking great in flowing scarves and on city bikes. They were casually pedalling, talking and holding back a line of cars which didn’t seem to care. Sounds like paradise, eh?
The black and white picture of a girl on a bike that we showed last time was stolen from the web site copenhagencyclingchic.com. It’s a site counted among the “Ten Best Fashion Bloggers” by the Guardian newspaper. This looking cool on a bike stuff is important, apparently. Want some inspiration? Start here. There are cyclingchic web sites from many cities but this is one of, or perhaps the best.
Here’s another wonderful picture from this web site.
What’s most important? For me, it’s the cool clothes, the good position, being relaxed and in control on a clean, smart bike.
It’s the same for fitness cycling. Nobody nails it better than these two locals.
So, join me. While our numbers grow fast, we must spread the good word and make style an essential and understood aspect of cycling in this city.
About the Author
After repeated requests for an author bio we received an envelope (size: A4) in the post. The envelope contained a lock of hair (chestnut brown, but dyed at the tips) and an expired voucher for a local sandwich shop. Who is this style-conscious writer? We decided some mysteries are better left unsolved — so we went for lunch, purchasing burritos with change from our own pockets.
