Top video. More people on bikes makes cycling safer for all and the helmet debate will go away. If you cycle in Bremen or Amsterdam or Munich or Copenhagen, the only reason for a helmet is to protect you when you've had rather too many sherbets in the BierKeller.
...LOVE to see programs like this one promoting Cycling Safety, Utility and Fun!.....The state of Ohio in the USA where I live is building a 300 Mile long bicycle path from Cincinatti to Columbus to Cleveland.....Our longest existing auto prohibited bicycle path is over 70 miles long.....Mostly, we have the Room to build them where places like Europe are more physically restricted....That's what makes this film even more important to Cycling!....Rick.... :-)
You should check out what's available in most UK shops - BMX, racers, mountain bikes. The weight of the bike is not an issue right now. First thing is to recognise - there are gentle ways of cycling, whether on "modern" or "old fashioned" bikes. Having said that, if you're offering a few light bikes on trial, the girls will happily try them out :)
Bremen is well worth a visit. Try the river side cycle routes north of the city. UK city engineers, note that many services are beneath the cycle tracks which are often herring bone brick pattern laid on sand. Replacing and adding cables, pipes etc is easy. Cyclists are diverted with bollards onto the road while work is in progress. Congratulations on an excellent video!
What a nice little video . I often think towns should state "shared space" on roads and just put a little paint down on te road just to make drivers a little more aware of the other road users. Cycling a Granny bike is just about one of the most enjoyable things you can do. The bike for me reperesents liberation. Its class less you can go anywere and you can dress and just express yourself anyway you want.
Well done DTC! The point is - what will it take to get girls cycling? Q. What are the benefits of girls cycling? A; Reduces traffic congestion; improves cost of public health through exercise thereby reducing obesity & stress; reduce traffic emissions & global warming, lastly improving driving standards in the future - many of these girls will become motorists & mums in the future. Cycling now means they become better drivers on the few occasions they drive in the future.
Such a "feel-good" bit, want to see more... Here in the US, too, cycling after puberty is more a "guy" thing, and cycling for errands is not much understood by shopkeeps and clerks. Then, too, are the matters of secure bicycle parking and showers/lockers at one's place of business.
It is a little sad that we only do things based on image and fashion or the general consensus but I guess these are things that you tend to grow out of when you eventually realise that fashion and image does't really mean anything, personally though I think it shouldn't make a difference regardless because I find one of the most attractive things in the world to be a female cyclist.
@JimexJimex I do not want to go at 35 mph on my bike. 15 is quite good and well enough for me, when I cycle to work, shopping, to the cinema or whereever.
i think this film is great. A little sad that the idea of beauty is not challenged, rather how teenagers and other women can still look beautiful on a bike. It's surely time to question and address the deeper problem, which is overcoming the lack of self esteem and pressure on young girls and women to adhere to western beauty ideals, on a bike or not.
Do you need a helmet, when you are cycling at 10 mph or 16 km/h, where you can step off your bike any time plus you cycle in a safe infrastructure on your own cycle path where a car cannot harm you?
The short film was great to watch :) Films like these are just what we need here in Melbourne, Australia, where cyclist numbers are growing, not without its problems unfortunately :( The positive publicity given by films such as these is invaluable. Cheers, --- Victor.
I hope the success of British Cycling has and will continue to inspire both participation and facilities for cyclists. I do agree that helmets are a must - no exceptions.
George Corbin Well then you'll be disappointed. Almost no one wears helmets in the Netherlands. They are no must, they are a piece of plastic that is distracting us from what makes cycling safe: good infrastructure.
Michal Zadrag I can partially see your point, but there's lots of instances where it won't matter how good the 'infrastructure' is - you'll be thankful you're wearing a helemet. For example, oily, icy road surfaces; crashing due to the incometancies of other cyclists/road.
George Corbin Promoting helmets decreases the cycling modal share which is more detrimental to health than not wearing one. Look at the effects of Australia's helmet laws. I'm not saying that a helmet won't provide any protection, but what ever protection is does provide probably won't be enough against death or brain damage.
