Vélo Vogue

Q: Où est Kristin?

2012-01-14T00:15:00.000-08:00

A: Paris.

I'll be in France for two weeks. I need to attend to some family affairs.

I most likely will not be posting regularly as I'll be traveling deep into Provence and far away from it all.

Sigh.

Hopefully Adrienne and Ramona might kick in with a few posts while I'm off for a fortnight. If not, don't worry. As California's former Governator once said, I'll be back.

Bises et A+!

Don’t discuss bloomers with every man you know.

2012-01-13T05:54:00.000-08:00

The way women ride bikes has changed quite a bit over the past century - who rides, where we ride, what we wear when we ride, and so on. So this list of bicycle etiquette - The Don'ts from 1895 makes me kinda smirk.

With tips such as "Don’t cultivate a bicycle face," and "Don’t criticize people’s legs,” I am not quite sure what a female cyclist would have made of this list of Don'ts even back in the day.

Other choice tips:

Don’t faint on the road.

Don’t try to ride in your brother’s clothes “to see how it feels.”

Don’t let your golden hair be hanging down your back. (wonder what Cycle Chic makes of that tip)

Thanks to brain pickings for sharing!

And by all means, Don’t imagine everybody is looking at you.

henna and hair and bikes and friends

2012-01-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

I got this henna tattoo on New Year's Eve...

and I couldn't wait to show it off!

So I paraded it from Venice to Santa Monica to get my hair done before my friend's wedding.

It was a beautiful sunny day that cast strong shadows.

I adorned my other hand with jewels, so it wouldn't feel jealous.

I made some new friends in the bike lane on the way back to my hotel.

He offered to take my pic!

(how does my hair look?)

Peace be unto you, brother, and a happy 2012!

i just can't get enough of hot dudes on bikes

2012-01-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

This guy on a bike (and the cake he gave to his girlfriend) looks yummy.

Some nice work from Dominic Latham-Koenig of London.

Mona Caron - visionary cyclist

2012-01-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

Mona Caron is a renowned artist, muralist and cycling advocate from San Francisco.

When I look at this image, I see myself, a native San Franciscan, a cyclist, an advocate, an activist, a dreamer. Liberated. Connected. Creative. In touch with life and her surroundings. I believe this image will carry similar meaning to many women (and men) just like me. Which is why I'm sharing it with you.

Dream on and ride on, friends! If we can imagine a better biking future, then together we can make that dream a reality. Starting today.

(In case you still need to buy that special bikey someone a holiday gift, you can purchase a print of this poster on the SOMA Fabrications website.)

This is how SF does it.

2012-01-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Oh hai - if you missed the 2011 SF Bike Expo Fashion Show (what?!), here it is in all its awesomeness. Featuring many friends of Vélo Vogue and Pedal Savvy. Brilliant editing by Meg Valliant (kinda wish I was that cool).

Werd.

I resolve to ride on!

2012-01-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

I spent this New Year's in Venice Beach.

It was not the sunny SoCal weather that we dreamed of, but my friend Marisol and I enjoyed cruising the beach scene nonetheless.

We stayed at the Bayside Hotel, which has a fleet of bike rentals for a very reasonable day rate.

And even so, it is not hard to find any time of bike to fit your fancy in these parts...

or to fit your family!

Enjoy the ride that is 2012! (more to come from Lalaland...)

bicycle = style = art

2011-12-28T22:17:00.000-08:00

Bicycle art belongs here. Prepare to be mesmerized.

Sorry for the silence lately, bikey peeps. I have been celebrating the holidays with friends and family. Been an intense year, I'm sure some of you know what I mean.

I've also been really obsessed with crafts, for example - these Jedi snowflakes.

Sometimes there's more to life than riding a bike!

Feel the force in 2012!

Pedal Powered Talk Show - Trending Now...

2011-12-14T23:47:00.000-08:00

What a crazy silly cool concept. Only from Portlandia, of course!

The Pedal Powered Talk Show.

Turn on. Tune in. Ride on.

Hot Dudes on Bikes: Bike Biodiversity (part deux)

2011-12-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

The Bike makes the Man. It's the evolution of our species, and many would argue, the key to our survival.

Homo sapiens come in all shapes and sizes. And thus should our tools of mobility.

It's Bike Biodiversity (2/2).

by bicycleportraits - South Africa

by 'Xander @416cyclestyle - Toronto, ON, Canada

by Lovely Bicycle! - Lexington, MA, USA

by Claudio Olivares Medina - Santiago, Chile

by Cameron Adams - Atlanta, GA, USA

by Franz-Michael S. Mellbin - Copenhagen, Denmark

by Funny Cyclist - London, England

by analojik - Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland

by Adrienne Johnson SF - San Francisco, CA, USA

Ride on, humankind!

Vogue Around The Globe: Bike Biodiversity (part un)

2011-12-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

The sign of a healthy movement is the strength of its diversity from within. This one word - vogue - does not represent one particular style. It does not dictate how you look and how you ride. The way you decide to carry yourself is purely up to you, no matter where you live on this earth, what kind of bike you ride, how fast or slow you ride it, what you put on your body, or your head. This blog is here to honor the rich beauty of our differences.

Part 1 of this edition of Vogue Around The Globe brings you Bike Biodiversity from different corners of our planet, focusing on women (tomorrow we'll bring on the hot dudes - promise).

by Cameron Adams - Atlanta, GA, USA

by Franz Michael S. Mellbin - Copenhagen, Denmark

by Bart Omeu, Barcelona, Spain

by baudman - Melbourne, Australia

by Funny Cyclist - London, England

by Bigfish - London, England

by Claudio Olivares Medina - Santiago, Chile

by Carlos Alkmin - São Paulo, Brazil

by bicycleportraits - South Africa

the bike gals pose for a pic

2011-12-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

Here we are at SFBC Winterfest, Adrienne, Melyssa and I re-enacting how we've managed to maintain these bike blogs over the years. We bike. We take pics. We have fun.

Got it?

Ride on!

;-)

Nona Varnado + Rickshaw = Holiday Party

2011-12-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

If you do the gift-giving holiday thing, then start your holiday shopping tonight with some locally and USA made bike goodies for your special bikey friends! And share a glass of holiday cheer with some great bikey peeps!

I just had breakfast with Nona Varnado (bike fashion designer and founder of the blog The Bird Wheel). Nona is visiting SF this week and will be showing her Made in the USA collection of lifestyle cycling apparel & some multisport (spin, run, yoga) pieces. Rickshaw will be opening the store space to show off the apparel collection along side their current Made in SF line of bags and accessories while hosting the first holiday party of the season!

When: Monday, December 5th, 5 - 7 pm.

Where: Rickshaw Bagworks
904 22nd Street San Francisco, CA 94107

TGIF

2011-12-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

Have yourself a beer.

New Belgium Brewery announces two new beers.

november becomes december

2011-12-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

Not much difference in the seasons here between fall and winter here in Cali.

If you're in SF, hope this terrible wind doesn't knock you over. :-)

Copenhagen Cycles - cinetrope by Eric Dyer

2011-11-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

I just discovered this zoetrope masterpiece by artist/filmmaker Eric Dyer in the interwebz - Copenhagen Cycles.

For a behind the scenes look at the creative process behind this amazing art, check out his Cinetrope Mashup.

And for even more bike artsy goodness, here's Eric's ode to his own Schwinn Speedster, called Chopin's Bicycle.

Now your Monday is filled with movie magic! Enjoy.

what am I thankful for?

2011-11-24T10:34:00.000-08:00

Last year at Thanksgiving, the Giants had won the World Series, it was a beautiful, sunny day, and I rode my mom's orange bicycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to celebrate the holiday with my family.

This year is different.

The Giants experienced a season that many of us would like to forget. It's raining and cold outside. I won't be riding over the bridge in my fall colors today.

And yet, I am still thankful for the same things:

that I am still here

that my body still functions quite well

that I can make a living in San Francisco

that the water I drink and the air I breathe is clean

that I have a lot of love in my life

that each new day is filled with infinite possibilities

that I live my life feeling connected and alive.

How about you?

A New Manifesto? Or No Manifesto?

2011-11-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

What is a manifesto?

Webster defines it this way: a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer.

Now I ask, how can you assign a manifesto to a cyclist? When a bicycle represents freedom? A bicycle is a mode of transport that gives you choices. It gives you independence. It lets you turn right or left at a moment's notice. It exhilarates you. It makes you feel timeless.

The bicycle also connects you. Your senses are elevated. You notice the little details. You hear conversations on the corner. You feel the crisp wind on your face. You sense the vibrations of the earth in your bones. You smell the air - or sometimes must hold your breath. You share this unique experience with the person saddled next to you in the bike lane.

So why, when one is manifesting his or her own ability to move freely, would she want to adopt a manifesto, when she alone decides when to switch gears or turn in a new direction, wherever the wind carries her?

Perhaps the manifesto is a concept of the past. How can 7 billion people adopt one manifesto? And is that what we truly need - another set of rules to adopt? Someone else to tell us what we want?

Or is what we need the absence of a manifesto?

