Hi.
So I figured it was about time that we finally got around to this Slow Bicycle Movement that popped up over at Copenhagenize.com. Not that there's any hurry, of course. Marie and I discussed it the other day and I took my time making this little internetty place that the Slow Bicycle Movement can call home. And, hours after launching it, I'm going on holiday to the summer house in Sweden. Appropriate, really, don't you think.
So. This is the first post. Um... go make a cup of coffee or tea or something.
Okay. Hi. So, I suppose it's official. The Slow Bicycle Movement is launched. Now go and have a beer a glass of wine or something nice.
Okay. Hi.
We figure the Slow Bicycle Movement is all about the journey, not the destination. The destination is, invariably, a fixed geographical point which isn't going anywhere... [okay, sure, the tectonic plates are in constant movement but they are thankfully even slower than us]... so you're going to get there eventually and anyway.
It's about riding your bicycle. To work, to play. Casually, in a relaxed manner. With time to enjoy the self-propelled movement that you and you alone generate. And, of course, to look around and see the landscape - urban or not - that you pass by at your leisurely pace.
It's time to take cycling back and place it firmly in the category "normal way to get to work, to the shops, to the cinema". Indeed, "normal things to do". This is for those who enjoy the ride. There are a kabillion websites/forums/blogs out there for those who enjoying riding fast/competetively [couldn't be bothered spelling that right]/in lycra and gear/what have you. THIS is OUR place.
Listen. What we need to do is twofold. We being Marie and I and all of you out there.
Let's get a list of members going. Write a comment and state your name and, if you have one, your blog/website. And add a graphic to your blog/website so we know you mean it and are proud about it. When I get back from hols, we'll post them on the right columny thing. The blogs/website links, I mean. We'll make a post with a running list of members.
Summa summarum:
Name/Location/Blog or Website [if applicable]
Okay... now we need to pen our Ten Suggestions. We're not going to go around Commanding anyone. We'll settle on Suggesting. What could these Ten Suggestions be?
Write a comment with your suggestions.
They should be bicycle related, of course. Nothing too broad. We don't want to step on the Slow Fish Movements toes.
I have a couple off the top of my head.
- Maximum five gears.
- Maximum 15 km/t [the average speed for cyclists in Copenhagen] unless flying down a hill... wheeee!
- Regular clothes.
We can vote on the best ones.
Capice?
Enough for now. These inaugural posts are exhausting. Besides, I'm going on holiday tomorrow, so I have to pack. Marie just got home from two months in Malaysia, so she's catching up with friends.
See you next week and let's get those comments rolling. Slowly.
Here's some badges for your blog or website if you have one. They're a bit updated compared to the first mention of the Movement on Copenhagenize.comOh, and we have merchandising!
127 comments:
Do I always have to ride slowly to be a member.
In last year or so I have discovered the pleasure of riding on flat pedals without lycra or bike computers. Just tooling along for the pleasure.
And it gives me a reason to buy another bike. :)
Wow. So am I only the second to respond to this?
I'm Christie
I'm in Bloomington, Indiana
I don't have a website.
I am a slow bicycle fanatic, although this is a new love; I used to be a "cyclist" e.g. racer, and then I quit riding all together after burning out.
I'm a bike commuter, and one of few in town (although with US gas prices and not very good public transportation, I see more and more out there). And I usually ride in a dress and nice shoes.
Suggestion:
Bicycle accessories, including, but not limited to, a basket, a bell, and lights.
Cycling happily (and slowly) around Sandwich bay every weekday and glad to join in the slow revolution.
Suggested suggestions :
1. Have fun along the way.
2. Stop to chat w/ pedestrians whenever possible.
3. Engage those poor folk cooped up in cars in a friendly manner - even if they've just about killed you. (which happens frequently here in Tucson Arizona.
I rarely ride slow. That said, i'm rarely in a hurry; i just like the feel of the wind! (At 108°/42° wind is a good thing.) And i'm certainly not paying attention to my cadence, pace, heart rate or anything like that...though i do sometimes keep track of cars passed during rush hour traffic.
Also, i've never worn spandex...don't intend to change that. Just riding, everywhere i go, because it feels good. So much better than being stuck in a car surrounded by other antsy, road-raging drivers.
IN!
I have 6 gears, but I only use 2. (I used to have more, but I totally got rid of the front derailleur. Who needs it?)
Anyway.
I'm in Chicago. I can usually be found on Flickr, but I've also got a Tumblr now.
And this is my ride:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/5s99js
suggested suggestions:
1- a cargo trailer for shoping or work
2- a cargo bike for kids if you have more than one.
3- a chainguard!
josè marìa - slowbiker!
Esquel - Argentina
www.midiarioalmafuerte.blogspot.com
Excellent...thanks for putting this together!
Suggestion #1:
Try removing one hand from the handlebars, if you crash, you were going too fast.
Great idea for a blog, I already love your others.
I'd been thinking about creating a "No Sweat" sign for my backpack -- "SWEAT" in a red circle with a line through it -- to let riders behind me know I'm not going to speed up just because they are in a rush.
BTW I have eight gears but don't hold those extra three against me, I'm still in no hurry.
i am rather slow indeed.
perhaps i should join.
www.whoistheredflash.com
Well, I consider myself a lifelong slow bicyclist. It's a longstanding family joke that I am never in a hurry on a bike so consider me in.
