Beauty and the Bike

[hartleymartin]

Thought that you ladies may appreciate this if you have not yet already seen it.

Beauty and the Bike (Short) 8 minutes

http://www.bikebeauty.org/english/

[Christine Tham]

Thanks Martin,

Interesting.

[hartleymartin]

A follow-up video posted just the other day (March 30th, 2010)

Beauty and the Bike - What Happened Next?

Some of the most common themes: Fun, independence, social and person freedom.
Some of the most common issues: Safety, self-image, ease of use.

[brentono]

Thanks Martin,
A very positive thought for Women's Cycling, and cycling and road use in general.
Should be more women out there just commuting, enhancing and flirting their beauty.
Surprised there has not been more discussion here, very relevant for girls to women.
Some girls can just look cool on a bike (see photo below & chk da link)
Cheers,
BrentonO

[hartleymartin]

I think that cycling in Australia has two dominant characteristics about it which need to be broken down. The perception is that it's a men's sport. Firstly, we need to change the "sport" perception, and remind people that it's still a viable form of personal transport. Secondly, it's still very much a guy's thing. I'd love to see more ladies out on their bicycles. I had one of the most pleasant surprises in ages, when I went into town the other day and about 1/3rd of the cyclists I saw were women. Only 3 years ago, the only cyclists I ever saw in the CBD were male messengers. Now, there are quite a few ordinary people cycling around. My biggest surprise was when I saw a lady leave City of Sydney RSL Club on George Street, in a scene that could have been mistaken for Copenhagen, if it were not for all the cars around. (She rode sans helmet too!)

At the moment, my way of getting girls into cycling is to introduce them to my Raleigh Twenty. It's comfortable, easy-to-control and with it's small wheels and step-through frame has a friendly and unimposing appearance. Perhaps it looks more like the sort of bicycle they might have had as a little kid. I wish I had taken pictures of my friends trying it out!