I have a confession to make: I consciously and blatantly break the law on a daily basis. Every morning, I kiss my wife and children goodbye, and ride my bicycle slowly along a 5-kilometre stretch of protected bikeway to my office, where I work as a Residential Designer. It is a simple act. One that should be encouraged and celebrated, as it is in 99% of the world’s great cities. But rather, because I choose to do this without a piece of Styrofoam on my head, I am labeled a criminal, and face being charged by the Vancouver Police Department under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act (as I have twice). This despite the fact I am not riding a Motor Vehicle, that I feel perfectly safe riding the city’s plentiful bike lanes, that I am statistically safer than a pedestrian crossing the street or even a driver sitting into a car, and that my choice of transport is far more economically and environmentally beneficial to the city.
When British Columbia first passed its adult bicycle helmet law in 1995, it was widely accepted as a sensible initiative to promote and increase road safety. The City of Vancouver followed suit shortly thereafter, passing a by-law that made it illegal to ride on city paths and seawalls without a helmet, under punishment of a $100 fine. Now, seventeen years later, it is undeniable these laws have not resulted in any of the benefits that were promised. They have not saved lives. They have not reduced healthcare costs. They have not increased road safety. It is therefore not surprising that only a handful of jurisdictions (BC followed Australia and New Zealand; the Maritime provinces followed us; then nothing) have since instituted such laws, while the rest of the world has recognized them for what they are: a complete disaster.
The most significant impact of criminalizing cycling without a helmet is the simple fact that the majority of people won’t bother. In particular, short, slow, utilitarian pedestrian-like bicycle trips to the grocery store or restaurant become a rarity. In a province facing the growing healthcare costs of 1.5 million obese or overweight people, this is of grave concern: especially when it is abundantly clear that the health benefits of cycling far outweigh the risks. Almost every study on the impact of mandatory helmet laws show a 30%-50% decrease in cycling rates, and up to 80% in some demographic groups, such as young females. The cost of this inactivity to society, in both lives and dollars, is monumental. It has been estimated that New Zealand’s helmet law contributes to 53 premature deaths per year, while Australia’s costs the taxpayer around $301-million in healthcare expenses annually.
Bike-share systems are another area where mandatory helmet laws become extremely problematic. Since the Vélib’ launched in Paris five years ago, the City of Vancouver has been studying the idea of a bike-share of our own. The lengthy delay has been down to one factor: how do you force people to wear helmets for a spontaneous, short trip on a shared bicycle? Meanwhile, over 300 cities around the world have passed us by, including such cycling hotbeds as Omaha, Houston, and Kansas City. Only three have attempted to do so under a helmet law: Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland, all of which were colossal failures. Vancouver tentatively plans to launch a system in spring of 2013, which will be significantly smaller than its Montreal and Toronto counterparts, and (laughably) includes helmet-dispensing and sanitizing machines. All of this notwithstanding the fact bike-share programs have proven to be incredibly safe; London, with far fewer traffic-calmed streets than Vancouver, hasn’t experienced a single serious injury after 4.5 million trips.
Unfortunately, neither the BC Liberals nor the NDP want to revisit this law, which also remains popular amongst the motoring majority: drivers who are freely allowed to smoke, drink, and eat as much fast food as they want, with no thought of the healthcare costs they impose. Even more disappointing has been the lack of leadership from Vancouver City Council, with Mayor Robertson and Councilor Deal both calling the law “appropriate”, and insisting the long-delayed bike-share program will proceed without any exemption.
However, there is a small but growing number of local activists who are speaking out against the law, calling themselves “The Church of Sit-Up Cycling” (in reference to one exemption from the BC helmet law: “conflict with an essential religious practice”) and launching a call to action: http://www.helmetchoice.ca. I stand proudly with the “Church”: the adult helmet law is a direct contradiction to our city’s goal of becoming the “World’s Greenest” in eight short years. It’s time to abandon the idea of helmet regulation, and try something new: increasing cycling safety through numbers and infrastructure, as they do in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Montreal, and New York City. Then, and only then, will the bicycle stand a chance of becoming a viable and widely accepted mode of transportation in Vancouver. I, for one, can’t wait.
All photos and words by Chris Bruntlett, unless otherwise noted.
