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Cyclist Without a Route

Copenhagenize.com blog - Sun, 02/14/2010 - 21:30

This is the current cover of a national newspaper, Weekendavisen, which is published weekly. It's a fine, high-brow publication with in-depth articles and features.

The cover features a photo of the Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and the title "Cyclist Without a Route". The PM is under criticism of late for his lack of leadership ability. The vultures are circling. Personally, I'm looking forward to a regime change, but that's not the point of this post.

It's merely to point out how a bicycle-related metaphor is used as a headline in an article about a politician. That's how deeply rooted the bicycle is in Danish culture and everyday life. It's a metaphor we all understand.

Sure, the PM likes riding bicycles and rides speedy varieties in charity events. The former PM, Anders Fogh Rasmussen went for mountain bike rides with George Bush a few times, too. At a recent press conference the PM tried to answer the whirlwind of criticism by comparing politics to cyclesport. Sometimes it's uphill, sometimes it's downhill.

Regardless of his metaphor, the title of the article can stand on its own. Another example of how the bicycle has penetrated our language and culture. No other country has so many songs, poems, literature references and films about bicycles.

"A cyclist without a route" is not an expression in the Danish language, but there are many linguistic examples where the bicycle features. I've blogged about some before, but here's a list.

Cykler rundt i det / Cycles around in it - meaning he is confused and lacks direction. "Sorry, but I'm cycling around in it today..."

Kæden hoppede af / the chain fell off - A way to describe how your day - or anything else - is not going as planned. "His chain hopped off today..."

Giv baghjul / Give someone the back wheel - What you do when you overtake someone or beat someone. At a football match a couple of weeks ago, where my son played, we beat another team and one of the parents said, "We gave them the back wheel!"

And now I realise that after four hours of indoor football... my brain and body are fried so I can't remember the others... :-)

Have a great second half to the weekend.Copenhagenize the planet. And have a lovely day.

Patchwork Repairs on the Crafers Bikeway

Adelaide Cyclists discussions - Sun, 02/14/2010 - 12:13

Over the last while, i've noticed the patch work repairs on the bikeway just after you cross over Mt Osmond road heading toward Devil's Elbow. You'll recognise it, as all the black lines all over the bikeway, trying to fill in the cracks. Its also around the white center lines.

Its ok travelling up but when coming down there are a few sections which just scare me! Its probably because I think I may get my wheels caught at speed in the cracks that are obviously still there. Besides the r…

Men of England Rise Up Against Reckless Motorists

Copenhagenize.com blog - Sun, 02/14/2010 - 04:30

This text was seen on posters circulated in London back in 1908. Quite visionary. Time for history to repeat itself? Time to reclaim our streets, not just for cyclists, but for all citizens?

As read in the book Death on the Streets - Cars and the mythology of road safety, as mentioned in the previous post.Copenhagenize the planet. And have a lovely day.

24 hr bike lanes...

Adelaide Cyclists discussions - Sat, 02/13/2010 - 22:01

I mentioned this in my blog the other day on here, but didn't get any nibbles of conversation so I thought I would put it out front for discussion... Making bike lanes in SA 24 hour...

I have been thinking about the bike lanes we have and how many times riding home from work (Norwood to Mitchell Park) I have to dodge cars parked in bike lanes because I am still riding after 6 pm (and sometimes I have to dodge them before 6pm too!

Also, ri…

Death on the Streets - Cars and Mythology of Road Safety

Copenhagenize.com blog - Sat, 02/13/2010 - 15:30

Death on The Streets

Another book which is so interesting that it makes my head hurt is by Robert Davis. Death on the Streets: Cars and the Mythology of Road Safety.

I've been reading it for ages. A couple of pages is enough for me to put it down and reflect. It's chock full of facts and references, as well as thought-provoking observations about the role of the car in our societies.

It discusses how most of the 'road safety improvements' of the past 50 years, from road design to seat belts, have actually resulted in a terrifying increase in danger from cars, which permeates all over lives and the book is also 'a social history of the terrible toll of car surpremacy...'

Worldwide, between 15-20 million people have died and hundreds of millions have been permanently injured in road accidents since the beginnings of motorised society early last century.

The book's publication in 1993 brought about the formation of the Road Danger Reduction Forum, of which Robert Davis is the chair.Copenhagenize the planet. And have a lovely day.

Super Tuesday Bicycle Count 2010 - Tuesday 2 March

Adelaide Cyclists discussions - Sat, 02/13/2010 - 08:37

Hi All

Details about this years count are now posted on the Bicycle Institute of SA website. It is a great way to get involved in a bit of advocacy, donate a few hours of your time and in doing so donate $50 to your favorite Bicycle User Group or cycling organisation (BISA!!)