For much of our lives, we were told that we need to get a job. Make money. Buy a house. Settle down. Invest in things. And then we grow up, and we may not have any of them. We may have little or nothing of "value."

I've realized that once you subscribe to a philosophy of life, you should be open to the idea that your philosophy could fall short of not just your reality, but more importantly, your dreams. You need to be willing to accept the negation of any train of thought. (The earth, for example, revolves around the sun.)

Perhaps it's time to say goodbye to manifestos. It's time to not define the way things must be.

Perhaps it's simply time to create and connect.

Cowboy Boots?

2011-11-20T19:14:00.000-08:00

People always ask me how I ride in my cowboy boots.

I always tell them it can't be much more difficult than riding a horse with them.

Bicycle Portraits hits the shelves... SOON!

2011-11-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

Stan Engelbrecht and Nic Grobler have spent the last 2 years cycling over 6000 kilometers to collect over 500 portraits of everyday commuters throughout South Africa, and now the Bicycle Portraits project is finally near completion.

They're publishing the best 165 portraits and stories over 3 books. Each of the 3 books will contain 55 different stories, and also two essays each by local South African and major international cycling figures. The books are designed by Gabrielle Guy and they have also collaborated with celebrated South African artist Gabrielle Raaff to create an individual hand-painted watercolor map, based on Google Maps, to indicate the location of each of the portraits.

Help Stan and Nic make this project a reality by pre-ordering your book(s) via their Kickstarter campaign.

Kickstarter funding DEADLINE - 8 December

Official launch:
Design Indaba Expo in Cape Town / 2-4 March 2012

Pre-orders / orders taken via www.bicycleportraits.co.za/kickstarter or via Paypal on their website.

A couple uniquely South African portraits to whet your appetite for these gorgeous books:

Congrats to you both! What a wild ride around South Africa you must have had!

Occupy Our World

2011-11-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Fossil Fool, I came upon this video of the recent Occupy SF Music Festival in San Francisco, with the stage and sound system powered by bicycles provided by Fossil Fool and Shake Your Peace - two bicycle powered local musicians.

Way to rock our world.

Also just read this incredible analysis of the Occupy Movement in the Rolling Stone, written by Matt Taibbi. There are many well-put thoughts in his article, including: "If there is such a thing as going on strike from one's own culture, this is it."

But my favorite quote from the article is here: "The relentless sameness of the two-party political system is beginning to feel like a Jacob's Ladder nightmare with no end; we're entering another turn on the four-year merry-go-round, and the thought of having to try to get excited about yet another minor quadrennial shift in the direction of one or the other pole of alienating corporate full-of-shitness is enough to make anyone want to smash his own hand flat with a hammer."

Read the whole article here: How I learned to stop worrying and love the OWS protests.

Despite the most recent police raids at the crack of dawn in New York, Portland and Oakland, I hope the occupiers know that they still have the support of the majority of Americans. Michael Moore spoke at Occupy SF a couple weeks ago. He's been traveling around Occupy encampments all over this country and he argues that 59% of Americans support the global Occupy movements. Not exactly what the media wants you to believe.

Why write about the Occupy movement here on Vélo Vogue? Because together we can unplug from the system and pedal power our way into a more liveable future.

Ride on and Occupy!

fancy footwork!

2011-11-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

Here's an experience I will never grow tired of - crossing the Golden Gate Bridge by bike. I've documented my own crossings, but watch how Greg Ciro Tornincasa does it.

Greg describes this film like this: "My first video time-lapse using the GoPro HD, biking from San Francisco to Sausalito. 3,000+ photos, shot every 2 seconds, cut with a few video transitions."

Fancy footwork in those fancy yellow shoes, Greg. I like it! Thanks for sharing!

Bike Fashion According to SF's Gwen Lutz in the Times

2011-11-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

One of the fabulous upsides of cycle chic is the abundant options that have consequently sprung up in the world of bicycle fashion.

photo of yours truly modeling at last year's bike fashion show by Pedal Savvy

Not only do we have bike fashion and lifestyle blogs like this one, but we have bike fashion shows that parade the latest and greatest from bike fashion designers from around the world. And we're not just talking messenger bags and caps anymore. From dresses in bike-friendly non-wicking fabric, to capes and commuter jeans - the world of bike fashion has diversified, as is pointed out in today's article in the NEW YORK TIMES , featuring SF's very own Gwen Lutz of Pedal Savvy, who will be putting on the bike fashion show this Saturday at the SF Bike Expo.

photo of all the models, Gwen Lutz on far left, at last year's bike fashion show by Pedal Savvy

Yes, bike fashion has got its validation. We made the Times. Rejoice!

hot dudes on bikes - cycle beauty

2011-11-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have caught wind of the debate in the world of cycle chic lately, as some cyclist-bloggers feel that being fashionable on your bike - and showing off how you look - demeans and objectifies women.

I disagree.

As a bike fashion blogger, who is also female, when I see photos of women wearing "normal" and "stylish" clothing when riding their bikes, I am inspired by them. You are making not just a fashion statement, but a political statement for the normalization of cycling in our cities.

Sure, you will turn some heads. But I say, own it. You are beautiful. You are bold. We see and hear the statement you are making.

Biking to work is normal. Biking to socialize is normal. Biking to run errands is normal. Biking to sight-see is normal. You don't need any special equipment or clothing to do it.

And that doesn't just go for women cyclists. You men out there are quite inspirational too.

Here at Vélo Vogue, we appreciate not just your beauty, but your intelligence for choosing the healthiest, most sustainable, most enjoyable mode of transportation, and your decision to inspire others with your choices by sharing your photos with us.

by Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious

by Daydreamer HQ

by Daydreamer HQ

by 'Xander @416cyclestyle

by Cosmoblue

by M$MO

by Adrienne Johnson SF

by Claudio Olivares Medina

It's ok to admire beauty, in all its permutations, right?

the jetpack is finally here

2011-11-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

The Bicycle Transportation Alliance says it best - we can ALL just get along! Let's put aside our differences as different kinds of cyclists and all roll on into the future! Into a city that allows us to ride safely and comfortably wherever we choose to go.

Roll On, Oregon from Bicycle Transportation Alliance on Vimeo.

Ride on!

le long chemin

2011-11-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

This weekend I was going through some of my photos from a past trip to France. It got me thinking about how strange and wonderful life is, and the many places - expected and unexpected - that it takes us.

That one day we can wake up in a foreign land, find new love, make a family, feel grounded, find ourselves. Each day that we wake up, no matter where the road of life takes us, is an opportunity to create new history. To explore the many avenues we can go down that take us to places that inspire us, frighten us, disgust us, entertain us, change us.

And even then, life keeps going. There seems to be more road behind us than ahead of us. When we're young, it seems like the road is never ending. How many miles or kilometers that lie ahead is inconceivable.

And yet, one day, we will all reach the end of that road.

I just hope that when I get there, I look all around me and all I see is beauty.

Peace, Love & Freedom

2011-11-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

It's what we are constantly in pursuit of - our whole lives - and what inspires us to stand up and fight, collectively.

As I commute to and from work, I am joined by more and more men and women who represent my beliefs - that we should be able to safely ride our city streets without fear of losing our lives, where our city makes appropriate, designated space for us. Where we can be free to move. In peace.

One can argue that it's what our democracy represents.

So don't forget to vote on Tuesday. Do some research. Find out what candidates represent us. The candidates that stand up for what we believe. If you live in SF, and need some guidance, the SF Bike Coalition has made its endorsements.

[This post by no means endorses any particular candidate. I am in fact undecided as of this writing. But I am a dedicated voter that doesn't take my freedom for granted.]

Pedal Power To The People!

2011-10-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

What does Occupy Wall Street need to be successful? Ironically, money. But it's for a good cause. ;-)

Anyone else know a way to help them out with supplies?

Gainsbourg Goes Vogue - San Francisco Giveaway

2011-10-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Serge Gainsbourg - Ballade de Melody Nel by scootaway

“Ainsi je déconnais avant que je ne perde
Le contrôle de la Rolls. J’avançais lentement
Ma voiture dériva et un heurt violent
Me tira soudain de ma rêverie. Merde!
J’aperçus une roue de vélo à l’avant,
Qui continuait de tourner en roue libre,
Et comme une poupée qui perdait l’équilibre
La jupe retroussée sur ses pantalons blancs.”

Evidemment, Serge was again ahead of his time, describing cycle chic/vélo vogue way back in the 1970s, albeit in a très Gainsbourgien kind of way.

So we have another San Francisco only giveaway! The first four people to leave a comment on here on the blog, tweet or facebook (@velovogue using hashtag #voguegainsbourg) with their FAVORITE GAINSBOURG SONG TITLE plus one line of lyrics gets a pair of tickets to see the film at SF's Embarcadero Theater anytime between 10/31 - 11/3. Tickets will be left at the theater in your name.

Feel free to participate even if you're not in SF, just for the sheer love of that crazy frenchie!