Not sure of your precise meaning of 'detrimental to health'. If you mean cycling's low modal share decreases the likelihood people would want to cycle on busy roads (and therefore improve health/wellbeing) then I agree. I don't think it needs to be a law: let the individual decide. Helmets need to be made cool and society needs to reduce the value of appearance (hair etc.) so a larger demographic wants to wear one. Personally, as someone who races, I would never start a race without one - even if I was allowed to! If I'm travelling at 70 km/hr+ down a sinuous, off-camber descent with oil, ice, gravel etc. on the surface I'd rather wear a helmet than sit at home petitioning for the road to be made safer. Why not improve the road-share and infrastructure aimed at cyclist and wear a helmet?
George Corbin I mean that people cycle less so their health suffers as a result due to helmets giving the impression cycling is dangerous and by making it more inconvenient. Of course with your style of cycle a helmet might be a good idea, but most people wouldn't do that. If we are talking about using a bike as a form of transport, then it isn't really all that important. Race car drivers use helmets in races, but not in their day to day driving. aseasyasridingabike.wordpress.com/2015/07/30/true-safety-lies-with-design/
That's right. My road bike is 7.73 kg and it's VERY easy to keep up with the cars going 35kmh or even go faster than them. Cars on UK roads are not really that fast during rush hours.
Thank you for your positive remarks! But why do you question the end message about cycle paths or cycle lanes? What do you recommend to make cycling safer? And the issue about helmets is a simple one: Helmets are needed when you are a beginner, quite right. This is why kids wear helmets. Experienced cyclists do not just fall off their bikes. The other reason for helmets are the dangers from cars. Go to Holland, look at the infrastructure and then try to find a cyclist with a helmet.
Because of the title I wasn't going to watch this at first. Glad I did. "What we need is alternative routes so they can get their confidence back, then they can use the main roads." At the moment I am in Vancouver. The bike lanes, protected bike lanes and cycletracks has me saying "DAMM, why did I leave my bike at home. You can see the difference, with people going about their daily lives on bikes, yes there are still lots of cars but traffic better.
William Robison Reply to your earlier comment. If you get people cycling because of infrastructure it does not mean they will be willing to cycle in traffic. The infrastructure is crucial - as can be seen from people who leave the Netherlands and stop cycling.
Michal Zadrag I do agree with you is infrastructure by its self is not enough. We also need to do traffic calming, and much better driver continuing education. A couple of reasons I disagree with you. First, protected bike infrastructure is not universal through any city in the Netherlands. Second, the experience of Vancouver: "People who are not confident in traffic will start to cycle in those protected lanes," said Coun. Heather Deal, who is also the city's liaison to the Active Transportation Council. "And then you slowly start ratcheting it up and you see the numbers start to explode." www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-bike-lane-traffic-hits-record-high-in-june-1.3166162 Riding in traffic is about strength and confidence. Then again I don't think our opinions are that far apart.
Actually girls will prefer the Dutch bikes because their goal isn't to ride like a lunatic. Dutch bikes are easy to maintain, safer, upright and more comfortable riding position, very easy to mount and dismount, suitable for skirts and dresses, sturdy, solid and reliable. Like the new Pendelton range; inspired by Dutch design. Most of the women who come into our shop are looking for a Pendleton.
They are talking about mandatory helmet laws here. People that want to wear helmets should. As they are free to do so. People that choose not to, should be free to not wear one. Thanks for worrying about others "safety" but it's none of your business whether I wear a helmet or not. We need cycle infrastructure to be safe.
I think it's really sad that using a bike is seen as a style choice. However, I think it's good that the bikes now available will help get style conscious people on their bikes, saving money, saving the planet and experiencing the freedom of the open air! :)
A helmet keeps your head round when your neck is broken. I broke my helmet when I landed in a ditch having too much speed on a corner . Helmet broke, not my scull , so yes it is your choice to wear or not wear a helmet.