Be quick, spots are limited and I am told that it is "first in, best dressed" for the prime counting sites in and around the CBD.…

Children More Dangerous Than Mobile Phones

Copenhagenize.com blog - Sat, 02/13/2010 - 04:30

Children are more dangerous than mobile phones

There is a lot of focus in Denmark and elsewhere about using mobile photos whilst driving. It's the cause-du-jour at the moment, it seems.

A report from the Technical University of Denmark [DTU] was published yesterday that shows that talking on the mobile occupies a third place on the list of dangerous things to do whilst driving.

The researchers estimate that a third of all traffic accidents are caused by lack of attention.

According to the report, talking with others in the car is more dangerous and most likely to remove the driver's focus on the traffic. One sixth of the accidents caused by lack of concentration [aren't ALL accidents caused by lack of concentration?] are because the driver had contact with passengers. Especially children in the car are a major distraction.

Next on the list is adjusting the radio or music system. In third place it's the mobile phone. In fourth it's adjusting the car's climate system and in fifth place it's drivers eating or drinking at the wheel.

Senior Researcher Mette Møller from DTU Transport believes that the new data should be used in future campaigns:

"What it is that distracts us isn't important. The circumstances are are equal. If you're driving on clear roads in light traffic it's okay to eat a sandwich. On the other hand it can be dangerous to engage in conversation with your passengers or listen to music blasting at high volume if you're driving in heavy traffic."

Personally, I would have hoped that their conclusions were the necessity of further investment in public transport and positive campaigns to encourage more citizens to choose the bicycle. I'm realising that such things are increasingly occupying space in my wishful thinking box.Copenhagenize the planet. And have a lovely day.

New bike just stolen!! :(

Adelaide Cyclists discussions - Sat, 02/13/2010 - 00:42

Some scum bag has just cut through my bike lock and stolen my bike from under my bedroom window!!

It's a new Avanti silver Discovery comfort bike, with black and tan handle bar grips and 2 bike cages that I added. If anyone sees it PLEASE get in touch. My house insurance didn't cover it (yes I know, lesson learned)

Bast*rd.


0451121623

A very unhappy 'Jo'.

Upside Down - The Sacred Car

Copenhagenize.com blog - Fri, 02/12/2010 - 21:40

One of our readers, Sam, mentioned that an essay by the Uruguayen poet and writer Eduardo Galeano was required reading in his sustainable transportation class.

The essay is titled The Sacred Car and is in the book Upside Down - A Primer for the Looking-Glass World.

It's a fantastically eloquent and yet scathing attack on car culture. It starts with:

"Human rights pale beside the rights of machines. In more and more cities, especially in the giant metropolises of the South, people have been banned. Automobiles usurp human space, poison the air, and frequently murder the interlopers who invade their conquered territory - and no one lifts a finger to stop them. Is there a difference between violence that kills by car and that which kills by knife or bullet?"

The rest of the essay is just as to the point. I've never had anything in common with a respected Uruguayen - writer or otherwise - before but I'm pleased how his title The Sacred Car is reflected in the essay about The Sacred Bull in Society's China Shop.

Indeed, he writes in the essay that:
"I saw a cigarette ad in a magazine with the required public health warning: 'Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide.' But the same magazine has several car ads and not one of them warned that car exhaust, nearly always invisible, contains much more carbon monoxide. People can't smoke. Cars can."

We have a solution for the health warning labels on cars. We're just waiting for someone to finance our efforts... :-)

All in all the essay is refreshing in its tone and no-nonsense approach to contemplating the destructive road we're all travelling down.

Salon has a piece about the book which is worth reading: "Upside Down" by Eduardo Galeano. The author of "Memory of Fire" delivers a scathing, mischievous indictment of North America's hypocrisy and consumer culture.Copenhagenize the planet. And have a lovely day.

It is a Lovely Country

Copenhagenize.com blog - Fri, 02/12/2010 - 20:13

You see this truck quite often around Copenhagen. It's from the Københavns Cykelbørs - Copenhagen Bicycle Exchange - who rent bicycles to tourists as well as selling bicycles and doing repairs. The truck transport the bikes around to various locations where and if they're needed.

The text on the artwork "Det er et yndigt land..." is the opening lyrics to the national anthem and translated it works out as: "It is a lovely country..." To hear what the national anthem sounds like when sung by 42,000 men, women and children at a national football match, click here.

There is a lovely land
with broad, shady beeches
Near salty Baltic beaches
Its hills and valleys rise and fall
its ancient name is Denmark,
And it is Freya's hall

This land is still as fair,
the sea is blue around it,
And peace is cherished there
Strong men and noble women still
uphold their country's honour
With faithfulness and skill

Anyway, there have been various owners over the years and the shop has moved about town until settling into the current location in the 1950's.