Here's the description of the film and the trailer:

Joann Sfar’s GAINSBOURG: A HEROIC LIFE is a completely original take on one of France’s greatest mavericks, the illustrious and infamous Jewish singer-songwriter, Serge Gainsbourg (Eric Elmosnino). Born Lucien Ginsburg to Russian-Jewish parents, Sfar follows him from his precocious childhood in Nazi-occupied Paris, to his beginnings as small time jazz musician and finally pop superstar. Along the way he romances many of the era’s most beautiful women, including Juliette Greco (Anna Mouglalis), Brigitte Bardot (Laetitia Casta) and Jane Birkin (Lucy Gordon). Employing a witty surrealistic style and a soundtrack that includes many of the musician’s greatest hits, GAINSBOURG: A HEROIC LIFE is a quintessential time capsule to ‘60’s Paris.

Bonne chance!

Bike Wardrobe Remix: The Joy of Biking

2011-10-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

My friend Gabi was just visiting SF and told me the best time she had during her visit was when she was riding around on a bike. So this edition of Bike Wardrobe Remix is all about that happy cycling feeling!

eva.lu

give me a L !

Sunday best for a sunny CicLAvia!
top : vintage
skirt : vintage
shoes : from spain, i think
shades : frogskins
bike: felt

Lo:Ci

Panda in the rain

After days of rain, I had enough... back on the saddle. It wasn't that bad at all! Plus nothing cheers you up on a dull, wet, grey day than a red polka dot dress!

BWR
Red gloves - present
Red polka dot dress - Oxfam
Waterproof - Decathlon
Leather boots - Office
Bike - Pashley Princess Sovereign

mandalinarosa

my bike

I've put the li'l rug on my seat =) It's comfortable!

Lady Velo

Cake & Coffee Cruise - 24th September 2011

velo-city-girl.blogspot.com
www.bikeminded.org

Details for Bike Wardrobe Remix:

Aviator Sunglasses: Chanel
Gold Tusk Earrings: Topshop
Dinosaur Necklace: Tatty Devine
Dress: Miss Selfridge
Leggings: Topshop
Bag: Vintage Gucci
Sandals: Carvela

Heather and Bo Liles

Introducing Clara Bow

Dress: Buffalo Exchange
Sandals: Gift from Bo
Sunglasses: Style Station

macdon512

new bike and new dress!

from Goodwill

purpleglobetrotter

LisaStreetsblog

PHOTO CREDIT: Dmitry Gudkov

see the full story here.

shirt, br (madmen collection)
dress, club monaco
shoes (dkny?)

Lovely Bicycle!

Riding a Bakfiets!

Vélo Vogue Caption Contest!

2011-10-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

This untitled pic from mimi destiny warrants a caption contest! Post your caption in our comments section, or on our facebook page or twitter. Winners get recognition here in 1 week, and your chance to be profiled here on Vélo Vogue.

Readers - GO!

Laser-Cut Bike Light by Jin Tsubota

2011-10-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Laser-Cut Bike Light originally posted on Instructables.

video and words by Jin Tsubota

These are instructions on how to make the custom DIY LED bike light that I made when I was an art student. While shopping for a new bike tail light, I couldn’t find a single cool design for my beach cruiser. Unlike my hipster friends and carbon-fiber-loving classmates, I was always more interested in the style of Copenhagen’s Cycle Chic. With no good bike lights to buy, I decided to create my own custom beach cruiser light.

Unfortunately, my bicycle and light were recently stolen. I made this instructable with the few images and videos that I had saved. By entering the Instructables Epilog Challenge, I hope to win the Epilog Zing laser cutter so that I can make another tail light for my new ratrod bike. If there’s enough interest in my laser cutter project, I plan on starting a small business making bike light mods and laser cutter art.

Watch the 2-minute video to check out the design process, from concept design to finished product. And if you happen to see my stolen bike anywhere in the Oakland area, please let me know!

With My Own Two Wheels on Link TV

2011-10-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

This incredibly moving film about our favorite mode of transportation is airing this Friday on Link TV - the television network that is also my employer. It is also available online on Link TV's website.

For many Americans, the bicycle is a choice. For countless others across the globe, it is much more. For Fred, a health worker in Zambia, the bicycle is a means of reaching twice as many patients. For Bharati, a teenager in India, it provides access to education. For Mirriam, a disabled Ghanaian woman, working on bicycles is an escape from the stigma attached to disabled people in her community. For Carlos, a farmer in Guatemala, pedal power is a way to help neighbors reduce their impact on the environment. For Sharkey, a young man in California, the bicycle is an escape from the gangs that consume so many of his peers.

My Own Two Wheels weaves together the experiences of these five individuals into a single story about how the bicycle can change the world - one pedal stroke at a time. Find out when it airs at linktv.org.

ViewChange: With My Own Two Wheels Airdates

(Times in Pacific time zone)
Friday, October 21st
05:00 pm
Tuesday, October 25th
08:00 pm
Thursday, October 27th
02:30 am
Saturday, October 29th
05:30 am

DIRECTV Channel 375 | DISH Network Channel 9410

cross-posted at Change Your Life. Ride a Bike!

Mother Can You Hear Me?

2011-10-13T01:15:00.000-07:00

Installment 2 of my personal perspective on the silly things people do on their bicycles that can make things hard for everyone.

Not long ago, I was riding along Valencia St. when I noticed the rider just ahead of me was a woman I know. She was about 50 feet ahead of me, so I sped up and called out to her. She didn't hear me, so I picked up the pace a bit and called again. Nothing. I gave her my New York taxi yell (it is quite impressive, you should hear it). Nothing. Finally I caught up to her and passed to the left and said "hi!". She just about jumped out of her skin and nearly crashed.

"Don't sneak up on people like that!' she yelled at me.

"I didn't! I have been yelling your name for half a block!"

"I have my earbuds in. I can't hear anything."

"Then why do you wear them?"

"Well I can hear stuff, just not you."

Not my friend. Just someone with earbuds.

And there you have the issue that we will address in today's "How To Not Ride Really Badly" lesson. If you can't hear me hollering 50 feet away, you can't hear anything.

This guy above was a really nice guy I ran into one Bike To Work Day. His music was so loud I could hear it on my bicycle over the traffic of Market Street. He was quite startled by my presence, too. Entirely because he couldn't hear me next to him. I am pretty sure he was lip reading when I took this picture.

Just before I took this picture, this woman was passed by a frustrated bus driver. I am not convinced she heard the bus next to her as she flinched and swerved as it passed her. I am not sure how anyone would be comfortable not knowing a 60 foot long bus weighing 31,500 lbs (unloaded!!) with a frustrated driver who is late is coming up behind them.

In California, wearing headphones or earbuds in both ears, while driving or riding a bicycle is illegal (CVC 27400). Over an above that, it is stupid. When you can not hear anything other than Lady Gaga or This American Life it means you lose the one sense that can warn you ahead of time there is trouble. How many times have I not hit someone passing me on the right only because I heard their squeaky chain coming up behind?

People use the example of the deaf being able to do things without hearing. It is a silly example. Someone who is deaf has adapted to their lack of hearing and has found ways to make sure they know what is going on around them. Those who are totally into the Tupac blaring in their heads... not so much. They are distracted by the very engaging music and usually forget that the rest of the world is still out there. The woman above is a prime example- she didn't hear the car in cross traffic running the red light when it was time for us to go. It could have been really ugly.

While there is the argument that driver's should always assume that others can't hear them, or that they may hit a vulnerable road user, I don't think that absolves road users from paying attention to their own, and others safety. It is illegal to drive with headphones in Portugal, Spain, Germany, but I could not easily find information about its legality on a bicycle. The Dutch ask us not to when we ride there-

big, readable one here

James and I were talking about the issue of hearing while riding the other day. We have both taken up motorcycle riding again, after many years away. We had both noticed the same thing- we were each disturbed by our inability to hear the cars around us due to our full face helmets, road noise and wind. We have become so accustomed to being able to hear everything around us while bicycle riding that we were disturbed by our inability to do this on the motorcycle. Neither of us realized just how much we had come to depend on our hearing while riding around and neither of us felt safe when it was taken away.

So, if you want music on your ride, maybe you should just take the band along with you. Or sound up your bicycle and share the love! Hendrix is so much better when you can hear what is going on around you!

cross posted at Change Your Life. Ride A Bike!

KT going off the radar for a few days

2011-10-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers,

In addition to being a bike blogger, I have other talents and projects. One of them is a film that I've been producing for a few years called "Forms of Identification," an experimental dance film about an artist's struggle with identity crisis from chronic illness.

This labor of love has finally come to fruition and I will be traveling to Spain this week to attend our first international film festival.

As you can imagine, my head feels like it has been split open as I try to tie up loose ends before I hop on the plane. I am going to refrain from maintaining this blog for one week to focus on my other artistic endeavor, leaving Vélo Vogue in the capable hands of Adrienne and Ramona in my absence.

Please check out my film's website, become a fan on FB and wish me luck on the red carpet.

illuminations

2011-10-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

Photo by Rio Yañez.

I've been working collectively with an amazing team of dedicated friends on creating works of art this year. Tonight, one of our projects will be unveiled to the public.

Every October, SOMArts Gallery puts together a Day of the Dead exhibit - local artists create altars to show respect to and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed.