But is it really about the type of bike we ride? Is it really about some label? I am immediately out of the club as my bike has seven speeds even though it is probably five more speeds than I need or use (and I note that many other posters here are in the same situation!). I love my bike - and don't like feeling like I should apologize for it as I pedal to work in a dress or load up with a flat of flowers on the sidewalk next to True Value. Just reading it as your first item (wow) really disappointed me.
Isn't it about an approach to biking - it's not a race, you don't need lycra (unless it's a fashion statement), take your bike to work, to the store, on a date, to the movies, and out for a drink.
If the type of bike you own is what defines the slow bike movement you are as much of snobs as the racing crowd - and they are pretty damn boring group of guys.
90% of my trips are by bicycle in one of the most spread out metropoli in the country.
I'm Mason, and I live in Dallas, TX USA.
I'm a barista at a large health food store.
I ride a beat up 1976 Columbia Sports 3 that I bought off the street for $20.
My blog is here: http://containthecontainers.blogspot.com
My bike is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/breakfastcore/2507454058/
My bikerock band is here:
http://www.moonmissiondeathsquad.com
Suggested motto:
"Transportation not Recreation!"
I am Amy. I ride a Breezer Citizen with three speeds and alternatively a 1974 Schwinn Suburban.
My commute is along the Santa Cruz river in Tucson, Arizona.
Slow riding allows me to spot hawks, road runners, squirrels, lizzards, spontaneous public art, and, occasionally, interesting fellow humans.
Love it. I'm naturally slow so this is perfect for me.
I'm Anne
I'm in Seattle, WA
I ride an Xtracycle (it has more than 5 gears but sometimes I need them when I carry kids and stuff) and an Azor Oma (it has 8 gears but I mostly use 3 of them).
I usually have 2 kids with me either on the back of my Xtracycle or on their own bikes. We take in the sights, stop and look at butterflies and beetles and in general enjoy the freedom and simplicity of getting around on our bikes.
http://carfreedays.wordpress.com
I deleted my earlier post since I had linked to my blog which I've now moved to cyclesrobert.blogspot.com.
In any event, sign me up for the movement! Nothing like having a bike you can hop on in whatever you're wearing, and go to the shops, library, etc, and carry it all back home. All the while enjoying the leisurely ride!
Looking forward to future posts.
My suggestion: Relax, enjoy yourself. Because you're on a bicycle.
My bicycle had ten gear when I bought it. Through lack of maintenance (the gear cable needs fixing) I'm down to one.
Montreal Cykler approuve le Slow Bike Movement.
Cycle slow and live the trip.
Think Slow!
I have to agree with Alexandra. I don't think the number of speeds on your bike is indicative of whether or not your cycle slowly. I had a bunch of speeds on my first bike, but I was still slow.
I also agree with Christie. I think that there should be a suggestion about having the proper bicycle accoutrement. Don't let your bike go naked!
I go by BB on my blog which is www.sweetgabrown.blogspot.com. I was inspired by Copenhagen Cycle Chic. At the moment, I'm in rural Georgia, but I will hopefully be relocating to Atlanta soon (fingers crossed/sending prayers up to Heaven).
Well, my name is RJ and I'm Walla Walla, Washington, USA. I'll admit that I have a drawer full of spandex and there's a bit o' carbon fiber on my roadie..but I also moved out my apartment using a large bicycle trailer (bed, cabinets and all!), don't own a car, and find excuses to run errands just so that I can ride my Surly Long Haul Trucker/Xtracycle.
I blog about it here:
http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com
And I suggest:
-Members must be contagious.
i.e. spread the movement!
Speaking of- I'm starting a ride called "Bicycle Thyme" for our local food co-op, Daily Market. It's a "picnic pace" ride with small farm or eatery destinations.
Hello Slow Cyclists!
My name is Kristian and I'm a slow cyclist from London.
I've been a slow cyclist for a while now, and have been promoting the concept on my blog - www.intrepidcommuter.wordpress.com - where you'll now see a lovely Slow Cyclist Movement Badge!
I whole heartedly support the no Spandex rule, and would like to add another suggestion - that no Slow Cyclist ever engage in any form of road rage, and that by responding to any abuse from other road users with a smile and a wave, we'll gradually get our point across!
Great work!
Kia ora !
I'm pushing slow cycling in Christchurch( and the rest of ) New Zealand.
Bring back the bicycles bell !
Alan
http://urbanbicycles.googlepages.com/home
Hullo everyone! I'm in Hertfordshire UK, and am proud to be overtaken by every other cyclist on the road.
I have a cheap bike with too many gears that I don't understand. There are three on the left and six on the right, which I figure is just being fair to right and left handed cyclists. As a right handed person therefore I have six gears. I have two baskets and a lovely pingy bell.
I'm proud to cycle in normal clothes and shoes that don't fall into the sensible category.
Rather than ten suggestions, perhaps the movement should be defined by a manifesto or mission statement. If there is something that defines a movement it seems that it should have a bit of poetry, a lot of hope, and a dream of some ideal. IMHO, it should NOT be about material things - specifically, it should not require going out to buy a new bike or basket or anything. After all, isn't it really just getting on the bike you have in the clothes you wear every day and enjoying the ride with everyone else.