Showing posts with label guest blogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guest blogger. Show all posts
3.03.2015
Chris Bruntlett Is a Criminal, according to Vancouver's Mandatory Helmet Law
Chris Bruntlett, blogger, writer, bike advocate from Vancouver, B.C. has some insight regarding the effectiveness of a mandatory helmet law for cyclists, as is currently proposed in California. We can learn from the failure of this law in Vancouver. This article first appeared in Hush Magazine on August 7, 2012. Please note: statistics cited may be outdated.
Take it away, Chris.
“When it comes to the big helmet debate, I believe in choice. Much like many other things in life, such as; smoking, drinking, eating fast food, and having unprotected sex. All of which affect our health care system far more than riding your bike around the seawall without a hideous mushroom cap on your dome. Are we going to make it the law to wear a condom or give out tickets to fat people? I am not opposed to wearing helmets, especially for children, and if one often takes long rides in traffic or along the highway, but for a leisurely ride around Vancouver? I choose to not wear one, and I think people should decide what’s right for them, like most places around the world.” -Mimi Lauzon, Bicycle Babes
I have a confession to make: I consciously and blatantly break the law on a daily basis. Every morning, I kiss my wife and children goodbye, and ride my bicycle slowly along a 5-kilometre stretch of protected bikeway to my office, where I work as a Residential Designer. It is a simple act. One that should be encouraged and celebrated, as it is in 99% of the world’s great cities. But rather, because I choose to do this without a piece of Styrofoam on my head, I am labeled a criminal, and face being charged by the Vancouver Police Department under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act (as I have twice). This despite the fact I am not riding a Motor Vehicle, that I feel perfectly safe riding the city’s plentiful bike lanes, that I am statistically safer than a pedestrian crossing the street or even a driver sitting into a car, and that my choice of transport is far more economically and environmentally beneficial to the city.
When British Columbia first passed its adult bicycle helmet law in 1995, it was widely accepted as a sensible initiative to promote and increase road safety. The City of Vancouver followed suit shortly thereafter, passing a by-law that made it illegal to ride on city paths and seawalls without a helmet, under punishment of a $100 fine. Now, seventeen years later, it is undeniable these laws have not resulted in any of the benefits that were promised. They have not saved lives. They have not reduced healthcare costs. They have not increased road safety. It is therefore not surprising that only a handful of jurisdictions (BC followed Australia and New Zealand; the Maritime provinces followed us; then nothing) have since instituted such laws, while the rest of the world has recognized them for what they are: a complete disaster.
The most significant impact of criminalizing cycling without a helmet is the simple fact that the majority of people won’t bother. In particular, short, slow, utilitarian pedestrian-like bicycle trips to the grocery store or restaurant become a rarity. In a province facing the growing healthcare costs of 1.5 million obese or overweight people, this is of grave concern: especially when it is abundantly clear that the health benefits of cycling far outweigh the risks. Almost every study on the impact of mandatory helmet laws show a 30%-50% decrease in cycling rates, and up to 80% in some demographic groups, such as young females. The cost of this inactivity to society, in both lives and dollars, is monumental. It has been estimated that New Zealand’s helmet law contributes to 53 premature deaths per year, while Australia’s costs the taxpayer around $301-million in healthcare expenses annually.
Bike-share systems are another area where mandatory helmet laws become extremely problematic. Since the Vélib’ launched in Paris five years ago, the City of Vancouver has been studying the idea of a bike-share of our own. The lengthy delay has been down to one factor: how do you force people to wear helmets for a spontaneous, short trip on a shared bicycle? Meanwhile, over 300 cities around the world have passed us by, including such cycling hotbeds as Omaha, Houston, and Kansas City. Only three have attempted to do so under a helmet law: Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland, all of which were colossal failures. Vancouver tentatively plans to launch a system in spring of 2013, which will be significantly smaller than its Montreal and Toronto counterparts, and (laughably) includes helmet-dispensing and sanitizing machines. All of this notwithstanding the fact bike-share programs have proven to be incredibly safe; London, with far fewer traffic-calmed streets than Vancouver, hasn’t experienced a single serious injury after 4.5 million trips.
