Army chic
Is camouflage a thing now? I’m seeing it all over the streets. This brunette pulls it off easily on her — wait, is that a KLM cruiser? Complete with bike rack? That’s pretty sweet. How did she get a hold of that ? Hmmmm.
by Meredith
Sunny Curls…
Is it here? Is summer finally here? Aren’t we all enjoying this warm spell here in Amsterdam…dresses, shorts, t-shirts, sunglasses. Bring it all out this week!
Looks like these curls are heading to the park for a picnic, bike bags are packed!
by Meredith
Red Bike Sunday
I have a red bike, so I’m always on the look-out for fellow red-bike-lovers. These three hip ladies all look spring-tastic on their red bikes! Listening to music, sporting the bright green bike bell and yellow pants, thigh-highs, skirts and heels–nice. Keep riding those red bikes!
by Meredith
a friendly Sunday
She’s on a bike, he’s on a board. Why not give a friend a helping hand?
Seems like he’s got the better end of the stick though, right?
How to cycle like a Queen (or King!)
Yesterday was a whirlwind of parties all over the city and what was the best way to get there? By bike of course. How did you flaunt your flair on your bike? Here are six ways some Amsterdammers showed their orange pride.
1. With a hat
2. With a traveling party
3. Tagging along with a friend (and ‘flag’ your cheeks!)
4. Bike together and scarf your orange
5. Adorn yourself in a King’s robe
6. Proudly fly your flag!
by Meredith
I can’t get enough of you Amsterdam!
What a weekend it’s been. The sun is shining, people are happy and out on their bikes all the day long. This is the time of year when I just can’t get enough of this city. And Queen’s Day has yet to come! Let’s hope this wonderful weather keeps up for Tuesday.
by Meredith
Sunglasses are sexy!
Is it finally time to (really) break out the sun wear? To roll up our sleeves? Leave the heavy coats at home? Wait, wait–maybe even gloves too?!? These Amsterdammers think so. I was convinced spring was never going to come, but with this sunny, 20-degree weather, I think it’s finally here. It’s definitely time to celebrate with a breezy bike ride through my favorite cycling city!
So get out those sexy sunglasses, I think there’s more sun in store…
by Meredith
Two people, one bike
Imagine: you are with two people, you have one bike, and you want to go to a friend’s birthday party. What would you do? You could of course leave the bike and go walking, go by car or take a tram. But you can also be inspired by these Amsterdammers and go together on one bike.
We show you five different ways to share a bike (also called doubling). No special seats or cargo bikes needed!
1. Sit on the back carrier (one leg at each side).
Sitting on the back carrier is the most common way to cycle together. Men normally sit with one leg at each side
2. Sit on the back carrier (two legs to the same side)
This is the version that women like best.
3. Sit on the front carrier
A very popular way amongst Amsterdams youth. (Don’t try this with a heavy person).
4. Stand on the rear carrier
For a good view. Like this son on the back of his fathers bike.
5. Sit on the rear carrier facing backwards
Not a very clear picture. They went too fast and I don’t see this way very often. We actually do not know why you would do this. Maybe when the person cycling doesn’t smell too good, or you prefer looking at the streets instead of looking at a back?
There are a lot of other ways to cycle together on one bike (sit on the crossbar, on the handlebars, or on the saddle). Take a look at more pics in this Cycle Chic Republic post.
Now, after being inspired by these cyclists from Amsterdam would you take a bike together?
Bike crate
You probably already noticed it on our blog, but to have a crate on the front of your bike is really trendy in Amsterdam! Hardly any cute baskets in the streets just cool and sturdy crates, in different colours, sometimes branded or full of stickers. What do you think of this trend?