Personally, I love the manifesto at Copenhagen Cycle Chic (http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/2008/04/cycle-chic-manifesto.html) I really like that it gives a lot of room for people to find their own style (not everyone is a basket person after all - not even in Copenhagen)
Perhaps it is a place to start?
Though I personally tend to ride a bit fast on my "slow" bikes(anything with fenders and tires over 25mm wide is perceived to be slow in the US) my prejudice is toward the slow and deliberate over fast and frenzied. I nominate Kundera's novel Slowness as one of our foundational texts.
Anthony King
Wilmington, North Carolina
longleafbicycles.com
longleafbicycles.blogspot.com
Hello - I used to be Disgruntled Commuter (disgruntledcommuter.wordpress.com) but I quit my job and moved to the country so now I'm town mouse (cityexile.wordpress.com) & I'm definitely a slow cyclist, doggedly cycling to the nearest shop even though it's five miles away and getting overtaken by tractors.
I have six gears, and I need them for the hills, but can I also nominate mudguards (fenders) as one of the desirable accessories for a slow bicyclist?
Sign me up.
Aubree in Hillman City, Rainier Valley, Seattle, WA
Slowin down and enjoying the ride more and more.
Hola from sunny central AZ, USA. My bike is a Giant Suede with 7 gears.
My rides are leisurely ones, filled with sightings of: antelope, jack rabbits & cottontails, coyotes, lizards, snakes, tumbleweeds, mountains, big blue sky, etc.
We have lots of wind, so gears really help keep you from cycling in reverse!!
I think slow cycling is all about being in the moment, losing yourself to smells, sounds, the sensation of wind on your face, the relaxation of the wheels spinning.
Hooray for Slow Cyclists,count me in! I have two bikes a Pedersen, ridden in a slow and genteel manner, and a Raleigh Euro 2000 bike, sit up and beg style. Both have more than 5 gears but I don't use many of them. I'm happy to add the Slow Bike logo on my blog, http://himmelbjerget147.blogspot.com
xtian
Slow bicycling.
It's not about the bike.
It's about the view.
Time to look.
Time to think.
Time to socialise with your cycling friends.
Nigel
http://bikingbrits.blogspot.com
I'm Marge In Seattle, Bravo Slow Bicycle Movement. I don't have a web site or blog and my bicyle has more then five speeds. I love to cycle slow and enjoy the ride. I feel bad for the poor cyclist that drive their bicycles to a meeting location and then ride like the devil. what's the point?
Hi everyone,
While Mikael is out in the Swedish woods doing something really slow, I'm reading all your posts with a big smile on my face.
It's lovely to see so many of you supporting our movement!
Keep posting wise words and suggestions...
/Marie
All the cars pass me.
Oh yeah, so do all the bikes.
Style, not speed, Baby!
I am Nick, on a 7 speed with fenders, chain guard, rack, basket, bell, lights, and generator, no speedometer; in the 'Burque (Albuquerque, NM). I almost passed a 95 pound weakling on a Schwinn the other day but he hammered down and got away.
I'm the ultimate slow rider... I've tried the 24 gear lifestyle, but have never enjoyed it... recently I discovered Copenhagen and The Trek Lime bike which has 3 gears.
I'm protesting the gas prices/inefficient lifestyle here in the US. I live in a small town in NE Georgia. My blog is at http://readwriterunmania.blogspot.com/
do you need a theme song? It's a bit nationalistic, but otherwise...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afX6VYn48KE
DrMekon
Cambridge UK
http://bakfiets.co.uk
Mudguards, lights, chainguard and skirtguard are de rigeur. Unless exceptionally stylish, luggage should not be worn. That's what baskets, bakfiets, panniers or trailers are for. People who hang plastic bags from the handlebars need to see Mr Hembrow after school.
Down with Lycra!
My concept helmet for the slow, yet stylish cyclist. http://bicycleconcepts.blogspot.com/
From Vancouver B.C.
My sort of club. Count me in. Suggest informal local branches, organising slow outings for cyclists.
My new blog is at
http://williamsthewheels.blogspot.com
If we can't recycle the Copenhagen Chic slogan 'Style over speed', than can I suggest the old British Rail slogan 'We're getting there'? After all, BR, as any Brits will know, inadvertently pioneered the slow travel movement...
ps. I have the badge on my townmouse blog now.
I confession to make. I ride in tennessee and I sometimes go fast. Its not that I race... heaven forbid! Its just that the HILL brings this manical pleasure when i get to the top and look down the other side. Sometimes I stand up on my pedals and yell WOOO HOOO! Sometimes I ride with no hands for the sheer pleasure. For the most part I just cruise (with some meandering). I find blackberies, ride among the cars, smell road kill, sweat in the humidity, go up, go down, wait at lights, wave to pretty drivers, stop at starbucks, watch deer, get wet when it rains, freeze when its cold, and bumm out when drivers yell at me. I'm a commuter. despite my downhill speed- can I join?
Hey!
I’m Tiago. Portuguese, living in Paris for a couple of years.
I ride a Flying Pigeon every day, riding it’s one of my biggest pleasures. It’s always fun.