Unfortunately, neither the BC Liberals nor the NDP want to revisit this law, which also remains popular amongst the motoring majority: drivers who are freely allowed to smoke, drink, and eat as much fast food as they want, with no thought of the healthcare costs they impose. Even more disappointing has been the lack of leadership from Vancouver City Council, with Mayor Robertson and Councilor Deal both calling the law “appropriate”, and insisting the long-delayed bike-share program will proceed without any exemption.
However, there is a small but growing number of local activists who are speaking out against the law, calling themselves “The Church of Sit-Up Cycling” (in reference to one exemption from the BC helmet law: “conflict with an essential religious practice”) and launching a call to action: http://www.helmetchoice.ca. I stand proudly with the “Church”: the adult helmet law is a direct contradiction to our city’s goal of becoming the “World’s Greenest” in eight short years. It’s time to abandon the idea of helmet regulation, and try something new: increasing cycling safety through numbers and infrastructure, as they do in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Montreal, and New York City. Then, and only then, will the bicycle stand a chance of becoming a viable and widely accepted mode of transportation in Vancouver. I, for one, can’t wait.
All photos and words by Chris Bruntlett, unless otherwise noted.
I have a confession to make: I consciously and blatantly break the law on a daily basis. Every morning, I kiss my wife and children goodbye, and ride my bicycle slowly along a 5-kilometre stretch of protected bikeway to my office, where I work as a Residential Designer. It is a simple act. One that should be encouraged and celebrated, as it is in 99% of the world’s great cities. But rather, because I choose to do this without a piece of Styrofoam on my head, I am labeled a criminal, and face being charged by the Vancouver Police Department under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act (as I have twice). This despite the fact I am not riding a Motor Vehicle, that I feel perfectly safe riding the city’s plentiful bike lanes, that I am statistically safer than a pedestrian crossing the street or even a driver sitting into a car, and that my choice of transport is far more economically and environmentally beneficial to the city.
When British Columbia first passed its adult bicycle helmet law in 1995, it was widely accepted as a sensible initiative to promote and increase road safety. The City of Vancouver followed suit shortly thereafter, passing a by-law that made it illegal to ride on city paths and seawalls without a helmet, under punishment of a $100 fine. Now, seventeen years later, it is undeniable these laws have not resulted in any of the benefits that were promised. They have not saved lives. They have not reduced healthcare costs. They have not increased road safety. It is therefore not surprising that only a handful of jurisdictions (BC followed Australia and New Zealand; the Maritime provinces followed us; then nothing) have since instituted such laws, while the rest of the world has recognized them for what they are: a complete disaster.
The most significant impact of criminalizing cycling without a helmet is the simple fact that the majority of people won’t bother. In particular, short, slow, utilitarian pedestrian-like bicycle trips to the grocery store or restaurant become a rarity. In a province facing the growing healthcare costs of 1.5 million obese or overweight people, this is of grave concern: especially when it is abundantly clear that the health benefits of cycling far outweigh the risks. Almost every study on the impact of mandatory helmet laws show a 30%-50% decrease in cycling rates, and up to 80% in some demographic groups, such as young females. The cost of this inactivity to society, in both lives and dollars, is monumental. It has been estimated that New Zealand’s helmet law contributes to 53 premature deaths per year, while Australia’s costs the taxpayer around $301-million in healthcare expenses annually.
Bike-share systems are another area where mandatory helmet laws become extremely problematic. Since the Vélib’ launched in Paris five years ago, the City of Vancouver has been studying the idea of a bike-share of our own. The lengthy delay has been down to one factor: how do you force people to wear helmets for a spontaneous, short trip on a shared bicycle? Meanwhile, over 300 cities around the world have passed us by, including such cycling hotbeds as Omaha, Houston, and Kansas City. Only three have attempted to do so under a helmet law: Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland, all of which were colossal failures. Vancouver tentatively plans to launch a system in spring of 2013, which will be significantly smaller than its Montreal and Toronto counterparts, and (laughably) includes helmet-dispensing and sanitizing machines. All of this notwithstanding the fact bike-share programs have proven to be incredibly safe; London, with far fewer traffic-calmed streets than Vancouver, hasn’t experienced a single serious injury after 4.5 million trips.