This year, the theme of the exhibit is "Illuminations."

Since March of this year, a group of us in the bike community has been collaborating on a concept to respect the life of a fellow bike friend. As of tonight, we can share our hard work and creative vision with you. It's an altar named life, energy: con sonrisas.

Please come to SOMArts Gallery over the next month to experience our altar and those of many other talented Bay Area artists. More info about the opening here. Exhibit runs through Nov. 5, 2011.

Nobody walks in LA (Biking in LA pt. 2)

2011-10-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Despite what people think and say, Los Angeles has a rich bicycle culture. In fact, little havens like Venice Beach speckle the coastline, where EVERYONE who's ANYONE knows this fact: The bike is the best way to go.

Even Tim Robbins knows that.

You don't need no limo when you've got free valet bike parking at the Main Street Farmers' Market. Definitely one place you want to see and be seen.

And if you need to wear a full length evening gown, your bike will clearly take you there in style.

Los Angeles - the place where dreams are caught and made.

Catch my drift?

LA is all right.

Cycling For Everyone by Amsterdamize

2011-10-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Could this be our history too? Someday?

This is a fantastic little film by my friend Marc from Amsterdamize on the history and state of cycling in The Netherlands. Excellent filmmaking and narration by Marc, the man, the myth, the legend himself.

bikes are alive and well and living in Los Angeles pt. 1

2011-10-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

I went on my semi-annual trip to LA recently. And surprise! It was a breath of fresh air, actually (pun intended). With the "summer" we've been experiencing in SF (or lack thereof), it was nice to see what the other kids do when the sun is out.

So I went for a cruise on the beach in Venice.

The layers come off and your sparkly sting ray glistens in the sunshine.

Bikes make people and pets happy!

People parading their souped-up bikes and trikes - good times in the summertime!

More to come!

so long and thanks for all the good times... for now

2011-09-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

I went to my last Giants game of the season on Monday night. Parked my bike at the valet bike parking for the last time in 2011.

Liam and I ran into a bunch of Germans while getting beers.

Giants were winning, so I was in an especially good mood.

So were my pals, Adrienne & George...

& Laura.

It's always a party when you have record-breaking attendance.

My sister-in-law, a Red Sox fan said to me last night, "Red Sox Nation hate the Yankees more than they love the Red Sox." I told her that one of these days she needed to feel the Giants love!

Then this morning, my dad sent me a message. He went to the last game of the season yesterday, as the Giants waved goodbye to a few players, who might have just played their last game.

This is how Giants fans say goodbye:

"Big ovation for Pat Burrell yesterday when Bochy took him out, applause all the way to the dugout. He disappeared into the team, but the ovation got louder and he came back out for a curtain call and tipped his hat. At this point it got really loud. He stood there for a moment to this standing ovation, then bowed his head and headed to the clubhouse. It was pure love. I think it got to him."

Ta-ta for now, Gigantes! Until March...

Clash of the Helmets

2011-09-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

Let's lay off the great helmet debate and simply say that if you so choose, the options abound.

Pink

Black

Sporty

Ride safely and stylishly!

Just your average everyday commute...

2011-09-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

...only SF's commuters are above average.

Happy Monday, folks!

hot dudes always get the chicks

2011-09-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

Amsterdamize

inspiredcyclist

Funny Cyclist

Lovely Bicycle!

Kristin Tieche

szoboti.tamas

VELO is in the air! Go enjoy the weekend!

footwear|legwear

2011-09-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

Runway diversity abounds.

Keds & leggings.

Stilettos & legwarmers.

Pumps & tights.

All in one bike lane!

The Sidewalk Dilemma

2011-09-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

Sidewalks are for walking.

So take your bike for a walk.

In San Francisco, it's actually against the law to ride a bike on the sidewalk. However, there are some city streets with neither bike lanes nor sharrows where it's downright scary for a cyclist to ride alongside cars (I live at the corner of such a street).

Providing no bike lane on highly car-trafficked streets therefore gives the cyclist no options - one must stop, dismount and walk - defeating the very purpose of being on a bike!

In these situations, what's a city cyclist to do? Abide the law or defy it?

blockbuster bikes

2011-09-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

It was bound to happen - bikes are everywhere now, and have made it back to the big screen and Hollywood.

Enter Premium Rush - The Matrix meets The Messenger. Here's the synopsis:

“A New York bike messenger is given an envelope by a young woman at an uptown Manhattan college and is told he has 90 minutes to deliver it to an address in Chinatown. Complications ensue when an undercover police office appears and demands the envelope on special grounds. The truth, hidden motivations, and the life-and-death stakes on all sides are revealed through a series of flashbacks as the cop and the messenger engage in a length-of-Manhattan chase, racing against time after the messenger discovers the precious nature of the envelope’s slender contents."

Not my breed of cycling, and definitely not a film that will give cyclists a good name, nor inspire a non-cyclist to get back on a bike. But kinda badass nonetheless.

So when the "cycle chic" film comes out, will it be more like "Sex and the City?"

How to Choose a Bike - a webisode from Mind The Gap

2011-09-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

With so many bikes to choose from, how does a new cyclist make the right choice?

If you've got a friend who's thinking of buying a new bike, please send him/her this video produced by my friend Laura, director of the upcoming documentary about public transportation Mind The Gap.

Her webisodes are always quite insightful, so I can't wait to see her completed film! In the meantime, she's offering us these entertaining and useful videos while we wait til the film makes it to the silver screen.

gain momentum

2011-09-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Sep/Oct 2011 issue of Momentum is out, and this issue focuses on women and biking - one of my favorite topics!

Momentum conducted a survey last month - What Women Want - asking women what were the most important issues that might influence more women to get on a bike. The results of the survey are presented in this issue, starting on page 10.

On page 58, I even wrote an opinion piece in defense of cycle chic, whereas Elly Blue of Grist takes the opposing point of view.

What do you think? Is the cycle chic movement elitist or liberating? Does it alienate or entice women riders?

If you flip through the pages, you might catch a few more familiar faces, with a feature on Mikael of the Original Cycle Chic on page 64 and some insightful commentary from Julie of the Julie Blog on page 35.

And my pic is on page 3 (hee hee!).

next gen voguette

2011-09-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

This just in from my friend Andrea in San Diego - her adorable daughter Capri.

Capri is over the moon about her new bike!! Blue bike for my pink girl. Note the skirt with lace cuffed leggings-- pink please.

Taking another year by STORM

2011-09-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday, so I got myself a new bike.

I bet you can guess what I've decided to name it.

(Go ahead - guess!)

Why the Jamis Commuter 4? I test rode a bunch of other bikes (Linus, Globe, Trek, Masi, PUBLIC, etc.) and this one just felt right. It also has most features built in, with the exception of a kickstand which I'll add later.

Also, all I ever heard about this bike were strong praises, and my pal Remy who owns Mojo Bicycle Cafe also owns a Jamis Commuter - the men's version of my whitey. He couldn't stop beaming about how much he loves that bike. He also speaks French. I was sold.

May the Force be with me and my new ride.

Words To Ride By

2011-09-06T15:59:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon, Students! Welcome to the first in a series of articles on some of the basics of courteous, and safe, urban bicycle riding. I should probably mention that this is a set of guidelines that KT of Vélo Vogue and I are hashing together and that they are 100% biased and based in our desire to no longer be more frustrated with our fellow riders than we are with the silly drivers who insist on getting behind the wheel with a latté and an Iphone and a lap dog after getting 2 hours of sleep each night for a week. When we realized we were complaining more about bicycle on bicycle interactions lately than we were about vehicular traffic we decided it was time to write something about it.

Today's lesson is about my biggest frustration with other riders on the road; passing on the inside. One of the things that those of us who took Driver's Education learned early on, before we were allowed behind the wheel of a car, is that it is illegal and dangerous to pass another vehicle on the right. This applies especially to bicycles in the bike lane.

The usual configuration of a bicycle lane in the United States is to the right of the car lane and to the left of the parking lane. In San Francisco, where there are many one way streets with the bike lane on the left side of the road, this could also mean passing on the left so I will just call it passing on the inside. Most bicycle lanes are not wide enough to ride two abreast. To pass a rider who is ahead of you, you should make sure it is safe to leave the lane and enter the car lane to the left. From there you can accelerate to pass the forward rider and then re-enter the lane ahead.

The rider with the green backpack is doing the right thing. He exited the lane, entered traffic when safe and accelerated around the riders in front of him before reentering the lane.

It is NEVER acceptable to force your way forward by squeezing between the forward rider and the parked cars! This is a guaranteed way to push someone into traffic. The female rider with the polka dot helmet would be in the wrong if she tried to pass the rider with the black backpack on his right.

In this bicycle lane above, just don't pass. Unless you can safely get into the traffic lane yourself, trying to squeeze through in the bicycle lane will push the forward rider into traffic. This is not OK.

In the above picture, you see something really common, and really awful, that happens all the time in San Francisco. The guy in the white shirt is riding on the inside of the lane. If he decides to overtake the woman in the brown jacket she will be forced to move to the left into traffic. Especially if she does not know he is there. If she is an inexperienced rider she will most likely overcompensate and swerve quite far into the car lane without looking. Many times I have found myself actually being touched by the shoulder of someone suddenly passing me on the inside!