Bici-chic in Spain
Over the long weekend, I headed to Spain for some much-needed R&R. I found some super chic folks using Barcelona’s Bicing bike-share system. Then over in San Sebastian, great weather allowed for some smiling riders. What a fantastic city with cycle paths that rival Amsterdam’s for sure!
by Meredith
Sunday pause
Doing two things at once can be a little tricky sometimes, especially on two wheels and in this windy, cold weather…so it’s never a bad idea to just pull on over to take a pause. Especially on a Sunday. Slow down and take it easy!
by Meredith
Blonde Sunday
Who doesn’t like a blonde on a bike? Nice flowing hair. Great upright posture. Can’t go wrong.
by Meredith
OV chic
Heels, tights, and sub-zero weather–a great combination. This girl proves that you can still be chic on the OV Fiets.
But really, Amsterdam, who’s ready for spring?! I know I am.
by Meredith
Cruising Sunday
Well hey there pretty lady! She’s got her matching gloves and beanie, and just cruising along on her Old Dutch, carrying some things in her basket and listening to music. This freezing weather isn’t wearing her down at all…it’s almost making her smile!
What made you smile today?
by Meredith
The art student
by Aude
How do I know she is an art student? Easy: the black tube she wears is used to carry her drawings. I wish I could see her work! She was cycling in West but I would not be surprised if she studies at the opposite side of Amsterdam, at the famous art school the Rietveld Academie.
No hands Sunday
Do you ride with no hands? Ever since I fell off my bike last July because I tried to ride without hands, I’ve been too scared to do it again. This chick makes it look so easy!
by Meredith
What’s in your basket?
I’m always super impressed by what Amsterdammers carry while peddling a human-powered machine. Weaving through cars, alongside trams, riding with one (or no hands!), talking on their phones, listening to music–and schlepping all kinds of stuff with them at the same time, too. In the past few months we’ve seen people on their bikes carrying planks of wood, sleds, Christmas trees, and of course their babies. And despite the terrible weather, they all make it look so easy breezy.
There are all types of baskets out there. You’ve got the classic crate in wood or plastic. The Albert Heijn winkelmandje is always a nice one to see (how do you steal a shopping basket?!). There’s the removable baskets, too. I’ve seen some nice vintage wire baskets. And the huge wicker baskets that have a handy lid, those are fantastic.
The widespread use of the bike basket, to me, is yet another reminder of how utilitarian the bicycle is for Dutch society, and really for any society. It’s not only a means of transportation; it’s a way of life. It’s so ingrained into daily life that of course (!) we use our bike to get groceries, purchase planks of wood, take our kids sledding, buy Christmas trees, and for anything else we have planned for the day. In fact, it makes no sense to do it any other way.
Do you have a great photo of a bike basket, with something crazy in it? Post it to our Facebook page, we’d love to see it!
by Meredith
Sunday Snuggle
Snowy days are perfect for snuggling up to your loved one. Even on a bike! ♥
by Meredith
Prowling Sunday
Aude is right! More fur is just what doctor ordered for these chilly winter days. I’m seeing so much fur around the city, aren’t you? Fur hoods, fur hats, fur scarves, fur mitts, fur boots–it’s everywhere! But it’s best worn by bike.
Meredith
All in fur
by Aude
Being cool while remaining warm is possible thanks to the perfect combination of fur coat and scarf!
Romantic Sunday
I love how cycling is a social thing in this city. And what can be more romantic than cycling along side your honey. This stylish duo sets a high standard for riding side-by-side. Lovely.
by Meredith
Just another rainy day
What happened to all the snow?! I was just getting used to the slip n’ slide riding on the snowy streets. Nevertheless, the terrible wind and rain didn’t stop any Amsterdammers today. It’s almost like nothing can stop these people from riding their bikes!
by Meredith
Snow bunny days
I love this part of the winter, when the snow is frozen in your chains; stuck to the fender; caked on the rims. But I’m so thankful for the little fietspad snow plow that helps us stay cycling chic. Like, super sheeeeek.
By the way, cycle on over to Rotterdam’s IFFR, the best film fest in the world. I just got my tickets–first show is at 9h30 on 2 feb. Come on down, Amsterdammers!
by Meredith
