In the Spotlight: Prof. Ruth Oldenzi & The best summer read “Cycling Cities”
We were lucky enough to take a ride and have a coffee with esteemed Professor, lecturer, and researcher Ruth Oldenziel, co-author of the latest and greatest book “Cycling Cities: The European Experience.” It’s 200 pages are carefully researched and thoughtfully describe how cycling came to be (or not so much) in several European cities – with Dutch cities as a backbone story of cycling decline, automobility, then incremental change towards what are now urban cycling “success stories.” Of course every city has its own story, culture, and responses to change, and this work delves into those stories from 14 cities in 9 countries. From Budapest’s bicycling revival to Manchester’s “standstill”; Lyon’s corporate enterprise to innovations in Malmö – we can read about diverse trajectories in urban cycling but all with the same goal: to get more people on bikes. Ruth tells us more…
ACC: What made you want to write this book?
RO: I was in NYC in 2009 – the year that marked the 400-year anniversary between New York and Amsterdam. I was going to give a speech and then take a group ride down the Hudson. I rode up to the venue on my Batavus granny bike with high heels and they just looked at me like, what are you thinking? Everyone was wearing Lycra and riding fancy bikes with helmets. I didn’t have any of that stuff, so they didn’t let me go on the ride! I was shocked. But what was interesting was that we were both shocked – at each other’s cycling cultures. I couldn’t explain it to them; I couldn’t explain why I was on this type of bike and why it was ok that I was wearing everyday clothes and high-heels while biking. I couldn’t explain Dutch culture around cycling. That was when the first thoughts about this book started.
ACC: Are there other books like this?
RO: Not really, no. In 1999 a book [by the co-authors] was published in Dutch, called “Fietsverkeer” (or bicycle traffic). And in it was a graph showing cycling levels across several European cities. The graph became quite famous, but because the book was only in Dutch it didn’t take off in the same way. So one of our goals was to translate the book and incorporate the most relevant research in the new book – and update the graph. The other main goal was to create a narrative through lots of images and graphics in order to make is as accessible as possible to everyone – policymakers, advocates, the everyday reader.
ACC: What surprised you most during the research for this book?
RO: When we looked at the cycling data – the numbers – it varied so much. Especially within the Netherlands. Variety suggests that the Dutch are not special people when it comes to cycling – really, it was just a perfect storm of events that lead to this “success story” – if you can call it that. Factors like the car coming a bit later, mediocre public transport systems, the oil crisis, and the social movements of the 70s – all these events came together and created a perfect storm for cycling.
ACC: Is there another city’s story that sticks out in your mind?
RO: Basel is an interesting case. The percentage of trips by bike hasn’t changed in decades. Everything is done so well there – the highways are pristine, the historic city centre is car-free and walking is a high priority, public transit is flawless, efficient and affordable, and bicycle infrastructure is also good. All these modes compete, so one is not really better than another. That makes it difficult for the city to push forward the bicycle share. Biking there is nice, but no where near as fun as in Amsterdam.
ACC: What’s your favourite thing about cycling in Amsterdam?
RO: I love the Weesperzijde (where we are now). Not only have I lived here a long time – I was born and raised in Amsterdam – but I love that this street has no cycling infrastructure and yet it’s a preferred route to and from the city centre. And of course it is – look around, it’s just beautiful.
ACC: Tell me about this bike of yours.
RO: I’ve always had 2nd-hand bikes, but this is my lucky bike. I’m a klutz with bike keys, always losing them. I can’t even tell you how many bike keys I’ve lost – it’s pathetic. I’ve had this bike for six years and never lost the keys!
Thanks Ruth!
For more information and to purchase her book, see the website: www.cyclingcities.info
Gameboy
Just when you think your weary legs can’t cycle anymore … you spot what we like to call a ‘Chic’er’ – a super chic cyclist with some fashion on board! Gameboy backpack + faux fur coat + pink gloves and grooving to tunes, en route to somewhere fabulous for sure. Arriving with style people!
By Mel
Instamonth
The top 3 loved photos on our Instagram this month are…
A coffee with a view
One of my favourite spots to work is Brazuca Coffee on Ferdinand Bol and Ceintuurbaan. Not only do they offer excellent and curiously strong coffee – but it comes with a fantastic and exciting view of one of the busiest intersections in Amsterdam. And will only get busier with the new metro line opening up across the street.
Watching all the movement on this intersection is mesmerising. It looks like a whole lot of chaos – with people walking, driving, cycling all over the place – but it’s actually highly organised. I never see any crashes, or even close-calls.
Now that’s what I call entertainment.
Cycle Chicstagram October
Check out Amsterdam Cycle Chic’s top 10 Instagram pics of October.
1. Iris on her new bike
2. Colder mornings
3. Doggy morning run
4. Speedy super daddy
5. Lambike ;-P
6. OMG, that is sooo Dutch
7. On the ferry
8. Waiting for a friend
9. Cycling with his daughter’s back pack
10. Deux par deux
Instamonth
Are you already following us on Instagram? You should, if you want to learn more about Amsterdam’s cycling culture and enjoy the diversity of cyclists and bikes in Amsterdam’s streets. Every month we will post the most liked Instagram shots here on our blog.