Enough for today. I think you get the picture.

cross posted at Change Your Life. Ride A Bike!

would carefree bikers = carfree bike lanes?

2011-09-06T00:37:00.000-07:00

Can a cyclist, chic or un-chic, really be footloose and fancy-free biking on our city streets?

I would love to believe that San Francisco has a bicycle culture as evolved as Copenhagen's or Amsterdam's, but alas, we do not. Our bicycle infrastructure, even with the incredible giant steps we've made this past year, still forces us to battle cars, parked in our lane like this:

and thereby forcing us to move to the left and into car traffic, which many would-be cyclists may not feel comfortable or empowered enough to do.

Alternatively, we often confront the ominous car door, as illustrated by this clever animated gif from SF Streetsblog.

After I retweeted the above Streetsblog article, we had a short conversation with some friends overseas, notably my pal Marc from Amsterdamize, who says the solution is simple:

@amsterdamized
solution is decades old, really: road<>parking<>buffer<>track<>sidewalk.

Why, then, do we continue to create the same kind of infrastructure over and over, and not improve upon the concept? Isn't there one neighborhood in San Francisco, where drivers, residents and business owners would be cool with a brand spankin' new kind of bike lane - the kind that safely welcomes cyclists of all ages, genders and dispositions like they do in New York, Paris, Copenhagen and Amsterdam?

Breezee One Does Detroit

2011-09-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

Girlfriend's got a lot of bikes and boys (props to the beardie weirdie with the baby blue SF hat drinking from a garden hose - RAD).

She's badass in my book.

c u @ the game

2011-09-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Behold proper cell phone use while biking.

Having been a victim of someone else's poor biking manners lately (knocked over by a gal with headphones on who had no idea I was next to her), I highly suggest not multi-tasking while biking. If you need to make a call, send a message, update your status or tweet, you'd best dismount and walk it.

What Would Jesus Do?

2011-08-31T00:05:00.001-07:00

Follow in the footsteps of the Lord, and ride that bike!

You can find this miracle of a t-shirt at Jesus Skid.

the "it" list?

2011-08-30T00:05:00.001-07:00

Everyone's got lists - top ten vacation spots, top ten best albums of all-time, top ten SF restaurants, etc. Each list is subject to the writer's opinions and tastes, and there always seem to be gems that are always overlooked, always left off the list.

That being said, people LOVE lists. Those "Top Ten" shows on television always seem to make the best ratings.

THAT being said, I still don't know what to think of lists. BUT - when Vélo Vogue makes the list of top 50 influential bike blogs, it certainly feels nice to be recognized. Extanz's rating system seems arbitrary to me, though the top two or three blogs logically seem to be in the right place. The rest of his ranking system doesn't make too much sense. Perhaps the list would better be represented by an amorphous blob of great bike blogs around the world.

So, thanks again for including me on your list, Yann.

AND NOW - please vote for Vélo Vogue so we can be included on another list. CBS Local has nominated Vélo Vogue as one of SF Bay's most valuable lifestyle blogs. Here's the link to vote, and please do so early (before Sep. 9) and OFTEN!

Merci beaucoup to all our fabulous readers and RIDE ON!!!

Little Black Backpack

2011-08-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Some things never go out of style.

Come On Aileen

2011-08-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

For those of our readers out there on the East Coast of the United States who are waiting for the storm to make land, stay safe! If you haven't done it yet, make sure your bicycles are ready to go! They don't need gas, they don't need good roads and for those places the hardest hit, they could be your only way to get around for a few day. If you can, make sure you have spare tubes and tools to fix minor problems along the way. If you have to evacuate, try to take your bicycles with you so you will have low tech transportation when you get back in.

Good luck and see you on the other side!

Vogue Around The Globe - We're Everywhere

2011-08-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

We're not just in Copenhagen and New York. Look all around you. Vélo Vogue is everywhere.

in Boston - Lovely Bicycle!

in Padova - Luca Violetto

in SF - dustinj

in Montreal - Mikael Colville Andersen

in Australia - baudman 

in Amsterdam - Amsterdamize

in London - zbloomz

in Paris - tofz4u

in Santiago de Chile - Claudio Olivares Medina

in Tokyo - persimmonous.jp

in Johannesburg - bicycleportraits

We've invaded every continent!

Do It Yourself

2011-08-23T18:49:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you need something strange. One of those things that you are just not going to find ready made at Target. For myself, I found myself needing one of those strange things after Hubby the Bikeman (James) put something very useful and not strange on my Bat- a wheel stabilizer.

The front end of the bike was just so damn wiggly when parked that it was becoming a significant problem. Whenever I parked the bike on the center stand, the front wheel would flop into me and I would get tangled in the handlebars or my hair would get tangled in the brake levers while I was locking up the bike. More than once, this ended up with either me or the bike falling over. The problem with putting a stabilizer on was that my lower tube is very thick and tear shaped so James had to improvise with bits and pieces not meant for this purpose. The stabilizer worked, but the mounting was ugly and it caught on my longer skirts or wider pant legs. Thus the need for the "strange thing".

I needed something to wrap around the spring mount that would cover the metal that was sticking out. It needed to be removable in case we decided to adjust the mount. It had to be able to withstand the rain and sun, it would not be twine*, and it had to be made with stuff I had in the house. Of course, I decided to knit something! The World's First Wheel Stabilizer Cozy!

It was terribly simple- bulky acrylic yarn, a big plastic button and 20 minutes of seed stitch later and I had the "much needed strange thing" in hand. It has been on the Bat for about 6 months and has done exactly what I needed it to. I have not been caught on the mount, or cut myself on it once since I put the cozy on.

It isn't that noticeable on the bike, but it certainly serves quite a purpose. This of course what all "much needed strange things" have in common when we decide to make them for ourselves. What have you made for yourself? Share with the group!

*twine is all and well and good, and lots of people think it is great but I can't stand it most of the time and refuse to have it on any of my bicycles. Sorry if you love twine.

** This article is cross posted at Change Your Life. Ride A Bike!.

Is 7x7 out of touch with The City?

2011-08-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

So unless you've been living under that rock, you've probably noticed that "cycle chic" and bicycle fashion have finally eeked its way into mainstream media lately.

You've seen bikes in haute couture magazines. New York Fashion Week is going bike crazy. Models and celebs are out cruising around on bikes, and the paparazzi is watching.

And now, thanks to mainstream media paying attention to the bike fashion movement that we've been committed to for years, we've got some newbies doing their little turn in the bike lane. This is a good thing, people! I am happy!

Somehow I missed this July 22, 2011 article in San Francisco's 7x7 magazine - a lifestyle publication containing all the latest trends in food, fun and style in our magnificently diverse city. Yesterday, my friend Gwen, who has been directing bicycle fashion shows for the Bike Expo and SFBC and designing women's bicycle fashion apparel for years, called it to my attention that it was an article in the New York Times from 2010 - NOT the efforts of homegrown bike fashionistas like Gwen and bike fashion bloggers like myself (among many others) - that inspired and convinced the writer of the article to give the two-wheeled life a try.

Whereas I wholeheartedly applaud writer Janis Cooke Newman's transformation from driver to cyclist, I must ask her, is today's San Francisco bicycle fashion not stylish enough that you must take inspiration from last year's photos of bike gals in Brooklyn? I mean, come on! 7x7 could do a little research and give our city some PROPS! Seriously!

In addition, Newman implies that the different bicycle cliques cannot intermingle. Again, do you and I live in the same city? This is SAN FRANCISCO, where we believe that the diversity of our community enriches our lives! With all due respect, Ms. Newman, it's time for you to truly become one of us.

I would like to personally invite Ms. Newman to 1) join the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and become one of the 11,000+ bike advocates from all different walks of life who - in solidarity with each other - represent the bicycle culture of San Francisco; 2) ride with all of us one Friday at a San Francisco Bike Party, or attend Sunday Streets, so she can see with her own two eyes that the dreadlocked and the coiffed hang out and party together on and off the bike lane; and 3) come to the bike fashion show at the SF Bike Expo in November so she can see the latest trends in bicycle fashion from local SF designers.

San Francisco has been way ahead of the bicycle fashion curve for years. We have the largest bicycle advocacy organization in the country, which includes men and women who bike in the clothes that they wear to work and play every day. That mainstream media sees this as a trend is laughable, and that journalists act like they're doing something that hasn't already been done in San Francisco is somewhat embarrassing.

In any case, congratulations, Newman! You are on your way to becoming a true SF cyclist. And thank you for giving bikes & fashion some printed real-estate in your magazine. Also, if you need any help distinguishing a kitten heel from a platform, look no further - I'm your gal.

;-)

Punctured Bicycle On a Hillside Desolate!

2011-08-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

Wednesday brings you Morrissey on a bicycle in this lost 1992 press video of the iconic band from the 80s - The Smiths.

I was at the 1985 Meat Is Murder concert. Brings back memories!