Unfortunately, neither the BC Liberals nor the NDP want to revisit this law, which also remains popular amongst the motoring majority: drivers who are freely allowed to smoke, drink, and eat as much fast food as they want, with no thought of the healthcare costs they impose. Even more disappointing has been the lack of leadership from Vancouver City Council, with Mayor Robertson and Councilor Deal both calling the law “appropriate”, and insisting the long-delayed bike-share program will proceed without any exemption.
However, there is a small but growing number of local activists who are speaking out against the law, calling themselves “The Church of Sit-Up Cycling” (in reference to one exemption from the BC helmet law: “conflict with an essential religious practice”) and launching a call to action: http://www.helmetchoice.ca. I stand proudly with the “Church”: the adult helmet law is a direct contradiction to our city’s goal of becoming the “World’s Greenest” in eight short years. It’s time to abandon the idea of helmet regulation, and try something new: increasing cycling safety through numbers and infrastructure, as they do in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Montreal, and New York City. Then, and only then, will the bicycle stand a chance of becoming a viable and widely accepted mode of transportation in Vancouver. I, for one, can’t wait.
All photos and words by Chris Bruntlett, unless otherwise noted.
5.21.2012
Festa de Bike!
Here's a guest post from our cicloactivista bike buddies in São Paulo, Brazil. As some of you might remember, I had a great time meeting the bike community in SP, and riding around town with Renata Falzoni and Felipe Aragonez. Needless to say, São Paulo has a special place in my heart, and I hope that I can join them for their Bike Party in the very near future (how much is airfare SF to SP?). Words by Icaro de Abreu and photos by Carlos Alkmin and Daniel Spinelli.
Bike Party São Paulo is an event inspired in the São Francisco edition, with lights, djs and a lot of music during and in the end of the ride.
The only mission is to spread the idea of use bike in the cities, but not with a hard speech. We do believe that this way is much more attractive and easy for people to understand the reason to use a bike as their main form of transportation.
On the other hand, we do make a lot of noise, riding through the streets, but in a group, people just want have fun. lol
I abandoned my car five years ago here in São Paulo. Everyday is more than 140 km at traffic jams. São Paulo is a chaos and something has to be done.
We are doing the bike rides, occupying the public space (its not a common thing here in São Paulo), inviting friends on facebook every last Saturday and the participants are increasing more and more, each edition. The last one for example were more than 60 people.
We will continue with Bike Parties and hope that São Paulo becomes a better city and, who knows, inspires others to do the same.
Editor's note: If you're lucky enough to be in São Paulo this Saturday, be sure to join in the fun. The theme is Namorados.
Join this Saturday's Bike Party!
On the other hand, we do make a lot of noise, riding through the streets, but in a group, people just want have fun. lol
We are doing the bike rides, occupying the public space (its not a common thing here in São Paulo), inviting friends on facebook every last Saturday and the participants are increasing more and more, each edition. The last one for example were more than 60 people.
Join this Saturday's Bike Party!
2.27.2012
Sonia's Travels - Then We Take Berlin!
I love Sonia's bike travel videos. But when I watched this Berlin episode, this Leonard Cohen song kept going through my head... Maybe she'll add a new soundtrack. ;-)
8.02.2011
Guest Photo: Alicia Oblander
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.
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.
8.01.2011
Biking in Heels by Nona Varnado
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.
2.06.2011
Tandem with CB!
cb is one of our regular readers and she submitted these wonderful photos of tandem bike dates with her hubby via our flickr photo pool. Take it away cb! (all words and images by cb)
recently the mister and i got our very first tandem, a gottfried french tandem to be exact. we named him gilbert. he is a beautiful grayish blue with accents of red in white...we joke about dressing up in french style clothing and riding around town.
riding a tandem is a very unique experience, really unlike any other i have come across. the tandem must act as a team...almost everything we do must be in unison. the captain, who is the person in the front controls the brakes, shifting, & steering and the stoker (that's me) is the person in the back. the stoker is the engine and sets the speed of the ride. if we don't act as a we can seriously hurt one another & the bike. we are getting the hang of it each time we ride and it becomes more fun each time!
this is our 3rd ride out on gilbert to the farmers market. gilbert is pimped out with our swift industries panniers!
recently the mister and i got our very first tandem, a gottfried french tandem to be exact. we named him gilbert. he is a beautiful grayish blue with accents of red in white...we joke about dressing up in french style clothing and riding around town.
riding a tandem is a very unique experience, really unlike any other i have come across. the tandem must act as a team...almost everything we do must be in unison. the captain, who is the person in the front controls the brakes, shifting, & steering and the stoker (that's me) is the person in the back. the stoker is the engine and sets the speed of the ride. if we don't act as a we can seriously hurt one another & the bike. we are getting the hang of it each time we ride and it becomes more fun each time!
this is our 3rd ride out on gilbert to the farmers market. gilbert is pimped out with our swift industries panniers!