TGIF joy ride
Last night these two were speeding down the Weesperzijde – with smiles of course – definitely in a hurry to get to their destination, which likely had beers and bitterballen awaiting them. 😉
Wired for sound
You hear a lot of people singing as they zip past you in Amsterdam. Some know the tunes from their head and others sport rather fashionable ears around town..your thoughts? Unsafe or just a cool way to get into the X-Factor?
By Mel
Instagram top 10 August
Check out Amsterdam Cycle Chic’s top 10 Instagram pics of August.
1. Rushing to see SAIL
2. Sister in town 🙂
3. Park, walk, catch a train
4. Ladies on bikes
5. My Little Patisserue
6. Cute cargo bike
7. Cycling to the Gay Pride
8. Amalia, Dutch crown princess, on her first school day
9. Colourful girl
10. Ice cream moment
Instamonth
Are you already following us on Instagram? You should, if you want to learn more about Amsterdam’s cycling culture and enjoy the diversity of cyclists and bikes in Amsterdam’s streets. Every month we will post the most liked Instagram shots here on our blog.
Sunday park festivities
Sunshine, festivals and Sundays. What more can we say? De Parade just started in Amsterdam and its the perfect climate for cycling over to Martin Luther Kingpark and checking out this super cool travelling theatre..all the parks are full!
By Mel
Instamonth: July’s top 10 Instagram pics
Check out Amsterdam Cycle Chic’s top 10 Instagram pics of July.
1. Tutu skirt cycling
2. Another bike going for a walk
3. Saturday night on Dam square
4. Summer hat
5. Chatting on a cold summer day
6. Let the sun shine
7. A bicycle windmill
8. Walking home along the Amstel
9. Cycling in the countryside
10. Cyclists of the month: Pancake and ice cream makers
Instamonth
Are you already following us on Instagram? You should, if you want to learn more about Amsterdam’s cycling culture and enjoy the diversity of cyclists and bikes in Amsterdam’s streets. Every month we will post the most liked Instagram shots here on our blog.
Snuggle up for sunset
Grab your bike and your love and head out to your favorite vista for tonight’s sunset. It’s bound to be a good one.
Tour de Utrecht
Today the ‘Grand Depart‘ of the Tour de France took place in Utrecht. On one of the hottest days in the Netherlands ever, the cyclists tour through the beautiful old city centre. It is not unique in Utrecht to have so many cyclists. Actually it is something you see every day. But today they are all wearing helmets, lean forward and wear sporty clothes.
With a David Attenborough type of nature film, BLIK filmcommunicatie shows us the specimen of Utrecht cyclists.
BIKE – The amazing world of cyclists in Utrecht from BLIK filmcommunicatie on Vimeo.
Utrecht is a beautiful old city just half an hour by train from Amsterdam. It is definitely worth a visit when you’re in the Netherlands!
No need to iron this suit!
This is why I love cycling in Amsterdam – even the suits are doing it! And there’s no need for an iron or a dry clean: just let the evening breeze ease the wrinkles and sweat from the day.
Sunset bromance
It’s always nice to catch the last bit of sunshine of the day. Especially when it’s with your buddy, cycling side by side.
Cycle Chic Spotlight: Film maker Fadi
Fadi Hindash directed the short documentary ‘Mama Agatha‘. This heart-warming film is about migrant women in Amsterdam learning to ride a bike. Cycling means more freedom, and integration in Dutch society. Women of all ages and nationalities are taught by teacher Mama Agatha. Most of his life Fadi lived in car dominated Dubai, but three years ago he moved to Amsterdam. He was not able to cycle, but learned it from Mama Agatha herself. The premiere of ‘Mama Agatha’ will be on the 2nd of May during Leiden International Short Film Experience. Reason enough to make Fadi our cyclist of the month!
How did you come up with this topic for the documentary?
I was having coffee on my friend’s terrace overlooking a park where a group of Moroccan women were learning how to ride a bicycle. Immediately I was struck with how much that image said about integration and the life of migrants. I personally moved to the Netherlands 3 years ago but I have grown up with the identity of a migrant long before. I was raised in Dubai where my family and I lived as outsiders in our own home which is why the issue of integration is one that is very close to my heart. So when I saw the group of Arab women learning to cycle in Amsterdam, I immediately knew there was a story there for me. The fact that it looked so sweet and humorous set the tone for the film. Plus, I also never learned how to cycle because Dubai is a city of cars, which made the film even more personal as I was going through what the women were going through.
Why is it important to learn to ride a bike?
Because it gives you freedom, not just physically but also emotionally. Cycling feels like flying, on wheels.
I don’t see any men in the documentary, are these cycling lessons just for women. If so, why do you think that is?