Win or Lose - Together We're Giant

2011-08-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Even though our team has been wrought with injury and disappointment this entire season and brought the Torture to a whole new inconceivable level, the Giants are still our team, and we're riding with them to the very end, wherever it leads us.

What I love about this team and our ballpark is that a whole baseball culture has come about in San Francisco, especially along the Embarcadero before a home game.

You can hop on a pedicab and get a free ride to the park.

Or meet up with friends at the bike valet on McCovey Cove.

Once inside the park, there ain't a bad seat in the house.

And while watching our national pastime, you create memories with friends old and new.

Oh yeah, and our pitching is pretty awesome.

Winning or losing, I will almost never say no to a ballgame and the entire experience the evening brings.

What a long strange trip baseball season is.

Give it up for Mom!

2011-08-15T00:41:00.000-07:00

After decades of not riding, and then two partial and THEN two FULL knee replacements, my mom is finally back on a bicycle.

Give it up for Moms!

We went for an inaugural spin around her neighborhood this past weekend on the bike I bought for her almost a year ago, right before her second knee replacement. Since then, it's been sitting idly in her living room or on the deck, kind of like the holy grail. Recently, after a few months of physical therapy, she told me she was ready to get back in the saddle.

My mom was the first person to teach me how to ride, decades ago. She on her blue Schwinn Suburban, me on a yellow Schwinn with banana seat and training wheels. And here we are years later, enjoying a bike ride together.

If you think your mom will never ride a bike with you again, let this video inspire you otherwise. In about two minutes, riding a bike came back easily to my mom, almost as if she had never stopped!

I'm very proud of my mom!

I'm just a busy gal

2011-08-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

That I haven't been posting a lot of my own street fashion photography lately doesn't mean that I've given up on that hobby.

It just means that I'm a busy gal with places to go and people to meet.

KT is back on the street [I never left].

Different Bikes for Different Dudes?

2011-08-09T00:11:00.000-07:00

Photo Shelly Morris

We know that there are different types of cyclists. The chic, the lycra, the skinny jeans, the bmx boys, and more. Is your type of bike simply an extension of your personality? Admittedly, the francophile that I am, I fell in love (coup de foudre) with Le Rouge et Noir simply because it said "Made In France" on the black mixte frame. But would I be a different kind of rider if I started riding a Dutch bike? A fixie?

Does the man make the bike or the bike make the man?

This insightful article in the UK Guardian asks that very question: Can a different bike make you a different rider? Switching from his typical road bike built for speed to a sturdy European bicycle inspired Peter Walker to also make a fashion change.

Is it Nature vs. Nurture or Sink or Swim?

In my mind, style defies definition because everyone has his or her own unique way of expressing it.

This totally rad video from the Netherlands nullifies the one bike/one style argument. A Dutch boy on a Dutch bike in a business suit, seemingly commutes to work, but boy oh boy, does that boy have some tricks up his sleeve.

I like what I see! ;-)

May we not judge another rider until we have rode a mile in his chamois.

Tour de Fashion - NY Fashion Week

2011-08-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Another example of how art imitates life.

The Fashion Center is outfitting New York City with "Tour de Fashion," a fleet of thirty bicycles customized by the city's top designers just in time for Fashion Week, September 8 - 15.

The bikes, purchased by the Fashion Center from Bowery Lane Bicycles, are handmade in NYC and are being embellished by 30 of New York’s top designers, including Diane von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Isaac Mizrahi, Nicole Miller, Patricia Underwood, Elie Tahari, Nanette Lepore, Rebecca Minkoff, Carlos Falchi, Doo.Ri Chung, Rebecca Taylor, Prabal Gurung and others, making these the most fashionable bikes in town.

Bike Wardrobe Remix: We are not the elite.

2011-08-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

We are normal people.

Where did people start getting the idea that bike fashion blogs are dictating what people are supposed to wear on a bicycle?

Au contraire! We here at Vélo Vogue say "Vive La Difference!"

We celebrate the diversity, ingenuity and unique style of each man and woman who chooses to ride a bicycle. This movement began as a revolt of sorts to the "uniform" of the lycra-clad or skinny-jeans + hoodie bicycle crowds (and sometimes we choose to wear those uniforms too - they can be perfect for the right occasion). You really can wear whatever you like on a bike. These images should inspire you that your bike style choices are limitless and are not dictated by haute couture or anyone for that matter.

Without further ado, here is the latest installment of Bike Wardrobe Remix.

Heather & Bo Liles

Vintage dress: Buffalo Exchange
booties: Buffalo Exchange
Jacket: Thrift Town
vintage hat: Husband
bicycle: little Edie

Simply Bike

Cycling at 38 weeks pregnant

The only bike ride I went on this week; an easy 3.2 mile ride to a cafe and home. It didn't feel like too much work but I also didn't feel like pushing much past that distance. Overall, I think I'm ready to be done being a pregnant cyclist. :)

juleskills

July is too Hot Floral Mash-Up

I guess every day I wear a floral print and ride the bike with the floral Basil panniers on will be a floral mash-up. Keds match panniers beautifully!

HOT JULY Morning in Central Park + Biker in the background.

Shades: Wal-mart $3 or $5
Dress: Target
Belt: Came on some Charlotte Russse shorts
Sneakers: Mossimo fake Keds

Stef/Diversions

Flat tire fixed: My bike is back :)

Blog: Diversions

sunnies: claire's
wrap blouse: h&m years ago
brooch: ark
bracelet: primark
cardi: modcloth
jacket: h&m years and years ago
skirt: etsy
carry on: etsy (modified)
heels: office

macdon512

turquoise earrings: Forever 21
dress, belt, shoes: Goodwill
silver cuff: found in my parent's basement

Elizabeth Royal

Schwinnifred and I go jaunting a second time...

Dress: Vintage
Shoes: Vintage
Purse: Vintage
Sunglasses: Pilgrim
Bike: 1960's Schwinn

Read more on her blog.

Lulu Letty

Millicent on the Boardwalk

Mums the Word dress: c/o Ruche
Shift into Neutral heels: c/o ModCloth
Chloe sunglasses: swirl.com

mamichan

snake girl

We went to SooVAC's 10th anniversary Sideshow Soo carnival. I went as snake girl and wore most of my snake print things. My hair ended up different by the end of the night...

all remixed.

dress - vintage, from japan
bracelet - art leather etsy
scarf as belt - thrifted at june resale
sandals - target

And last but not least...

Kasmeneo

2011-05-20 red grey

shirt - Bon Prix
belt - don't remember
pants - H&M
shoes - Tiggers
watch - Tissot
pendant - Celtic Style, design by Roger Stuart Hill, bought on holiday in Scotland

It's inspired by a typical mizket look again, but then I reeaally like the belt-over-shirt thing. Gives the outfit a medieval touch.

P.S. This is KT officially calling Ramona Wheelright back to Vélo Vogue!

Guest Photo: Alicia Oblander

2011-08-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

All words and images by Alicia Oblander, a girl on a bike here in San Francisco who has a great photo blog, so check it out.

This is just a fun little side project my boyfriend and I are working on, kinda explains more on my blog. But we're planning to shoot lots of girls and lots of bikes and make a coffee table book of portraits.

I'm just trying to get these pictures out in the world and raise awareness of girls and bikes.

Our first shoot back in April which was in Bernal Heights and around Valencia Street.

Biking in Heels by Nona Varnado

2011-08-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

Photo by ooolicia

Nona Varnado of The Bird Wheel has made a fabulous post featuring four women from NY to SF (including moi) who bike in heels and tell us how it's done. Here's a little snippet, but please visit her blog to read more:

Since the Victorian era when bicycles were introduced to women all over the world, it’s had an astounding impact on women’s apparel and their ability to hop on a bike and enjoy life.

Though fashion has changed enormously since the Rational Dress Movement was formed to encourage women’s underclothes to weigh no more than 5 pounds and switch out petticoats for bloomers – fashion on a bicycle still remains a hot topic and one that often evokes the question, “how do they ride in that?”

Today we hear from four different women from NYC to SF about the how-to’s and joys of riding your bike in heels. Like learning basic bike handling skills, biking in heels is not on its own dangerous. With a little skill and practice it’s a great way to feel pretty & confident making the bike a perfect compliment to the rest of your life and transportation needs.

Can't stop the women and bikes!

2011-07-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

Photo by Teresa Meier

Two recent articles on my favorite subject of late - women and biking.

First, from Chicago - for women, safety = happiness.

“If we make it safe, fun and easy for women, we make it safe, fun and easy for everyone.”

Next, from Oregon - women are lagging in biking and bike businesses.

Speaking from personal shopping experience, I believe most bike shops here in SF are owned by men. The one that was women-owned near my house recently shut its doors (sniff!). My friend Kristen, who rides every day, just visited a men-owned bike shop in Petaluma where she felt downright disrespected by the sales and service reps. What's with the bad attitude, guys?

Maybe it's kind of like when you go to the weight room at the gym. Women feel intimidated by the lack of women in the room to join the guys and pump iron. So weightlifting is seen as a men's activity, and yoga & pilates are for women.

So maybe if women see more of themselves in bike shops and on bike lanes, we women will feel safety in numbers. I think we need to create more organizations and groups that promote cycling for women, such as the Community Cycling Center in Portland, which has done wonders for the female cycling population in that town.