I love vintage bikes and gear. I just started a blog about that. You can take a peek on http://bicyclendesire.blogspot.com/ (leave a comment if you like it)
My ride it’s wonderful, it’s a Flying Pigeon from the 50’s (I think!), doesn’t have speeds, but sometimes I go fast… I love the wind…
You can check how lovely my bike is on http://www.flickr.com/photos/28017287@N08/2638787984/in/photostream/
Happy and proud to take part on this slow bike movement.
Just Ride with Unashamed Elegance
Love,
Tiago
Hi everyone,
I'm Marta
from Poznan, Poland
got infected with biking virus whilst living in Madison, WI, USA :o)
I have an old silver Motobecane bought in a thrift store for $25 that is coming on a ship to me, as I just moved here
I don't have a car and I don't ever want one. I ride slowly, especially uphill ;o)
I don't know how many gears I have, coz I mostly use one :o)
Oh goody. A new blog to obsess over! I'm Lislynn and I live in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia (USA). I don't even know what kind of bike I have-- yardsale treasure. I'm not sure how many gears it has (never counted), but I do use all of them-- the hills around here are killer. I also have a trailer for my two babies and you can see pics of the whole, very slow-moving rig at my blog:
www.theforsheyfour.blogspot.com
Hi All,
I'm a bike nut in Pullman, WA. I don't race, but I do longer rides on a comfort race bike. I do all my riding in town (and shopping) on a city bike I brought back from Europe.
Some "Suggestions"
You might consider having at least one basket on your bike.
If you live in hilly terrain, you shouldn't feel any shame asking your bike shop to put a huge rear cluster on your bike.
Best,
Chuck
I am so excited to see so many slow bikers out there. It's all about joy in the journey.
Hi! I'm Diane. I bike to work because it's faster than walking, but not by much. Why go fast - you miss all the scenery! My blog is http://twinstras.wordpress.com/
I am definitely a charter member of TSBM!
I hail from the Coastal Plain/Sandhills region of North Carolina, but ride where ever my jobs send me, currently in the N. Charleston, SC area.
Personally I don't think the bike is as important as the attitude. Most of my bikes are internal gears ranging from 2-7 speeds. I have a couple of dérailleur geared bikes for touring or hauling stuff.
ALL of my bikes have fenders, most have racks, chain guards are preferred.
Aaron
I love this concept! I make almost all of my trips around Dallas, TX in jeans and t-shirts on my $25 three speed with the crate zip tied to the rack. My dream is to someday ride (extremely slowly) across the Americas with no agenda.
I have been in the slow movement since before it had a name. I do everything slow and I have a rule. If while doing things slowly three things go wrong then the day is canceled and all task will be attempt some other day.
Old Fool suits me and www.oldfool.org is my website.
email is oldfool@oldfool.org
No rules suits me. I ride a1976 lady's Schwinn with full fenders, rack and 3 baskets.
Multi-tasking is a moral weakness.
I like to cycle quick, but, sometimes I like to cycle more slowly when touring. When commuting to work on the tow path in Oxford, I'm pretty slow. But, I'm also a time triallist with every aero gadget to try and get that 30mph average :)
Tejvan
cyclinginfo.co.uk/blog
Greetings
Calling out to the USA!
Here in San Francisco ….Slow Food Nation-- Aug 29th to Sept 1st
Come stop by www.RidingPretty.blogspot.com/
Check out my call out for ‘Slow Rides’ Social Clubs
Here in Berkeley I’ve been into the Slow Movement for some time now…
SO proud San Francisco is hosting the Slow Food Nation Event!!!!!!!!!!!
Count me in. I almost always ride slowly, or at least at a reasonable pace. I try to give myself a lot of time to run my errands or get to work so I don't stress myself out.
I ride a Raliegh Venture and the gears are quite messed up (never go to that bike shop again). And I ride in the San Fernando Valley, California...
In the tropical heat, the only way to ride is slow.
Aaron, Singapore
http://blackseafleet.livejournal.com
So happy to find this blog! I studied abroad in Copenhagen and fell in love with biking around the city. Now back home in Wisconsin and commuting around on an '82 Schwinn Varsity...
I appreciate 'fast' riding as well, but feel that 'slow' and stylish bicycling makes it more accessible to the masses :)
I'm trying to break back into biking without breaking myself or anything. Like I tell my friends, it may only be a mile to work, but it was a mile I wasn't riding before! :-)
It's not just about biking, or much of anything really, but...
http://statrixblog.statrix.com
Aloha from Honolulu! Bob
Count me in:
I'm David Evans
from Somerset in the United Kingdom
http://highwaycyclinggroup.wordpress.com
I've given up trying to better my average speed and started wondering who I know that will give me a cup of tea on my route.
I also find that a Brompton is the ideal slow bicycle.
suggestions:
No clipless pedals
Views should be enjoyed at snails pace or while stopped
Blackberries found growing in the hedgerows must be picked and eaten before the ride can carry on
Saddles must creak gently
The freewheel should tick at a rate that suggests it may be possible to count the number of clicks - though won should not be inclined to do so
At least once a week riders should be so deep in thought and distracted by meandering that they forget where they are going
Hills may be walked
...as may gradients
passing trains must be waved at.
At least once a year the bidon should be replaced with a flask of hot soup or tea
A bidon will always be called a water bottle
Travelling down hills and slopes should be accompanied by a gentle "wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" even if it's under your breath.