10.05.2010
Guest blogger - Gabriela Sosa: Adventures in Malmö
Knowing I had 48 hours in Malmö, Sweden, I summoned the Sun God, Agni Deva, who was still vacationing in Spain, where I had left Him. After some reluctance, Mr. Agni himself, moseyed on over to the southern tip of Sweden to shed some rays during my visit.
Amrta Vapu (which translates from Sanskrit into Nectar Body, as you may witness for yourself) was gracious enough to lead me along a visually stimulating tour along the coastal city.
Colors popped as Scandinavia squeezed out the last bit of summer. Somehow the grass was greener, the ocean a deeper shade of slate, the wind, slightly more fragrant, or perhaps is was due to the company or perhaps Mother Earth was happy that two of her babies weren’t polluting Her body. In any case, please follow me, following my fearless leader, along Malmö’s shores on the last sunny day in Sweden, 2010.
Earlier that morning, I was working off my jet lag by taking pix of random Malmö goodness & shot a picture of a nicely illuminated outdoor café.
Once I realized it was close to our meeting time, I kicked off my kickstand & peddled toward my destination: Govinda’s: Malmö.
I skidded my bike on the cobblestone into Govinda’s courtyard & noticed Amrta’s bike leaned up against the PARKING VERBOTTEN sign. I chuckled to myself & of course had to take a pic.
Clearly rules do not apply to any friend of mine!
We set off down Föreninsgatan towards Kungsparken an awesome pebblestone-lined park that greeted us with a greenhouse café & windmill.
Nectar Body and Jiggly Body then proceeded on toward Scania Park...
all while cycling past the monolithic Turning Torso.
After bouncing around ideas on how to best develop the waterfront for artistic-eco-exploits...
we approached Malmö’s Central Train Station, where you can enjoy the cluster of urban cycles, as well as close-ups of Nectar Body’s super awesome sun-rusted artbike.
Next time, please join us, Nectar Body & Jiggly Body, on our trip to Christiania where we will share how they’ve taken cycle-style to a new level.
Until then, keep peddling.
Love,
Gabi
AKA – Jiggly Body (soon to be Abs of Steel Body)
6.22.2010
Guest Blogger: Libby McInerny Profiles Christine Louise Berry - Car-free in LA
Car-free in Los Angeles since May 2008Name: Christine Louise Berry
Occupation: Film Editor & Founding Artistic Director of Smart Gals Productions, a non-profit dedicated to building community in Los Angeles through art and literary events
Hometown: Fresno, CA
Current city/Neighborhood: Silverlake-adjacent – technically “Virgil Village” – in Los Angeles
Favorite city to ride a bike in the world: I spent a summer doing a dance workshop on a farm in Hakshu with Min Tanaka, a famous Japanese Butoh dancer. People flew in from all over the world, and the only way to get around the farmland was by walking or biking. It was definitely the most free I’ve felt on a bike – small city, very little traffic, clean air and so many fellow two-wheelers. It’s also the only time I’ve ever fallen off a bike – but there were extenuating circumstances involving a monkey.
Helmet or no helmet: Combo. I think it’s important to wear a helmet – you only get one brain. I traded up for a more “stylish” helmet, but it’s still dorky... it has ear muffs. I will confess though that on a beautiful, sunny day, when I’m not going very far, it’s really hard to put it on.