Your thoughts?

Levi's New Commuter Jean

2011-07-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Seriously - has the bicycle gone mainstream?

Here are a pair of jeans designed by America's major jeans label that are made specifically for the cyclist, with built in reflectors and U-lock carrying functionality.

Is this really happening... finally? Or do you actually think, like some people in cyberspace have argued, that cycling for transportation is simply a fad?

Take Your Dog To Work Day!

2011-07-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Meet Rookie!

And please congratulate him on his first bike ride - EVER! Rookie is the adorable chihuahua mix that I fostered and am in the process of adopting. He is a great passenger/co-pilot (not a back-seat driver at all) as he remained quiet the entire way from my house near Golden Gate Park to my office in SF's Financial District.

My friend Kay lent me her Basil pet carrier that she picked up at Warm Planet. It's sturdy, sizeable, safe and comfy enough to accommodate your furry friend. I like that the basket attaches to a rear rack so your dog can chill out and not be distracted by looking into your face. That way it's actually safer for you too.

We had a fun time on our morning commute. I think I'll bike to work with Rookie more often.

Rookie is a bike rookie no more!

Bike Fashion 3.1 - You Look Good (in Phillip Lim)

2011-07-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Reason #11 I like to ride a bike? I get to show off what I'm wearing, demonstrated here in this stylish video shot in San Francisco, with models dressed head-to-toe in 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Rob Forbes' 17 Reasons and on Women and Biking

2011-07-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

10 reasons to bike not enough? Here's a closer look at PUBLIC Bikes founder Rob Forbes in the online magazine Refinery29. Rob gives us his 17 reasons a person should ride a bike, including sensual pleasure and sex appeal!

Agreed!

Rob even chimes in on my favorite topic these days - women and biking:

I think the biggest trend is that more people, especially women, are reclaiming the bicycle for everyday transportation. The prominent role that women play in the industry may not always be immediately obvious. If you judged by the percentage of guys working in bike stores, managing bike companies, or attending bike shows it would appear that the biking industry is like the auto industry: Largely a man’s world. But dig a little deeper and you’ll see that women are driving many of the major changes in the industry and advocacy, especially in the realm of how bikes fit into our communities with social purpose.

KT's Top Ten Reasons I Ride a Bike

2011-07-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Continuing the discussion on why more women don't bike in North America, I have decided to stop focusing on the negative (biking is too risky or too expensive, etc.) and present the top ten reasons that I ride a bicycle as my preferred means of transportation.

1) It's fun.

2) It's healthy.

3) It's efficient.

4) You can stop and smell the flowers.

5) It's social.

6) You can go almost anywhere door-to-door.

7) It's economical.

8) It's good for the planet.

9) Hot Dudes...

and Hot Chicks.

10) It's the journey...

and the destination!

What are your top ten reasons for riding a bike?

A Win for Wolfpack is a Win for Bikes!

2011-07-16T15:25:00.003-07:00

Photo by Waltarrrr via Yfrog

From laist.com:

Perhaps its time to re-think leaving on a jetplane with a rolly suitcase and opt instead for some short pants, a fanny pack and your bicycle. Wolfpack wins! In my country there is problem. And that problem is transport. Re-live the whole exciting Carmageddon race drama on Twitter #flightvsbike.

Rachel Maddow picks Wolfpack!

2011-07-16T10:32:00.001-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

CARMAGEDDON: Wolfpack Hustle v. JetBlue

2011-07-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Photo: Wolfpack Hustle

In a world where cars dominate the roadways, and the air quality keeps you indoors, one group of brave cyclists challenges the status quo and American transportation industry to a duel against time.

When all you have are your lungs, your heartbeat and electrolytes, can you dominate urban sprawl, fossil fuel and a big flying hunk of steel?

CARMAGEDDON. Starring the Wolfpack Hustle versus JetBlue.

COMING THIS SATURDAY, JULY 16TH.

ONLY ON LOS ANGELES ROADWAYS.

Click here for more information about the Wolfpack Hustle's challenge to JetBlue and when all hell will break loose in Los Angeles when the 405 closes this Saturday, also known as Carmageddon.

summer cycling: Vogue magazine

2011-07-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

When the top fashion magazines are finally picking up the cycle chic story, you know it's finally gone from subculture to mainstream. Vogue Magazine writes about summer cycling and what to wear, featuring fashion blogger/avid cyclist Hanneli Mustaparta on her Pashley (yeowza!).

Whereas the first photo is obviously staged (I wish that model was actually riding her bike rather than walking aside it), the second photo montage looks genuine, with three influential ladies in the spotlight riding two wheels. Brava! Will this kind of marketing really influence more women to bike for transportation?

senior style

2011-07-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

Advanced Style: Age and Beauty from Ari Cohen on Nowness.com.

Some fashion tips from some ladies who've been around the block.

"Too many people are so afraid, and they just want to do what everybody else does."

Maybe this post is a little more fashion than bicycle, but the message is the same:

Don't be afraid, ladies! Go out onto the streets with confidence! Blaze some trails!

Bike Wardrobe Remix: Lady Vélo

2011-07-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since we've posted a Bike Wardrobe Remix, due to Ramona's thesis project keeping her swamped, so I thought I'd bring it back with these three great looks from Lady Vélo of London - another fabulous woman on a bike!

Behind the Scenes: Photoshoot with Horst A. Friedrichs

Bike Wardrobe Remix Details:

Sunglasses: Tatty Devine for John Lewis
LadyVélo Name Necklace: Tatty Devine
50's Dress: LaFrock Boutique
Ring: Dorothy Perkins
Mary Jane Heels: Vivienne Westwood

Necklace: Tatty Devine
Vest Top: Topshop
Bracelet: Camden Market
Ring: Tatty Devine
High Waisted Floral Shorts: TopShop
Sandals: TopShop

Sunglasses: Ray Ban
Pink Breton Stripe Top: Warehouse
Brooch: Tatty Devine
Jeans: Diesel
Sandals: TopShop
Ring: Mawi

It's Friday!

2011-07-08T01:50:00.001-07:00

Time to put a smile on your face and get funkay!

What music do you listen to when riding a bike? If you're at a loss, then maybe you should check out this awesome downloadable Funky French Vélo Mix from Filles Sourires.

CHOUETTE!

Thanks to my pal Michael for sending along the link.

It's Friday. C'est la fête!

more on women and bikenomics

2011-07-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

More fuel to the fiery discussion about women, bikes and economics! The debate keeps getting juicier and I love it. The more we talk about the issue, the greater the chances that the story will make it to the pages of the New York Times!

Oh wait - it has! Twice in the past week for example.

It's safety, stupid!
Women, Uneasy, Still Lag as Cyclists in New York City

And what would make women feel safer? One word - INFRASTRUCTURE!
The Bicycle Dividend

Look - I can write about bikes and fashion 'til I'm blue in the face, but until our state and city governments - FEDERAL, even - drop some serious spending on building a safe, convenient and friendly bicycle infrastructure, I don't believe North America will ever see the levels of women (and men) cycling for transportation as you do in Europe and Asia - to go to work and play, dressed in normal clothing, as if cycling is a normal way to go. Yes, there are pockets on this continent like in Portland, but I believe we need to keep our representatives accountable for keeping the dream alive all over this country.

Thank you, and please let me know what YOU think!

FREEDOM!

2011-07-04T23:50:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me that if we didn't have the Declaration of Independence, we wouldn't have the free spirited City of San Francisco.

Let Freedom Ring and Ride On!

Happy Independence Day, y'all!

Madame est bienvenue! New IMF boss bikes to work!

2011-06-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Braw from HuffPo reports that Christine Lagarde, the new boss of the IMF, will bring her bike from Paris to D.C. so she can bike to work in her new environment.

Bravo, Madame! So far, we think you are a huge improvement to your predecessor.

He's just a hot dude on a bike.

2011-06-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Probably the best video about riding a bike that I've ever seen.

Le Velo

Face it - when you're hot, you're hot.

Vachement!

we've come a long way baby?

2011-06-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

Resulting from the discussion of women and bikes last week, I've received some interesting links that shed additional light on the issue at hand - Why don't more women cycle?

First, a report from CNN about how the invention of the bicycle emancipated women. Women of the world who bike unite with me and say YEAH!

And following a similar yet strange wave, the wikipedia page about how cigarettes were marketed as an emancipator for women. (See? We can be brainwashed too.)

One step forward, two steps back - here's a study on how the automobile gave women more freedom of movement.

So it comes down to - well - spin (pun intended). If society says "the bicycle gives you freedom and you should spend your money on it," it has been proven that people, including women of every income bracket, will do just that.

Which brings me to the facts. Serendipitously, I received notice after last week's reaction to Elly Blue's article in Grist about a survey that was done on the state of women's cycling in North America. 13,000 women answered questions about why they cycle, where they cycle and how they feel when they do it.

You can download all the info you need here, and this reading material should keep you busy for a few days!

And this site, the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, will give you surveys, articles, webinars and more ways to get involved.