The business celebrated their 125th anniversary in 2007, which is when the colourful artwork was produced for the truck. Yep, that's 125 years. Cornelius Steffensen founded the company in 1881, selling and renting bicycles as a supplement to his cigar company at first. He advertised that he had taught over 1500 ladies, gents and children to ride bicycles without a single accident. He was also the first private car owner in Denmark.

Back in the heady days of the 1970's it was the largest bicycle rental company in Europe.

Københavns Cykelbørs is located at Gothersgade 157.Copenhagenize the planet. And have a lovely day.

Need to find out about TDU bike advertising - Powerbars & Gels

Adelaide Cyclists discussions - Fri, 02/12/2010 - 06:55

Did anyone see these guys at the TDU - I spoke to a girl whose job it was to hook an advertising board up to her bike then ride around and do sampling for powerbar. I asked how to get such a job and she told me it was cycads.com (or something similar) however I have looked everywhere and can't fiind it... does anyone know who this company was, or how I could get hold of them?

ANT Bicycles - The Movie

Copenhagenize.com blog - Fri, 02/12/2010 - 06:54

Fine little film about the bikemakers at ANT Bicycles in the States.
They featured in the awe-inspiringly prestigious Bikes We Like section here on Copenhagenize a couple of years ago. Although we're quite sure that THAT accolade never got them any free beers or knickers thrown into their workshop by screaming fans.

Thanks to Matthias for the link.Copenhagenize the planet. And have a lovely day.

Mutual Community Challenge of TDU with drivers behaving badly

Adelaide Cyclists discussions - Thu, 02/11/2010 - 23:18

During TDU I spoke to many cyclists while collecting a petition to keep bicycle lanes.

Nearing Goolwa there was a T-junction where the cyclists continued straight ahead. The usual route to Hindmarsh Island was closed, and drivers were redirected

Cycle freindly route, Noarlunga to Wellington

Adelaide Cyclists discussions - Thu, 02/11/2010 - 19:18

Could any body suggest the best cycle route from Noarlunga Centre to Wellington. Preferably the route with the least number of hills.

A part time job for someone who likes riding their bike

Adelaide Cyclists discussions - Thu, 02/11/2010 - 13:34

This was sent to me and might be of interest to someone.

JOB OPPORTUNITY ON A BICYCLE
INTERESTED IN KEEPING THE RIVER TORRENS
HEALTHY?
An opportunity is now available to assist the Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges
Natural Resources Management Board to maintain the River Tor…

Bike Crutch

Copenhagenize.com blog - Wed, 02/10/2010 - 08:01

Ah, yes, how the bicycle eases our transportational needs, however odd they may be on occasion. This Copenhagener had issues with her foot. It's bandaged and wrapped in plastic.

Her companion walked alongside with crutches which were, I'm assuming, too cumbersome and slippery on the wintry sidewalks and crosswalks.

So... take a bike. Training wheels or not, it's still quicker and, most importantly, more comfortable. Viva la bicycle.Copenhagenize the planet. And have a lovely day.

TDU course & a very dodgy bit of road

Adelaide Cyclists discussions - Wed, 02/10/2010 - 07:55

Training for the TDU challenge tour a week before the Norwood to Goolwa ride with a small group I came to grief in a pretty nasty fashion. After completing the Fox Creek climb we descended down into Woodside. I was second in a line of six riders with a regular riding comrade in the front , as we hit the bridge over the Onkaparinga River he almost came off but was fortunate enough to see a large ridge in the road between the bridge structure and the bitumen , was able to lift his front wheel enou…

Cyclesport for The People - The Six Day Race

Copenhagenize.com blog - Tue, 02/09/2010 - 01:11

I was at the Copenhagen Six Day Race last Saturday and it was brilliant For the past century the Six Day Races were a major event on the Copenhagen calendar. They live on each February in the Ballerup Super Arena but everyone laments the fact that they are no longer held in Forum, close to the city centre, where they were held between 1934-1997.

Nevertheless, the event is still festive and, most importantly, still the purest form of cyclesport for the people.

The Six Day Races [The Sixes] have a long history since their conception in 1878 in England but I'll let the Wikipedia page on Six Day Races tell you all about that.

Gone are the days when the riders rode for six days straight - with one of the pair required to be on the track at all times. At night things were quiet, as you can see in the photo. Time to read a newspaper whilst cycling around the track. His partner was catching some sleep. Gone are also the days when the nation's film stars featured in a film based on The Sixes or children and families played Six Day Race board games. Alas.

Now they race for six days but in the evenings. In the case of the Copenhagen race, from 19:30 to 00:30 ish, sometimes later. Last Saturday I was at the race with the good people from Biomega and Hans from Larry vs Harry. Beer and Bicycles were on the cards.