Always yawn at traffic lights
Any driver you make eye-contact with should receive a conspiratorial wink and a knowing smile
I'm Kate, I bike everywhere in skirts and heels, and I live in New Orleans, blogging at:
http://whatisawridingmybikearoundtoday.wordpress.com/
I think task rides are very, very important.
Sweeeeeeet. I moved to Copenhagen last September, and I am loving that it is actually possible to bike year round here.
I have a police auction bike here that's totally thrashed, but I love it even more for all that. I've also got a hybrid in Chicago in storage that I hope isn't too lonely without me.
My blog is at unstuckintheworld.blogspot.com and will soon wear a button.
So count me in. :)
Cori
"all about the journey, not the destination" Skål!
Count me in!
http://bentlyr.wordpress.com/2008/07/09/bicycles-on-the-rise/
This is for me! Picked up moving slow in Singapore and now riding stress-less by back streets in Sydney.
thanks for the badge,
lisa
http://www.studiononstop.net
Just one more "well, you obviously don't want me in your club" person, even though I'm rather famous for riding slowly. Snobbery is snobbery, ya know... Personally, I'm about *honestly* being relaxed and inclusive, not polarizing.
I'd love to join you if I could (I certainly travel at the right sort of speed), but my bikes got - at the last count - 27 gears, even though I only use about 3 of them (OK, 4 when it's windy).
Count me in. We have 70 years of advertising and marketing to overcome here in the States telling us the bike is a toy for our hobbies and recreation pursuits.
The Slow Bicycle Movement is what it take to get joe & jane public thinking of the bike as source of transportation.
Thanks for yet another great site.
bikejax.blogspot.com
I'm a lifelong slowpoke so this is perfect for me. Usually I never join anything because it bums me out to always be at the tail end of every new trend ... but if the whole point of the thing is to go slow, then I guess that's all right. I commute 6 miles round trip in rural northern California, usually in a skirt, and always very slowly -- I find so much cool stuff on the road, I don't want to miss anything by zooming along too fast. I have learned to carry just about anything home by bike and so that's my suggestion: if you're going so fast you think you can't handle four cartons of eggs or a 30 lb. bag of dog food, you are not riding slow enough to be considered a "slow cyclist." And I agree that the number of speeds shouldn't matter -- it's not what you ride, it's how you ride: slowly and with intense pleasure!
For some reason my comment (see above) didn't link to my website ... it's here: tinarama.blogspot.com.
Hi there. I'm Beth, commuting by bike in Melbourne, Fla.
I occasionally post about bicycles at http://nerdywords.blogspot.com/.
Bought a nice hybrid/city/ commuter/whatever with too many gears but good brakes two weeks ago, and have been spending every spare cent on it. The fenders were mounted a few days ago, and I ordered the basket tonight. Even found some pretty silk flowers to go on the basket.
Hooray for pleasure riding, even when commuting!
I've not yet made it to riding in a skirt or dress, as I can't figure out how to dismount without flashing the free world. But that will come soon enough.
And I agree with others about not limiting the group based on too many gears or not enough other accessories. In the US, Dutch bikes are far from the norm.
Thanks for another excellent blog to check frequently!
Here I am!
Marco, from Lausanne. I'm mainly a foot commuter, occasionally transit rider and bike rider.
My motto: fun over speed!
I'm poky too. I like to bike in whatever I am wearing at that very moment, and lycra/spandex exist only in my fashion tights and undergarments!
Mackenzie
Minneapolis, MN
Bike Meets Girl
www.millcitymaven.blogspot.com
Hi!
Love the site and love the slow moving merchandise you have created along with it. Would it be possible to get that great yellow messenger bag with a ladies' frame badge on it? Just asking 'cuz I love the bag, love my ladies' frame, and love the slow bicycle movement.
-W
Beg to disagree with the max 5 gears rule - I pedal slowly in all gears!
Some of us are built for neither comfort nor speed...!
Hey, I think I posted a comment on the original post at Copenhagenize, but I'll say it again: the Old Bike Blog is proudly on board and already sports a logo widget (which two words, said out-loud together, sound completely ridiculous). We love Slow Bikes!
As more of a "foxtrot" cyclist ("slow, slow, quick, quick, slow"), maybe I'm not eligible, but I like so much of what this is all about, especially the promotion of courtesy and repsect bewteen different groups of road users. Bristol (UK) must have the angriest car drivers on the planet, probably because we also have the slowest moving traffic in the country.
Dave (http://smilingdave.wordpress.com)
I'm Surly
I live in NW Indiana, USA
www.surlycamera.blogspot.com
normal clothes
handlebar grips above the top tube
smiles
By number of gears and occasional wearing of lycra nicks (it gets hot here and lycra doesn't get as icky as cotton) and occasionally getting excited and getting to 20mph!!!, I don't qualify. By preferring not to hurry, using my bike for pretty much everything (carless) and having a hybrid bike that sits me up, I qualify
The Florida summer is getting crazy humid these days and me riding in full (formal) gear almost begs to ride slow.
My ride is only 2.2 miles, so I am not pressed for time either.
I am Abhishek
My website is www.shekscrib.com
I will have the picture on it soon. I live and work in Jacksonville FL. I would like to get my hands on an old dutch bike.
Riding slow gives onlookers time to check out how hot you are on your bike, possibly even stop and chat. This happens to me all the time and I love it.