Type of Bike: Batavus Breukelen
Describe what you like best about your bike: With faster bikes, I had to think about what I wore. I nearly killed myself when a vintage sweater I had wrapped around my waist slipped off and threaded through the brakes, and boot-cut jeans would get caught in the gear wheel. It really felt dangerous. When I gave up my car, I knew I wanted a bike that would go with everything. So I chose a bike that replaces a car: it’s sturdy, visible, beautiful. The line of it is sweeping. It’s got this long stride. And the way the top bar slopes down -- it’s so f-ing elegant. It has a skirt guard and a hub-generated light that never needs batteries – everything is made to last. Ultimately, it’s just springy, really fun, and I never have to think twice about riding.
Describe your urban cycling experience: I think since childhood I have seen a bike as a way towards independence. It’s the first thing you can do when you’re a kid by yourself to get distance. I don’t like to go fast, and I don’t go too far, so by default biking keeps me local, integrated into my own neighborhood. By the nature of the way I ride I do all the things you’re supposed to do to be sustainable and have a tiny footprint: shop locally; be a part of your neighborhood; experience life in your community. When you have to walk or ride, it forces you into a different pace that I think people pay a lot of money for therapy and spa vacations, asking “How do I slow down?” Give up your car, and you automatically take in the sights, meet your neighbors. Riding my bike makes Los Angeles a small town.
Favorite time and/or place to ride: After a big street festival ends, when the roads are still closed. For example, Gay Pride in West Hollywood. One time it had just ended, and I was going somewhere on my bike. No cars could go through the blockade, but I could. It was like having a free pass -- a mix of transgressing and a playtime.
Tell us a funny story about something that happened to you on your bike: So much of it is the day in, day out because as soon as you get out of your car in LA, you have a different experience of the city. It makes me feel young all the time – and free. Once though, I was coming home on one of my Schwinns, and this kid – he couldn’t have been more than about 18 – sidles up below me on his bmx-style bike. He gives me a wassup nod, smiles and all smooth-like he says: “So, you’re ridin’ your bike.” That’s got to be the best opener I’ve ever heard -- and he escorted me home! It’s great to be hit on by someone 1/2 your age. That alone should motivate more single women to pedal out.
Describe your personal style: I’ve always had an attraction to vintage, and I’ve been around long enough to remember when vintage used to be cheap. I was wearing slips as dresses long before they started making dresses that looked like slips. I guess that vintage love affair leads me to sort of a classic style – one that my family has unfortunately often described as the “homeless look.” I get a lot of mixed messages. Since giving up my car, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect pair of not-scary, non-orthopedic-looking shoes that can be worn all day. My first choice is always just to find cool things designed by locals at one of my neighborhood shops.
Favorite bike advocacy groups: I’m a member of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition and a sometime-volunteer. In fact, I first discovered the Batavus Breukelen volunteering as a bike valet -- it was love at first site. I also recently joined the Adventure Cycling Association after a disastrous bike trip using nefarious Google bike directions. I try to do my part writing about car-free culture on a little blog that no one reads called SoCal Soft Pedal – the message is, well, soft, not a hard sell.
Vélo Vogue tip of the day: Moisturize your face before you go out on your bike, to keep the pollution out. Also, invest in racks, so you don’t have to carry stuff on your back. That hunched look ruins the elegant cycling line, and it’s bad for your spine.
6.14.2010
Guest Blogger: Stan Engelbrecht of Bicycle Portraits
This last Friday was marked as one of the greatest days in the history of South Africa. It was the opening of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. In the late afternoon when the whole country, and much of the world, was fixed on a TV screen, or at one of the local fan parks, or even at the game, watching South Africa play Mexico in the opening match I was on my bike, happily riding the teeming streets of Cape Town looking for that one special fan on his bicycle. I saw him in minds eye - decked out in his full fan regalia, twin vuvuzelas strapped across his back, sitting up straight on his bike wearing a wide grin across his painted face, every available bit of space on his bike jammed with South African flags, streamers laced through the spokes, lights flashing - the real deal.
I never found him… I found someone better. I found Takura Chadoka giving Mango Mogeni a lift on his BMX through the soccer crazed city streets, "...just to feel the vibe that’s all around - it’s cool!" Takura, like me - and little Mango it turns out - care more about bicycles and riding them than we care about soccer, "...it’s a good game, a beautiful game you know - but I like bicycles!" Takura said it best - it's not that we have a problem with soccer, it's just that we know, more than anything, we love our bikes more than we love the World Cup coming to our country. And finding each other in the midst of all that soccer craziness and screaming to be able to hear each other over the cacophonous vuvuzelas just to talk about bikes was awesome. We know who we are.
