Filed under: Cycle Chic | Tags: Bike-friendly, Charleston, Slow Bicycle Movement, Trends
A friend of mine forwarded me a link to the most recent New York Times Sunday Book Review, in which author David Byrne discusses Jeff Mapes’ new book “Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists are Changing American Cities.” Here’s an excerpt from the article that states EXACTLY what Cycle Chic is about, and why, all you women out there, we are starting a revolution. Enjoy!
Excerpt….““Pedaling Revolution” is not about mountain biking the Moab sandstone formations in Utah or the network of bucolic paths that link some of the rural Massachusetts colleges; it’s not about racing, Lance Armstrong or what kind of spandex to buy. Nor is it about the various forms of extreme biking that have arisen lately….For decades, Americans have too often seen cycling as a kind of macho extreme sport, which has actually done a lot to damage the cause of winning acceptance for biking as a legitimate form of transportation. If your association with bikes is guys in spandex narrowly missing you on the weekends or YouTube videos of kids flying over ramps on their clown-size bikes, you’re likely to think that bikes are for only the athletic and the risk-prone. Manufacturers in the United States have tended to make bikes that look like the two-wheeled equivalent of Hummers, with fat tires and stocky frames necessitating a hunched-over riding position that is downright unsafe for urban biking and commuting. But that’s been changing for at least a few years now. Whew.
As Mapes points out, when more women begin riding, that will signal a big change in attitude, which will prompt further changes in the direction of safety and elegance. I can ride till my legs are sore and it won’t make riding any cooler, but when attractive women are seen sitting upright going about their city business on bikes day and night, the crowds will surely follow…. “
Filed under: Cycle Chic, Events | Tags: Bike-to-Work, Charleston, Chic, Events, Slow Bicycle Movement
What’s better than lovely ladies riding bikes through Charleston? Video posted! Thanks to my friends Dustin Ryan for the great footage and Jim Wallace on the Bike Taxi.
or on Vimeo
In a market on Wentworth St, my eyes were drawn to this photo announcing the launch of the oh-so-fabulous readCharlie – an online mag celebrating progressive culture in Charleston. How can you not love her hat, her blue high heels and that great basket on the back of her bike? You can get yourself one (the basket, not the girl) at The Bicycle Shoppe on Meeting St. Tres chic!
Filed under: Cycle Chic
The colors, the lines, the eroticism, the beauty. These make me go a-ga-ga. Have we lost something in this ‘oughts’ day and age? Let’s bring it back. Shall we?
Filed under: Cycle Chic, Events | Tags: Charleston, Chic, Events, Healthy Community, Slow Bicycle Movement
While it was storming all around us, somehow the sun managed to shine down on the Charleston Peninsula and illuminate 50 beautiful women on their fabulous bikes (and a few stylin’ guys). We had hats and heels and skirts galore and even a couple of tandem bikes. Shiny pink fenders, white leather seats, and all the colors of the rainbow were out in force. Thanks to my friends Dustin Ryan and Jim Wallace (with their newly formed video company – Pedicab Productions) for all the fantastic photos and upcoming video. Check out the ladies! There are multiple links to multiple slideshows so you can get your fill of the gorgeousness. If anyone has others – send the links to chscyclechic@gmail.com.
Thanks to everyone for coming out to ride in support of CharlestonMoves and to show this town we love the biking lifestyle – It’s chic to ride!
Stay tuned….we think there will be more….:)
Ridin' Pretty down King St
Here’s the Cycle Chic Flickr PhotoStream
City Paper Pics (courtesy of Angela Hanyak)
How about these?
No really. Maybe not those (though I’d be very impressed if you tried) but you CAN wear heels and be comfortable. I do all the time. And a pretty skirt, or a bathing suit, or long pants and a turtleneck, or even (dare I say) spandex. Whatever in the world floats your boat. Because even though this IS about Cycle Chic – it’s really just about ridin’ pretty and as you already know, what makes you feel phenomenal is what works.
You can be assured however, that I’ll be sporting a pair of high-heel coral-colored patent-leather honeys. Shazaam!