I had the same question during filming. As far as I know there aren’t similar courses for men. It could be because men tend to be more proud about admitting they don’t know something so basic or they would feel more embarrassed about falling in the street. I was lucky to have Mama Agatha as a teacher, she taught me behind the scenes while making the documentary.
What do you like about Amsterdam?
It’s the perfect combination of a city and a little town. It’s cozy when you need it to be but also cosmopolitan when you need it to be. There’s also the other factor that cannot be put into words: it has this magic quality to it. It looks so pretty, almost like a dollhouse. I love things that seem unreal with a touch of fantasy, that’s the filmmaker in me.
- The premiere of Mama Agatha takes place on the 2nd of May at The Leiden International Short Film Experience at 14:45.
- The documentary will also be screened at Shortcutz Amsterdam in May
- Interested in organising a screening of ‘Mama Agatha’ yourself?
Contact Marek (marek@thesoundofapplause.com) - Follow ‘Mama Agatha‘ on Facebook
- Visit the Mama Agatha website for more information
by Joni
Sunny days make me feel good
Finally the first real spring days! And what do you do? Ride to your local park and chill out. At the Sarphati Park, in De Pijp, you could barely see the grass. Bikes and people everywhere. Oh ya.
Bare hands on the handlebars!
The Dutch word for ‘gloves’ is my second all-time favourite Dutch word: handschoenen. Literally translated as ‘hand shoes.’ Yep, that’s what they are: shoes for the hands.
And just as I was getting quite comfortable toting these things around everywhere I go, it seems like it might be time to put them away (the jacket and scarf can stay handy though). Because 15ºC of sun calls for bare hands on the handlebars! Weeeeeeee!
Instamonth: 10 best Instagram pictures
We missed a few Instamonth posts, so in this post we show you the top 10 of our Instagram pics of December, January and February.
1. National Tulip Day in Amsterdam
2. Christmas tree cycling
3. 5 O’clock rush hour
4. Perfectly coloured pair
5. Let it snow!
6. Foggy and cold Amsterdam
7. Baby chill modus on daddy’s bike
8. Christmas tree in panniers
9. National Tulip Day at Dam Square
10. Bike love in London
Instamonth
Are you already following us on Instagram? You should, if you want to learn more about Amsterdam’s cycling culture and enjoy the diversity of cyclists and bikes in Amsterdam’s streets. Every month we will post the most liked Instagram shots here on our blog.
Does it make you smile?
Sometimes it’s cold. Hailing. Wet. Cloudy. And then sometimes we get lucky with nothing but sun. Yep, that makes us smile, smiles like these two. No gloves or hats even. That’s what being on your bike does — makes you smile.
Do you stop at *all* red lights?
The other day I was riding down Vijzelstraat towards the city centre. As I was approaching the Prinsengracht (a one-way and precisely here), I slowed down, looked for on-coming cars and bikes from the left and right… and kept riding.
Yes, I knowingly rode through a red light. In Amsterdam. The capital of red-light-running. I know, that doesn’t make it ok.
A police car followed me, pulled me over, and proceeded to lecture me about how it’s unsafe, especially “because a police car was parked at the intersection.”
And then he actually asked me if he could give me a fine of €97. I had already argued my side by saying I felt safe, so I didn’t argue further. But could I have said no? I wonder.
So watch out Amsterdammers. They’re out to get ya!
Winter wonder blur
I caught these Amsterdammers going though the Rijksmuseum bike path, enjoying today’s sunny chill and riding fast through the tunnel. So many people out and about on their bikes today. Babies, bakfiets, lovers, and friends — I love that no matter the weather, we keep on peddling.
Happy birthday to us!
Today it is the third birthday of our blog. Three years of promoting the Amsterdam way of cycling. Our believe that everyone around the world has the right to cycle safely in their own city, has motivated us to work on this voluntary blog. Amsterdam shows that all is possible on a bike: commute to work, go out for a drink, pick your kids up from school, take you dog for a run etc. etc.
All local politicians around the world have to do to create a bike friendly is to make cycling top priority; create a safe cycling infrastructure and encourage people young and old to use their bikes. Believe us, it is best for the health, fun and future of a city!
Please join us on our trip back through the past year:
Most popular posts (just click on the pictures to see the post):
Articles in magazines:
Our visitors mostly came from:
and loads and loads more…
Thank you all for checking out our blogs, liking our pictures and spreading the word about how cool cycling is. We look forward to a new year full of ‘horses of steel’!
About Cycle Chic
Amsterdam Cycle Chic is part of the global Cycle Chic movement. It all started in Copenhagen in 2007 when journalist, film director and photographer Mikael Colville-Andersen started posting pictures of people in Copenhagen on their bikes. All over the world people found his blog and were inspired by the Danish bicycle culture. It seemed that a lot of people linked cycling to sports; to lycra, speed and sweat. Mikael Colville-Andersen showed the world that cycling can be very stylish and part of a daily life.
Check out the original Copenhagen Cycle Chic website
The foundation of the Cycle Chic movement is this manifesto. In short; style over speed and no helmets or visvests.
About Cycle Chic