Bicycle Portraits will be a photographic book exploring contemporary South African bicycle commuter culture. Please visit http://kck.st/c09uOF and support us by pledging for a reward on our Kickstarter fundraising initiative page. For a pledge of $50 you are essentially pre-ordering a copy of the book. Please have a look! It's easy! We're 85% funded with only 4 days to go! With your help we can make it!
6.07.2010
Guest Blogger: Stan Engelbrecht of Bicycle Portraits
Last week Sunday I was on my way to Simonstown by bicycle - for a meeting and also to shoot a bit for the Bicycle Portraits project. I had just finished shooting a guy on a beautiful old racer I met along the way and we were just saying goodbye when John flew by on his BMX - in a suit! I threw my camera in my bag and jumped on my bike, waved a quick goodbye to Peter I just photographed and set off after this suited gentleman. But I had gotten a flat and my rear wheel had completely deflated while I was chatting to Peter! But I kept chasing - I had to meet this guy! I got him to stop reluctantly - he was on his way to church and he was running late! In the few minutes we had I took his portrait and he told me that he bought his bicycle only a few weeks earlier because of the train strikes we've been experiencing over the last weeks. His bicycle has helped him tremendously, and even if the trains start running again he won't be riding them any more. He's got his bike now, and he looks damn fine on it...
In South Africa we have no proper public transport infrastructure, and that which does exist is expensive and unsafe. We are also plagued with constant train and bus transport strikes, during which minibus taxi's often take advantage of their customers by charging them up to 3 times as much as usual. This is sad and frustrating, and puts a lot of strain on our fragile economy. Given all the benefits of commuting by bicycling - independence, fitness, cost-effectiveness, environmentally friendly - we would love to encourage the use of bicycles in South Africa amongst all social classes.
Bicycle Portraits will be a photographic book exploring contemporary South African bicycle commuter culture. Please visit http://kck.st/c09uOF and support us by pledging for a reward on our Kickstarter fundraising initiative page. For a pledge of $50 you are essentially pre-ordering a copy of the book. Please have a look! Only 10 days to go!
5.25.2010
Guest Blogger: Nic Grobler of Bicycle Portraits
Stephanie Baker
Pretoria, South Africa
Stephanie Baker is one of the most peaceful, open and captivating ladies I've ever met. She somehow manages to grace the streets of what many see as a 'dangerous' neighborhood with a touch of vogue.
"I think it’s wonderful for public relations! I really do. I enjoy it, I'm happy on the bike. I don't find this area hostile, I really don't. Some people living here get a bit frightened and well, I don't think you can go about looking over your shoulder and expecting trouble. I've only had one incident years ago where my bag was snatched, out of the basket, but that was the only time. That was retrieved fortunately. No, I'm not going to go around being frightened of things. Most people have good will. Some people here are very scared, even to walk down to the shops. They sometimes ask me if I'm alright. If I didn't have the bicycle, well I'm not very good at walking, I'd be more or less in retirement. At least I can get around and see the beauty of the place too. This bike suits me, it’s quite old now and I'm 82 and three quarters. I'm not sure If I'd manage with the new bike having all the gears. You know I'm from England, I often think when people see you, and you hear 'haauw', that it is only mad dogs and English women that ride a bicycle, ha ha. People know the bike around here now."
It was a privilege meeting Stephanie, spending some time with her and taking her portrait. I'm all the more convinced that seeing our neighborhoods, meeting our neighbors and passing by strangers from the seat of our bicycles somehow has a powerful positive social effect on us, and whoever we meet along the way.
Visit Bicycle Portraits and contribute to their Kickstarter fund.
Pretoria, South Africa
Stephanie Baker is one of the most peaceful, open and captivating ladies I've ever met. She somehow manages to grace the streets of what many see as a 'dangerous' neighborhood with a touch of vogue.