I think this discussion has opened a door to a wide superhighway of thought regarding the popular use of the bicycle by women. I'm happy to continue the discussion here on Vélo Vogue, and please take what you have learned or discussed here back to your own homes, families, neighborhoods, city councils and beyond.

We've come a long way, but we've got a long way to go, baby.

Vogue Around The Globe - Women of the World on Bikes

2011-06-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

In response to the post of a few days ago regarding why more women in North America don't bike, I offer you these inspiring photos of the women who do, and do it every day, with pride and confidence. Thank you for being you!

from Chattanooga by Cameron Adams

from America's Midwest by Simply Bike

from Bucharest, Romania by Andreea Velobello

from Toronto by 'Xander @416cyclestyle

from Holland by Dutch Street Impressions

from Barcelona by Bart Omeu

from Lyon, France by Soya le gato

from Portland by poetas

from Boston by Lovely Bicycle!

from New York by a.pic.a.day

from San Jose by richardmasoner

That's a great smile to go out on. This blog exists to inspire you to get on your bike and experience the joy, the adrenaline, the euphoria, the connectedness, and all the other benefits that cycling brings an individual. My hope is that through these images more women (and men) will make the choice to put their butt in the saddle and start pedaling again!

Ride on!

or are we just plain stupid?

2011-06-21T10:16:00.001-07:00

I don't know why more women in North America don't ride bikes more as their means of transportation. It makes sense to me why everyone should bike, but Elly Blue of Grist asks if it's the economy [stupid].

I'm not sure if I buy her argument that the sluggish economy and the disparity between men's and women's salaries contribute to women not riding a bike, though I do agree with most of Elly's conclusive statements in her well-thought out article. Personally (call me a conspiracy theorist), I think industry and government conspired to make women think that cycling was dangerous, by providing an infrastructure for cars and not for bikes, and therefore some of us find it unsafe and refuse to get on a bike and out there on the street.

I don't see any legitimate reason why your average middle-class North American woman doesn't find herself a set of two wheels and get rolling. Everyone has an opinion, and consequently, we had an exciting debate yesterday via Twitter and Facebook.

Here's what some of our followers on Twitter chimed in to say:

@cascadecross
I believe that there are fewer women on bikes, but I don't buy the economy argument.

@poetas
I think it can play a part, but it's just a piece of a big puzzle.

@copenhagenize
I believe that there are fewer women on bikes, but I don't buy the economy argument. (I agree. Flawed argument)

@dukiebiddle
I agree too. Bad argument. No correlation between economics & female modal share in market by market analysis. And there actually is a correlation between female modal share & infrastructure quality. It's the risk aversion.

@sallyhinch
I don't buy the headline. If you read the article it's more like 'it's the infrastructure, stupid'.

@lovelybicycle
Economics as explanation for fewer women cyclists?.. RT @velovogue "I don't buy it" (me neither)

@skeskali
One of the things that doesn't get mentioned a lot is that in Denmark, most women work part-time. When you work part-time multi-trip bike transport becomes easier to do. But the number of working women who say part-time work is ideal is increasing. (source: http://bit.ly/jOo2b9) 52% full-time, 12% part-time (source: http://1.usa.gov/laNJrE)

@drooderfiets
I don't buy it completely but interesting RT @velovogue: What do you think of this point of view? http://fb.me/UX1FpVP9

@cyclelicious
More cultural than economic IMO.

@skeskali It's larger than individual choice and responsibility. It's structural. It's systemic. And that's why I loved that Grist piece.

@jessicabybike
Not economy. Carrying capacity. I buy that. I live that. A trailer for a 4yo & 2yo plus panniers helps for now

@skeskali
In N. America, bike infrastructure friendly changes don't usually begin until poor neighbourhoods gentrify. But focusing on how cheaply you can get a bike is the wrong focus, IMO. I think it's very real for a lot of women who aren't represented in the "cycle chic" aesthetic

And from Facebook:

Peter Verdone
I don't either. I'll give them the time argument, but that's not the greatest factor of all.

Really, in any urban or semi-urban area riding a bicycle is far easier, quicker, and cheaper that driving a car no matter your gender. I'm sure all ...of these poor women own cars so it debases the entire article.

I think the biggest reason for the gap is that women are encouraged to and feel fine with making excuses not to ride. But nobody is going to print that.

Infrastuctre change will be nice but I'm not one that believes that its the real problem. I've bike commuted for the past 25 years off and on on the east and west coasts. Things now are pretty fantastic compared to the old days.

The heart of... what I'm saying is that when I put my bike on the bike rack of the bus each day, mine is usually the only one that goes on out of 3 spots. I've only been 'bumped' two times in the past 4 years. Until that changes, I'm not going to blame the infrastructure for peoples lack of motivation.

Anna Lebemosdeff
I learned to ride a bike on the mean streets of SF, and don't buy this POV either. Change begins with each of us, and as SFYBP states, there are many organizations ready to help get ppl on 2 wheels, regardless of sex or financial status. It's about enjoying the ride.

Maybe we'll never really know why more North American women don't cycle until we actually see them out in droves.

dad's debut

2011-06-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all you dudes who also happen to be dads!

Yesterday, my dad suggested we go biking on Angel Island, a gorgeous state park that used to be the Ellis Island of the West and a military base dating back to Civil War times.

You can take a ferry over there from Tiburon, San Francisco and even Oakland. The ferry ride is all part of the fun.

It was the first time in two years that my Dear Old Dad got on his bicycle (he had shoulder surgery). He thought he looked really cool in his Italian jersey.

It was also the first time his wife had ever gone to Angel Island, and the first time I'd been there since I was about 16 years old.

It felt like a new discovery for all of us!

So we were all thrilled that the weather not only cooperated but exceeded our expectations! Beautiful and clear! Sunny and warm! No wind to speak of! Amazing!

I rode my single speed folding bike (a.k.a. the latte), which my dad kept referring to as the Monkey Bike (new name?).

We found many a picnic spot for next time...

and got a good work out in with a few hills built into the perimeter...

and great views around every turn.

Though riding bikes with Pops on Angel Island was a first for us, it certainly won't be the last time.

Give a hand to my dad for making his Vélo Vogue debut!

chainless wonder

2011-06-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here's something fun to think about - how about a bike with no chains?

Why yes, what better way to protect your pinstriped pants?

This bike from biomega gives you the freedom to ride wearing whatever you want.

No chainguard or velcro straps required.

armani one-ups darius

2011-06-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

So I just gave you a video featuring a sleek pair of jeans from Darius, but I think Armani's got something on Darius here.

The scene at the end is a bit freaky, but I think it can also be interpreted as funny ha ha. What do y'all think?

What To Wear - Darius Pearson

2011-06-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

Vélo Vogue and Mind The Gap have teamed up to bring you some simple bike commuter tips. First up, What To Wear for men, featuring Darius Pearson, manager at Chrome SF who commutes by bike to work daily. He tells us what he typically wears when he bikes to work or play.

Let us know what YOU wear to work! Especially the guys this time!

hot legs

2011-06-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

Ah! The benefits of cycling!

Mind The Gap - Trip to China

2011-06-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

Check out my friend Laura's Kickstarter campaign for her film Mind The Gap! Help Laura film in China by making a donation! Laura is a talented filmmaker and her project on sustainable urban transportation is so important.

Here is what the project is all about:

MIND THE GAP is a multi-platform documentary project examining the exciting work individuals, advocates and governments are doing to foster sustainable urban transit. The project includes a feature length film, event series, and webisode series.

At the end of May we plan to go to China to film in Beijing and Guangzhou. I’ve been talking to the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy who just named the city of Guangzhou the winner of the Sustainable Transport award for 2011. They are very welcoming and will help us understand how Guangzhou got to where they are today, as well as help us find commuters to follow. In Beijing, I am speaking to a local producer who is able to put me in touch with local bike advocates, local commuters, and transit policy people. We will also film an eclectic Beijing native who is a subway engineer by day and is an experimental musician at night.

black and white and having a ball

2011-06-10T08:57:00.001-07:00

The fitting word for SF fashion is "unique."

I happened upon these two during a random street fair on Market Street.

Happy Friday, yo!

baseball babes on bikes

2011-06-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

The bikes and baseball babes go to the ballpark!

KT, Adrienne, Robin & Erin (featuring Buster Posey - Dreamcatcher).

(If you were at the game on 6/5, you might have caught us during the sing-along on the big screen!)

We love our team! Black and Orange all the way!!!

summer hotness

2011-06-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

The Dudes are Back!

shut your facebook (are those flowers for me? awwww shucks!)

by Gabi~

Policía (is that a gun in your pocket, or...?)

by Claudio Olivares Medina

URBAN OUTFITTED (plaid flannel + man purse = metro hot)

by 'Xander @416cyclestyle

Showing us how it's done (show off those lovely biceps)

by richardmasoner

Bob Weaves (let's cross that bridge, honey!)

by JoeMBPro

Urban Cyclist Project 111 (let that healthy head of hair flow in the breeze)

by Velovotee

Thanks for being you, guys!

Rachel Sher

2011-06-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Personal Style: 20s Throwback
Bike: Motobécane