It’s a hot, sultry spring day in May. I’m riding along 
after a delightful turn around the Farmer’s Market, my basket full of fresh breads and long-stemmed flowers, when what do I see but this man – this glowing example of Charleston Cycle Chic. He shouts out to me “I like your style!” and I stop him in his tracks. He’s got the cool cruiser, the crisp white shirt and the sea-foam green pants that only the Charleston Man can sport. And a huge bouquet of flowers. Ladies, take a number.
I could be forgiven easily….While the skirt/coat guard is standard in Europe, 
it is ne’er to be seen in the US (WHY?). But don’t despair…there is one bike available made by Electra (go check them out at Mike’s Bikes on Folly Road) for both men and women that sports a snazzy guard. I think I need one. It’s called the Amsterdam. How apropos.
Then there’s always the option to make your own. Here’s how to do it. Show me how!
Photo courtesy of Electra Bikes.
I think someone in Charleston needs to open a Cycle Chic Shop.
Pretty Please?
Here’s what the gurus of Wikipedia say…
“Cycle chic or bicycle chic is the culture of cycling in fashionable clothes. It is now associated with the utility cycling practised in cities such as Amsterdam, Basel, Berlin,Berne, Copenhagen, among others, where citizens practice a high level of bicycle usage. In many European cities, as well as cities in China and Japan, cycling is an everyday transport choice and many cyclists choose to wear their regular clothes, as opposed to outfits generally associated with cycle sport, such as bicycle shorts, gloves and shoes.
Cycle chic is a growing trend in cities that are now investing in bicycle friendly infrastructure and facilities. With the growing popularity of community bicycle programs such as Velib in Paris and Bicing in Barcelona, citizens are discovering the ease with which they can ride around their city or town, including riding in their normal clothes instead of sports cycling gear. As fashionable celebrities such as Agyness Deyn are shown cycling in this way by the media, this induces others to follow their example.
The phrase “cycle chic” in relation to bicycle fashion was coined by the filmmaker and photographer Mikael Colville-Andersen inCopenhagen in 2006. Called “The Sartorialist on two wheels” by The Guardian newspaper, Colville-Andersen advocates normalising urban cycling and increasing the number of trips made by bicycle in urban centers.”
And by the way, Mikael has also started the Slow Bicycle Movement – taking back the bike culture with “Style over Speed”. Join the fun!
It’s not about the bike.
It’s not about how much money you spend or what brand you buy. Any bike will do. Whether you have to have the latest Cynthia Rowley or just painted that vintage Schwinn you bought off Ebay in a color that makes you happy – it’s about how you carry yourself. You know…with that certain ‘je ne sais quoi” that makes a woman a WO-man.
Confidence. Pride. Grace.
Having said that – there are a few key parts of that bike that will make your life easier and increase the flexibility of your Cycle Chic wardrobe to almost anything.
1. Fenders – a must for when you go through puddles. Ever seen those racers with a dark line up their back? Not pretty. But fenders are.
2. Female-friendly frame – this means the cross bar is down low so you can swing your foot over with ease. Having to do some sort of kung-fu leg circle kick to get on your bike just doesn’t work in a skirt. Plus, it allows you to practice the still-in-motion quick and graceful dismount.
3. Cruiser/Town bike style – allows you to sit fairly upright and has semi-fat tires so you don’t feel all the road lumps and bumps as you ride to work.
4. Flat pedals – with these, you can wear any kind of shoe. Perfect for meeting your friends up for dinner and drinks.
5. A basket – how else are you going to carry your fresh bread and organic vegetables home from the Marion Square Farmer’s Market?
6. A rear rack – this goes over your back tire and fender. You never know when it will come in handy – and if you decide it’s time to buy some cute panniers, this is where they go.
7. A lock – you WILL fall in love with your bike, so save yourself some agony and tissues and get a good one to keep it safe.
So check out this Cycle Chic Chick (courtesy of the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog). Could she be more fabulous?
What is your favorite bike? Send in some pics!