Check us out at http://velovogue.blogspot.com
Kristin
I too feel the number of gears is irrelavent. It is not how many gears one has but how one uses them. Handle bar shape is probably more of a determiner than number of gears in ones ability to savour the ride. But then again why concentrate on limiters? Why not accept anyone that understands the concept of the slow movement into the fold regardless of race,creed,color or mechanism?
Two suggestions:
1. Name your bike! (bikes are people, too!) My boyfriend's bike is Rusty (because he is) and mine is Molly. Hi y'all!
2. Riding your bike (slow) helps you know how the small things in your neighborhood change and grow: weeds, flowers, front doors, cats hanging out, cows, construction sites, fruit trees, old ladies, gardens, etc.
Tinarama is an old friend and a long-time fellow skirt-bicycler. Check out her blog!
Joining the ranks!
So happy this exists... I enjoy leisurely rides and a low-car use lifestyle down in southern CA.
http://pedalingspells.wordpress.com
I've got 9 gears and a huge Wald basket. I've just recently discovered the joys of riding slow.
Here's my blog with pictures of my bike:
http://www.rattrappress.blogspot.com
Well, I don't ride slow at all. I think I'm one of the fastest bycicle riders on my city (worth noting that there are just two or three of us).
But I really really love the idea. I was thinking about switching to a more comfortable bycicle. Now I'm pretty shure I'll do. And about taking my time and look around me.
I'm not yet a slow bycicle rider, but I'll be soon.
My suggestion:
Don't put much condicions to the membership. The only question you shuld ask someone is: do you really feel like being part of the Slow Bycicle Movement?
Equipment, number of gears, etc... Does it really matter? Just write a manifest saying that:
- we want to enjoy our way
- we don't hurry
- we use the bike as a normal and cool vehicle. It isn't sport.
- it's about a happy, friendly ride
The words "It's style over speed" are the best way to say that in short. Don't need much explanation.
Ok, so, when I feel like a slow bycicle rider, I'll come back and join.
I have to reiterate that I think the think the gears maximum requirement wrongheaded. Too many people have posted comments apologizing or excluding themselves from the movement despite being in philosophical agreement with it. I think that enjoying the ride and spreading that pleasure around should be the most important rule. I also think that you should treat your bike like a friend. We don't treat our friends like they're so precious that they can't go out and get dirty with us, but we don't put them in danger either. As that regards one's bike, I think that means you should take it anywhere in any weather you can handle and that you should lock it and keep it safe. You should also buy your bike something every once in a while-- a bag, a basket, some lights-- something, in the name of reciprocity. Think of all the stuff your bike does for you.
I'm Rose and I'm a slow cyclist from the near west Chicago suburbs.
I ride a single speed. Here's a not very good picture of it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9342148@N06/2625876582/
And my website is
http://rosecampion.blogspot.com/
Oh gosh,
ever since i got a new phone with internet on it i check the Cycle Chic Blog religiously haha.
Since i couldn't comment the day The Slow Bicycle Movement got a blog and completely spaced out about it, i'm glad i finally get to write in it now.
My name is Lili Torres
I'm from Colombia,
live in the suburbs of Miami,
and go to college in Kansas.
I have a myspace and facebook, no actual website though.
Normally people around florida don't bike much since the overly excessive highways and heat, but i loved biking,
and ever since i moved here for college and got my 1970's raleigh bike i do nothing but cruise around this small college town.
Wow i'm writing a novel,
anywho i think the suggestions should be maybe 10 reasons to ride your bike slowwww, and why commute with a bike such as:
-enjoy yourself
-take a good look at the scenery
-staying healthy
-help out the environment
-get bikes to have equal rights as cars
By the way has anyone here ever heard of Critical Mass?
Fun! I'm so happy to see this blog!
Ok, you have met me through Flickr (I'm Young@Art) and know that I only recently have talked about how much I enjoy my bicycle on my blog. But I have a blog, yes, and I'll be musing more often about this because cycling for transportation, not just recreation, is dear to me. I am trying to spread this enthusiasm around me in California, the state in the US with the most cars :( We seem to have plenty of sport cyclists but not as many regular, everyday people like me just getting from point A to point B on bicycle. It's crazy! For that one would have to visit Portland ;)
I am a stay-at-home (so they say) mother with two children, and my husband commutes 30 miles a day in heavy traffic to get to work. We're currently cycling everywhere we can, learning as we go, and (it seems!) inspiring others to do the same (Damon's coworkers are gradually trying harder to commute by bike).
You can keep in touch with me by my blog:
http://stephs.com
I would like to read articles here on cargo bikes! Currently I'm trying to build a cargo bike for kids and groceries, and find plenty of time during the week to steal away and pub-crawl with my husband. On bike ;)
I just got back from the Green City Market with my bike filled with vegetables, fruit, cheese and flowers, I was calling it a SUB, Sport Utility Bike, it is 10+ years old and looks beaten up but it gets me all around the city......I don't wear a helmet because I believe it makes me bike more slowly and carefully....anyways....yeah for Slowbikes!!!