Beauty must be defined as what we are, or else the concept itself is our enemy. To see beauty is simply to learn the private language of meaning which is anothers life - to recognize and relish what is. Why languish in the shadow a standard we cannot personify, an ideal we cannot live?
Interesting how different we are. I agree with everything in the video, but I really get a buzz out of cycling at 35 mph, even to the shops. 15 feels way too slow in comparison :) Hills are the best. Current maximum is 45.6 miles an hour or so. Looking to beat 50 at some point.
In most countries it is not compulsory to wear a helmet, although it is highly recommended. There are only a few countries where helmets are compulsory items (I live in one of them - you get used to the helmet very soon).
I have a rule for me, about wearing a helmet and its to do with the geometry of the bike . If I have lots of gears and I am leaning forward I use my helmet. If I'm on a bike where my shoulder hip and ankle are in a line downwards its the same as walking and I dont bother with a helmet. One bike my balance is off and the other bike I'm in balance.
To refer to your last paragraph in your answer: It is hen and egg: As long as cyclists are not respected, people will not cycle. And "to be respected" does not just mean to be friendly to them while they are cycling on the road from the car drivers' side but also the respect the council shows for cyclists, when they do road works: When roads are changed, cycle paths should be self understood. So far infrastructure is only geared to motorists, and that is respectless towards cyclists.
@ideasoner May be so, but so worth the extra money. I found a second hand one to start with which can be got for around same price as a half descent new bike. Once you try it lying down you won't want to go back.
Reinhard Loske, Senator for Environment Construction Transport Europe "The experience we can offer is ... give cyclists space, and very clearly, give cyclists advantages over car." If only cyclists in the US had representation like that. Mayor Menino in Boston will cycle to work occasionally, hiring a "bike czar" to try to give representation to the cause ... but we're still forty years from having representation like Reinhard Loske that understands what it takes to build a bike city.
This needs to happen in Australia, only 21% of people who cycle in Australia are female. Women represent half the population, it is a problem. As a male, I believe there is something charming about a woman on a bicycle.
For me a bike represents liberation and freedom. Bike riding is where I am free from makeup and clothes and being clean and tidy. The bicycle represents womens emancipation and to adhere to such beauty rules when upon one is a tragedy. Creating trinkets and feminine cycling clothing isnt the answer to low self esteem. We need to tackle the roots of it not put a plaster over the wound. Women need to get together, to talk and discuss the REAL issues and how to overcome "the beauty ideal"
These bikes are by no means 40 kg. They weigh about 16 kg. We had to import them, it is extremely difficult to get bikes like that in the UK. That is one of the reasons why girls do not cycle in this country.
"Liberating" was the word that made me weep (on the inside). Here in Australia, Mandatory Helmet Laws have all but killed cycling. I'm sure that the women featured in this video would not cycle if they had to squash a helmet over such lovely hair. If the issue of MHL's arises in Britain, remember this: It can no longer be sensibly disputed that MHL's reduce cycling rates among all age groups. (This leads to a lack of driver awareness, which increases the likelihood of an accident). It can no longer be sensibly disputed that MHL's have a negative health impact on society. (There is a negative financial impact as well). A typical cycling accident can no longer be sensibly compared to being hit on the head with a hammer. (The "hammer" analogy is used by pro-helmet safety advocates). Well done, Boris! Well done, London!
You're so right, amorfuss. Guess I have the same perspective as you here. What I find intriguing is that, if the politicians and urban planners get the infrastructure right, attractive female cyclists appear in their thousands. Without it, we are left with this kind of desperate plea to fashion and style.
@krirks Just click on the cc button, bottom right of the vid. You'll get subtitles in many languages. There are a hundred British accents - even the Queen can't speak proper English!!! (I'm Scottish, by the way ):-)
@falameufilho I'm not sure I agree. My Eruo city bike is much heavier then a "light bike", but it is very stable. Riding it seems as if then bike will not fall over and if one tried it seems it would fight to be stable. My light bike may be faster, but they are not near as stable as my Dutch bike. So what if it weights over 50 pounds. I never have to clean the chain, just oil it 4 times a year. I can also wear anything I want on it.. Can't do that on many other bikes... Heavy Ducth bike rule!