It was my first time at The Sixes. When I worked at Danish Broadcasting a few years back I had the chance on a project to work with old archive footage from the past 80 years. Most of it sports. So seeing a few hours of footage from the 'good old days' of The Sixes has given me the sense of being there before. Nowadays it's more sterile in a way, but still a fantastic experience.

The crowd on Saturday was mix of families, quiet older gents sipping pints, young bucks on a boys night out and couples in suits, furs and heels having dinner in the middle of the arena, surrounded by humming bicycles. I was in the VIP event area in the middle, at one end. Up close and personal on the steep bank.

A tradition in the Copenhagen race is that it's an honour to be given Pair #7 and it's usually an all-Danish partnership who get to wear the 7. This year it was Alex Rasmussen and Michael Mørkøv, defending world champions to boot. So the local crowd knew who to watch and cheer for. The pair annoyed Berliners the week before by winning the Berlin Sixes.

In the course of the evening The Sixes offer a potpourri of disciplines. It's hard to keep track, actually. Fortunately there is signature music that booms out of the speakers when the final sprint. Actually, music is a major factor and the races are not unlike being at a concert with a crazy medley of music from 50's rock to 00's pop. Punctuated by the traditional Sixes melodies.


The Six Day Races have their own trademark song which is traditionally played during each lap of honour for the winners of the day's various disciplines. The music was composed in Germany in the 1930's. In Denmark we needed lyrics because we like to sing when we're drunk. The song was/is sung at every race. The music features in the little film I whipped together, above, and here are the Danish lyrics - which rhyme in the original language - translated:

The Six Days Waltz
Now there's a party mood
Who do you think will be best?
That guy is my favourite
Even though he's let me down so often.

That guy in black is a wimp
But in a sprint he is tough
Get pedalling
Even though you'll be sore in the final
Keep your good humour and ride.

Chorus:
Show us what you've got [whistle, whistle, whistle, whistle]
Give it a bit extra [w w w w]
Pedal harder [w w w w]
and you'll win.[w w w w]

And if you're last [w w w w]
Well, that's sad [w w w w]
But get your chin up [w w w w]
And take it like a man [w w w w]

Like I said, this really is cyclesport for the people. The Tour de France, in Europe anyway, has long been released from the possessive grip of 'sport' and has been siphoned down into a broader cultural sphere. Still, in the modern era you get the sense that you're somehow separated from the riders by the glass wall of celebrity and sponsor cash.

The Sixes maintain their close contact with the crowd. Just look at the film, above. When the riders - all professional cyclists - were doing the preliminary laps of the final 60 minute pursuit discipline, they did the wave with the crowd. Three times! Before getting down to business and racing like the wind.

In the breaks I saw a Swiss rider chatting up four girls at a table nearby. Him on his bike on the track, holding onto the boards and flirting. Brilliant stuff. And he was leading the race, with his partner, on Saturday.

Another tradition is that different sponsors offer up different prizes for the various sprints/events. One rider will win a washing machine. Another will pocket 500 kroner a fancy bottle of wine. On top of their paycheques, of course. All prizes that the crowd can identify with.


The close proximity to the riders adds to the folksy feel. You spend 5 hours with them as they keep roaring past and when they have a break, you can peer down into their boxes while they relax with a massage, check their mails, whatever.


The fact that in the Derny events the pros get to ride behind cool cats like these certainly adds to the folksy aspect. The chap on the left looks like half the men in the crowd, even though he's a legendary pacer from Belgium. And on the right is Australian Danny Clarke, legendary Sixes rider with 74 wins - 8 of them in Copenhagen. He sang a couple of songs - My Way was one of them - with the band after the Derny race.


And yes, yet another sport with homoerotic undertones. Skinny men in tight pants holding hands. Admit it, if male spectators didn't secretly enjoy the homoerotic elements of so many popular sports we'd all just be fly fishermen. :-)


Anyway, here's the Flickr set of all the photos from the cracking night out last Saturday.

Nice to see that there is a pocket of sport that still keeps a close relationship with the crowd. Just like all sport used to be. And still should be.Copenhagenize the planet. And have a lovely day.

More Bicicles

Copenhagenize.com blog - Mon, 02/08/2010 - 19:30

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Water droplets came from the roof, one by one., originally uploaded by Hans Olind.

Action on the Streets

Copenhagenize.com blog - Mon, 02/08/2010 - 18:32

The double decker bike racks at the nation's busiest station, Nørreport.
There's lots of action on the streets of the city these days.

There was actually two of these bicycle lane snowploughs, the other one is up ahead. I rode keirin behind them for a ways.

Like this guy.


Removing the frozen snow drifts is now the main priority. Unless it snows again.Copenhagenize the planet. And have a lovely day.