I have discovered lately that nearly everybody is passing me by on their bikes, it was upsetting at first but now i dont worry about it. I have a Dutch Bike now that i got from Henry Cutlers ,Work Cycles.nl since September 07 and I really enjoy it. You can see my Bike on Flicker Norbert Malone is the Nom De Plume I use. I have put your Badge on my New Web Site,
http/ ranndoneurgris.blogs.ie Slow Person on a Bike.
I mostly Travel at 16 Kilometre Per Hour
I forgot to mention that I am from Dublin Ireland. I use my Bike for Transportation, and for Transporting Groceries , Timber and anything else. It is a big strong Bike with a Detachable front Carrier. it is an Azor Crossframe Preachers Bike/ Azor Kruisframe Pastoor Fiets.
Great idea.. we needed this movement :)
I am sorry the Blog is slow bicycle person.blogs.ie
I am New to blogging and make mistakes.
My suggestions is A dog Basket it is an absolute must.
A Beige Linen Suit and a Panama Hat.
An Umbrella.
John
Wichita, Kansas
Cycling in Wichita
former speedball is very approviing.
And proud to have founded a club 20 yrs ago that favored the wobbly, the uncertain and the scared.
We were (and are) the WOMBATS
THANK YOU ZACK!!!
jacquiephelan
Hi
Just taken up cycling after a 20 year break.
Sold the car and bought a bike.
This is EXACTLY what life is about.
Magic.
OK, I'll play. brett from Portland OR USA here. Never a speedster, but definitely in a hurry on my hybrid all the time, zooming from place to place -- until
1. took a turn too fast, hit some gravel, out of commission for a few weeks. Then
2. visited Utrecht, rode my hosts' Batavus along canals, in the country, in the city, and realized: this is much more fun and gratifying!
AFter much research, recently found a highly affordable Dutch bike (near-new Jorg & Olif Oma) on craigslist, and now cruise around town proudly upright, stable, and slowish.
My old hybrid makes me want to go fast. My Oma makes me want to enjoy the ride, and my back, hands, and neck all appreciate it as much as my attitude does. I enjoy the ride more, so I ride more. Almost never drive.
I like cities more than long rides out in the country, and I love cruising the city and neighborhoods at a pace that lets me appreciate them, but also being able to get around as quickly as I need to when I need to.
Bonus: on a Dutch bike, I can go 7 mph comfortably, without tottering, and that's the max speed of my wife's motorized scooter. So we can roll around together, exploring Portland.
New motto: leave 5 minutes earlier, enjoy the ride, no sweat.
Thanks for organizing the movement! When the lycra clad are whizzing by, it helps to remember that I'm not the only one biking upstream. In fact, I'm seeing more of us every day.
Hi there, I'd like to join!
My main bike is a 21 speed hybrid but I rarely use more than the highest seven gears. The other gears are reserved for going very very slowly and for hauling cargo.
My blog's addy is http://nickdavidwright.wordpress.com/
I'm all about the slow thing. It's become the solution to one of cycling's only drawbacks, sweating profusely.
I hail from the Chicago suburbs and am having a contest with myself to see if I can cycle more days than drive. My commute is 30 miles round-trip, but mostly beatiful bike path.
My favorite bikes are my 3-speed with fenders and my single-speed road bike with moustache bars. They make riding totally enjoyable.
My webpage on cycling is: http://67.184.135.50/wordpress/?page_id=345
-Nathan
Hmm, 100th comment: do I get a special badge or something? :-)
Here's my suggestion: It's not about how many gears you've got or what you wear or what you ride. It's about the attitude. If you're friendly and inclusive, and if you'll talk to anyone on a bike (not just the riders who've got the "right" bike and the "right" gear), and if you say "hello" to everyone you pass--then you're a slow cyclist. It doesn't really matter how fast or slow you actually ride.
Oh yeah, Melbourne is my location and my blog is at treadly.net.
Ahh. I wrote about slowness a bit ago. I'll ride along. Sometimes I try to ride faster than slow, but slower than most. Bakfiets, city bikes, fixed gears, kite flying days, wandering to cafes... all good.
Mike (and Ava and Jen)
Burlington, VT
Oh I hope its not too late! I was a little slow in getting here :D
I'm Tanya, currently living in (but certainly not from Texas. Casually saunter over to my blog sometime: http://tjrelic.blogspot.com
I get to where I'm going, without hurrying too much. Of course, the fall semester is about to begin, and I might have a few late starts that require rushing. I'll try not to embarrass the community though.
Scott, near Harrisburg, PA. Five speeds or one, depending on the bike. (Please keep the 21 speed MTB a secret.) I rant occasionally about bikes at http://www.twosixteen.com/fivetoedsloth/
As for suggestions, slow bikes need fenders/mudguards and no drop bars. Smoke a pipe while you're riding.
I'd love to be a member :)
My name is Dave Feucht, and I'm currently living in Portland, Oregon USA.
I have a bike from an American bike company called Electra, the model name is the Amsterdam, and it has 3 speeds. So far, I've been loving riding it. Here's a picture :)
http://picasaweb.google.com/poetas/NewBike#5215881471342937714
I have a blog at http://spindulys.blogspot.com (my normal blog) and links to a food blog and a music blog from my blogger profile.
Portland is a town with quite a bit of bicycle traffic, however most people seem to ride bikes either to be 'cool' or as an athletic pursuit - the person just casually commuting somewhere because that's how they like to commute isn't all that common - but my wife and I are two of them.