Then look at statistics and you will see that in countries with a safe cycling infrastructure like the Netherlands the percentage of cyclists wearing helmets is extremely low, whilst in dangerous countries like the U.K. it is the other way round. In this film we are not talking about sporty, racing cyclists but about everyday cycling, gentle cycling.
@eldridgepaul the faster disign ones do go faster than most road bikes to, they realy dont seem practicle though irl stick to my fixed gear, mtb and SS retro roadie :)
Wuppidoci - Yes I am a male cyclist, and I don't like the fact that women are a tiny minority in the cycling world. I try to encourage my friends to cycle, to the point where I actually own a number of lady's bicycles to lend to them. Helmets are part of a huge debate. I think that their "need" will be significantly lessened when bicycles become mainstream and cyclists are respected as valid road users.
Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Encouragement. You have to properly teach people about cycling, you have to build the appropriate infrastructure, you have to enforce cyclists' rights on the road, and you need to encourage people to use their bicycles on the available infrastructure. It really is a case of build the cycle-paths, mark the cycle-lanes and then wait for the cyclists to come.
How health professionals understand the diseases they treat is an interesting one. There's the well documented case of Liverpool PCT funding 20mph zones to help prevent road accidents and thus cut NHS costs. The same could be applied to cycling, walking and indeed the quality of housing, as well a the obvious candidates like diet. The devil is in the cultural habit of driving that goes so deep that even NHS staff predominantly drive to work.
And still do, rode to local NHS for a medical, security let me park in the staff covered bike park, twice on both times there was only one other bike, and a full staff car park 😂🎉
There's at least one girl who bikes to my school, she uses the same bike rack as me. She's not really fashionable I guess, but I think she's pretty anyways. Anyway out of a high school with 3,000+ kids, its pretty sad how few people bike, like 15 on beautiful weather days, including one crazy art teacher.
Hi Nancy. The full film is available to buy on DVD at www.bikebeauty.org. We are working on making downloads available, hopefully will come soon. Hope this helps
using a helmet has NOTHING to do with speed. It is the distance between your head and the pavement. An "at stop" tip over can be fatal if you strike your head, once again, NOTHING to do with forward speed. I have seen folks do a slow motion tip over a dozen times in which they for some reason fumble for the bars or get caught up in them and crack their noggin.
@JimexJimex How can you write such a comment? In these first 3:45 minutes only two girls are talking about fashion and another one mentions that cycling is not looked at as being "stylish". All the rest is about their general attitude to cycling shaped by their peer group and opinions. Then they travel to Bremen and one of them comments on the situation in Bremen: Nothing about fashion here. Please look at this video a bit more diligently before you post a comment that is so inaccurate.
we are going to move from karlsruhe, germany to birmingham. I'm 17 and very sad about that but we have to go because of my parents job. I can't speak the british accent...
That's a crock of bull. The current trend is hybrid city commuter bikes which aren't road bikes nor MTB. They're designed for comfort and safety, not speed, but work well on roads, paths and even light trails. This is what the country should be doing. Not all this bollocks about racing bikes.
When I ride my carbon fibre racer that weighs 7.4 kilo for seriouse exercise I go hard but when I go down to the shops or the pup or visiting on my mountain bike I just plod along no real hurry its great, if only I could get my Daughters to cycle they seem to think that its not fashionable & you are a nerd if you cycle, teenages they will grow up...
Классное видео! мне понравилось, умничка!) Вообще уважаю труд тех кто делает видео, и ведет свои каналы. Я сама веду канал и знаю, как это непросто - записывать ролики. Так держать!