"I think it’s wonderful for public relations! I really do. I enjoy it, I'm happy on the bike. I don't find this area hostile, I really don't. Some people living here get a bit frightened and well, I don't think you can go about looking over your shoulder and expecting trouble. I've only had one incident years ago where my bag was snatched, out of the basket, but that was the only time. That was retrieved fortunately. No, I'm not going to go around being frightened of things. Most people have good will. Some people here are very scared, even to walk down to the shops. They sometimes ask me if I'm alright. If I didn't have the bicycle, well I'm not very good at walking, I'd be more or less in retirement. At least I can get around and see the beauty of the place too. This bike suits me, it’s quite old now and I'm 82 and three quarters. I'm not sure If I'd manage with the new bike having all the gears. You know I'm from England, I often think when people see you, and you hear 'haauw', that it is only mad dogs and English women that ride a bicycle, ha ha. People know the bike around here now."
It was a privilege meeting Stephanie, spending some time with her and taking her portrait. I'm all the more convinced that seeing our neighborhoods, meeting our neighbors and passing by strangers from the seat of our bicycles somehow has a powerful positive social effect on us, and whoever we meet along the way.
Visit Bicycle Portraits and contribute to their Kickstarter fund.
5.20.2010
Guest Blogger: Stan Engelbrecht of Bicycle Portraits
Morné Hendricks by Stan EngelbrechtAnd in the spirit of bicycle portraits, Nic and Stan from South Africa contacted me a few weeks ago, and I became eager to share their project with our VV readers. Here's the first in a series of guest blog posts from the creators of Bicycle Portraits.
The first time I saw Morné Hendricks he was buzzing past me on his Western Flyer Jean Machine down Church street, the main road of a small South African Karoo town to called Prince Albert. He had a small paper bag in his hand and a big grin on his face. I had to spin around and give chase. Turns out the small brown bag contained a tub of Aqueous Cream ('for my body') he just got at the pharmacy.
Morné loves his mom, chess and the freedom his Western Flyer gives him, and he wants to become a mechanical engineer when he finishes school. His only worry is that he might not be able to take his bike with when he leaves for university because he has to take the train.
People like Morné are the future of South African commuter culture. They love their bicycles and what it means to them. They understand, perhaps subconsciously, how empowering owning and riding a bicycle can be. People like Morné is exactly what the Bicycle Portraits project is all about.
Bicycle Portraits will be a photographic book exploring contemporary South African bicycle commuter culture. Please visit http://kck.st/c09uOF and support us by pledging for a reward on our Kickstarter fundraising initiative page. For a pledge of $50 you are essentially pre-ordering a copy of the book. Please have a look! It's easy!
12.24.2009
Velo Vogue- the bike
Hi Everyone, Ramona Wheelright here, guest posting on Velo Vogue, the premier bike fashion site. A certified bicycle addict, I recently purged my rusting collection of old bikes. San Francisco has been hard on the old girls, giving them a layer of rust that they managed to avoid in the first 60 years of their lives. Featured here is the Colson Vogue, circa 1938, now available at the Bike Hut. Even though Velo Vogue is about fashion, this bike deserves an appearance, since it is a velo called vogue. Imagine the ladies that rode this liberator around town....
12.20.2009
woh oh here she comes she's a man eater
Meli is stopping traffic as usual in a smoking hot yet comfortable to ride in ensemble featuring:
5733 Bike Girl T-shirt in gold
Nau Shroud of Purrin Skirt with a side slit and zipper which make for an easier and more modest mount and dismount.
Nau wool hooded jacket
Nau merino wool scarf
Super cute deco dot tights available at Sock Dreams
Fluevog ankle boots
Flashy gold glitter Nutcase helmet
Po Campo handle bar bag
Gorgeous Sycip cruiser bike
Photos by Richard Masoner/Cyclelicio.us
12.10.2009
Gwen meet blog- Hi nice to meet you!
Greetings fellow cyclists and fashion enthusiasts! My name is Gwendolyn Lee and I am honored to be a new guest writer here on Vélo Vogue. I recently organized the BikeStyle fashion show for Momentum magazine at the SF Bike Expo and prior to that I coordinated the Bike to Work Day fashion show for the SFBC. That being said I have done my research on bike specific fashions this year and I would love to share my secrets with you. I will be showcasing designers that transform a dull daily commute into a lively hip happening scene. I hope you find it helpful for sourcing the perfect gift this season for the stylish cyclist in your life. Especially if that someone is you!
Long live fashion with a function!
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