I agree that a bell and a light should be requisites, as they are just common sense needs for a commuter.
Anybody have suggestions for pannier bags they like? :)
Hey Dave / Melancholic Optimist,
Just wondering whether you'd tried or seen the ones made by Clever Chimp that they sell at Clever Cycles (in Portland, for every one else here). I think they're made of some sort of waterproof fabric in all sorts of colors...I think they have reflective tape, too...I was thinking about ordering some, myself, except I hadn't heard any reviews.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cleverchimp/sets/72157602124412254/
and
http://clevercycles.com/store/?c=web2.137&product=Cleverchimp+panniers
I haven't yet gotten a rack on the back, but I'm eventually going to get one for heavier grocery shopping (once I find a store that's within a reasonable commute that actually stocks fresh milk) ;)
Steph
http://stephs.com
I just last week picked up a Basil pannier from Clever Cycles. This is a single pannier that you can easily attach and remove and then carry inside to a meeting or grocery store or whatever. It's like a wetbag you'd use in a raft or canoe, but slim enough to carry around. It hasn't started raining here yet so I can't vouch for wet weather performance, but it's hard to imagine any water getting into it. CCycles also has the Dutch style double panniers that lift off your back rack, which are great for carrying a lot of groceries or camping equipment or whatever, but too bulky to carry into a meeting or a cafe, which is how I use my pannier. The Basil bag expands enough to carry plenty of groceries and also flattens enough to carry a briefcase or messenger bag without being too bulky. Anyway, you should check out Clever Cycles' many stuff-toting options, most of which don't yet appear on their website.
alicia from nyc--so happy to find you here, and in facebook. my road bike is collecting dust in favor of my azor omafiets. it has eight gears, but like the woman from seattle, i only use 3 usually. cycling should only be for pleasure, but what a bonus to get that pleasure while commuting? once you go slow, you'll go slow everywhere!
I am a de facto slow cyclist. Although I have 21 speeds ( I live in San Francisco, on a mountain and I tow a Burley with kids up that mountain! so please, cut me some slack!), I am slooow. My 20 year old Rock Hopper (modified to be upright and relaxed) has shown me it's day's are short and so I have ordered a Batavus (with many gears for that afore mentioned mountain)and will continue my slow and almost car free existence.
Just remember, it ain't the number of gears, but the slow poke that uses them!
http://wereonaroadtosomewhere.blogspot.com/
I'm Tally, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I commute/shop/run around town on a lovely Trek Cruiser that I've dubbed "The Pink Cadillac." Currently she sports a white front basket that I wire fake flowers to. Next step: A back rack to which I will bolt an antique picnic basket, (Margaret Hamilton is my hero!) and a set of tulle-covered skirt guards. Holding the hem of one's skirt up while leisurely peddling through downtown certainly gets attention, though. :)
In case someone comes to look at this again - I ended up getting the Kavan II natural canvas pannier bags from the Dutch company Basil:
http://www.basil.nl/producten/17044L.jpg
I've loved them so far, they've been really waterproof, they look beautiful, and I can easily get a couple days' worth of groceries in them. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is looking at getting some good pannier bags.
Kansas, USA.
I couldn't ride fast if I wanted to.
Our Bicycle Scrapbook
While I have always ridden fast to own my place in traffic in Chicago, I have come to realize it doesn't matter how fast I am going; drivers here are simply too unaware. I have been turning my fast Voodoo into a slow voodoo. It is one piece at a time, but I love how each addition or subtraction is making my ride not only slower, but so much more comfortable. I am trying, without much success, to get my wife out of her car and onto her sweet bicycle. She might not know it yet, but it will soon be an extra slow xtracycle.
Hello from Lovely Bicycle!
One of my favourite things in the world: getting lost on my bike as I fill my basket with gleaned apples and pears and plums from local wild fruit trees in season.
Slow is all I can manage with my Madsen or Trike, 2 kids, a bag of groceries, and library books to drop off...
We are living the slow up in lovely Portland Oregon!
Justina
hi! Learned about the Slow Bicycle Movement when we started minimalizing/downsizing our lives, and have been meeting the neatest people! Yay for slow riding, not getting stuck in rush hour traffc ... and being mellow enough to stop for the odd glass of wine! I rediscovered my bike just as my son took over my car to go to school (good riddance to the costs, hello to having cash again!), and learned all over again just how freakin' fun cycling is! I'm a bit nervous about Manitoba's winters, and the family has strict instructions to shoot me if I'm ever tempted to put on lycra - don't want to scare small children!! No website, just a new blog www.foreheaddeskrepeat.blogspot.com
wow i think good Suggestion in this blog.
thanks
briefcase .
Hi, my name is Rafael, I live in Juárez City, in Mexico; I have a Flying Pigeon (obviusly, only one speed) if you want to see it:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/6875648866_d8fbcd7e7a_z.jpg
I have the Juarez Cycle chic Blog, please visit and comment:
http://juarezcyclechic.blogspot.mx/
I use my bike to commute to job, and I ride between 10 or 12 km/hr. Is very nice to enjoy the journey
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I have a cheap bike with too many gears that I don't understand. There are three on the left and six on the right, which I figure is just being fair to right and left handed cyclists. As a right handed person therefore I have six gears. I have two baskets and a lovely pingy bell
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