Dear TehChurch, you are from Britain (as your profile shows), and in Britain most car drivers have no respect for cyclists, there you are right. But when the young women talk about respect shown by car drivers, they are in Bremen, Germany, and there the situation is completely different. Please have another look at the video, we are not making propaganda for British transport policy, but criticising it for not doing enough for cyclists. There must be a misunderstanding on your side.
bikes are cool! they are way cooler than cars get the right bike, a good one, you can get all matching parts, custom colours and its exsersize! the right bike also realy feals nicer to ride, think of it like shoes... you wount be looking cool on a hunk of junk from argos....
Are you a male cyclist, hartleymartin? I guess so. Women (and most men) do not fancy helmets, they are not very becoming. And if you talk about risk, then you have to get pedestrians to wear helmets as well. There is a huge discussion about helmets esp. in the Anglo-Saxon World, But in countries like the Netherlands, where cycling is supported and relatively safe (from motorists), helmets are not an issue at all.
Disagree. In this 8 minute video, the first 3 minutes and 45 seconds are DEDICATED to fashion and style. the word "SAFE" didn't even pop up until 4:40.
You might get better bike adoption among girls if you give them newer bikes made with lighter materials as opposed to these 40Kg behemoths they're riding on this video.
(if what you're telling is true) you are one case in a million as they say.. statistics tell a different story. countries where most percent of cyclists wear helmets have the highest percentage of cyclists accident. And then it could be due to the helmet that you got knocked off in the first place. Anyway as I said there is no proof that helmets save cyclists lifes. And common sense in this case, taking statistics into account, is not to wear helmet.
This video emphasize WAY too much on the fashion and style side of urban cycling, as if fashion is a MAJOR factor that prevent girls from using their bicycles. No, it's NOT. Then it puts out images of hot girls on dutch style bikes, which is totally impractical in their cycle environment. The message quickly degrades to "Oh we the lovely girls want to ride our lovely bikes, so use the public fund and build lanes for us!" That is EXTREMELY unconvincing, to say the least.
You wouldn't need to fear being knocked off with proper infrastructure, in all honesty. Also, some poorly made helmets crack in two _before_ any impact absorption takes place, leading people to think it saved them when in fact it did no such thing.
I loved this movie & I plan to order copies for our pollies here in australia! - Well Done!!!!
Top video. More people on bikes makes cycling safer for all and the helmet debate will go away. If you cycle in Bremen or Amsterdam or Munich or Copenhagen, the only reason for a helmet is to protect you when you've had rather too many sherbets in the BierKeller.
...LOVE to see programs like this one promoting Cycling Safety, Utility and Fun!.....The state of Ohio in the USA where I live is building a 300 Mile long bicycle path from Cincinatti to Columbus to Cleveland.....Our longest existing auto prohibited bicycle path is over 70 miles long.....Mostly, we have the Room to build them where places like Europe are more physically restricted....That's what makes this film even more important to Cycling!....Rick.... :-)
You should check out what's available in most UK shops - BMX, racers, mountain bikes. The weight of the bike is not an issue right now. First thing is to recognise - there are gentle ways of cycling, whether on "modern" or "old fashioned" bikes.
Having said that, if you're offering a few light bikes on trial, the girls will happily try them out :)
Bremen is well worth a visit. Try the river side cycle routes north of the city.
UK city engineers, note that many services are beneath the cycle tracks which are often herring bone brick pattern laid on sand. Replacing and adding cables, pipes etc is easy. Cyclists are diverted with bollards onto the road while work is in progress.
Congratulations on an excellent video!
What a nice little video . I often think towns should state "shared space" on roads and just put a little paint down on te road just to make drivers a little more aware of the other road users.
Cycling a Granny bike is just about one of the most enjoyable things you can do.
The bike for me reperesents liberation. Its class less you can go anywere and you can dress and just express yourself anyway you want.
Well done DTC! The point is - what will it take to get girls cycling?
Q. What are the benefits of girls cycling?
A; Reduces traffic congestion; improves cost of public health through exercise thereby reducing obesity & stress; reduce traffic emissions & global warming, lastly improving driving standards in the future - many of these girls will become motorists & mums in the future. Cycling now means they become better drivers on the few occasions they drive in the future.
Wuppidoci - You have a perfect understanding of the issue and I whole-heartedly agree with you.
Such a "feel-good" bit, want to see more... Here in the US, too, cycling after puberty is more a "guy" thing, and cycling for errands is not much understood by shopkeeps and clerks. Then, too, are the matters of secure bicycle parking and showers/lockers at one's place of business.
It is a little sad that we only do things based on image and fashion or the general consensus but I guess these are things that you tend to grow out of when you eventually realise that fashion and image does't really mean anything, personally though I think it shouldn't make a difference regardless because I find one of the most attractive things in the world to be a female cyclist.
@JimexJimex
I do not want to go at 35 mph on my bike. 15 is quite good and well enough for me, when I cycle to work, shopping, to the cinema or whereever.
Definitely want to see the full 55 minute doc
i think this film is great.
A little sad that the idea of beauty is not challenged, rather how teenagers and other women can still look beautiful on a bike.
It's surely time to question and address the deeper problem, which is overcoming the lack of self esteem and pressure on young girls and women to adhere to western beauty ideals, on a bike or not.
Do you need a helmet, when you are cycling at 10 mph or 16 km/h, where you can step off your bike any time plus you cycle in a safe infrastructure on your own cycle path where a car cannot harm you?
The short film was great to watch :)
Films like these are just what we need here in Melbourne, Australia, where cyclist numbers are growing, not without its problems unfortunately :(
The positive publicity given by films such as these is invaluable.
Cheers,
--- Victor.
I hope the success of British Cycling has and will continue to inspire both participation and facilities for cyclists. I do agree that helmets are a must - no exceptions.
George Corbin Well then you'll be disappointed. Almost no one wears helmets in the Netherlands. They are no must, they are a piece of plastic that is distracting us from what makes cycling safe: good infrastructure.
Michal Zadrag
I can partially see your point, but there's lots of instances where it won't matter how good the 'infrastructure' is - you'll be thankful you're wearing a helemet. For example, oily, icy road surfaces; crashing due to the incometancies of other cyclists/road.
George Corbin Promoting helmets decreases the cycling modal share which is more detrimental to health than not wearing one.
Look at the effects of Australia's helmet laws.
I'm not saying that a helmet won't provide any protection, but what ever protection is does provide probably won't be enough against death or brain damage.
Not sure of your precise meaning of 'detrimental to health'. If you mean cycling's low modal share decreases the likelihood people would want to cycle on busy roads (and therefore improve health/wellbeing) then I agree.
I don't think it needs to be a law: let the individual decide. Helmets need to be made cool and society needs to reduce the value of appearance (hair etc.) so a larger demographic wants to wear one.
Personally, as someone who races, I would never start a race without one - even if I was allowed to! If I'm travelling at 70 km/hr+ down a sinuous, off-camber descent with oil, ice, gravel etc. on the surface I'd rather wear a helmet than sit at home petitioning for the road to be made safer.
Why not improve the road-share and infrastructure aimed at cyclist and wear a helmet?
George Corbin I mean that people cycle less so their health suffers as a result due to helmets giving the impression cycling is dangerous and by making it more inconvenient. Of course with your style of cycle a helmet might be a good idea, but most people wouldn't do that. If we are talking about using a bike as a form of transport, then it isn't really all that important. Race car drivers use helmets in races, but not in their day to day driving.
aseasyasridingabike.wordpress.com/2015/07/30/true-safety-lies-with-design/
That's right. My road bike is 7.73 kg and it's VERY easy to keep up with the cars going 35kmh or even go faster than them.
Cars on UK roads are not really that fast during rush hours.
Thank you for your positive remarks! But why do you question the end message about cycle paths or cycle lanes? What do you recommend to make cycling safer?
And the issue about helmets is a simple one: Helmets are needed when you are a beginner, quite right. This is why kids wear helmets. Experienced cyclists do not just fall off their bikes.
The other reason for helmets are the dangers from cars. Go to Holland, look at the infrastructure and then try to find a cyclist with a helmet.
Because of the title I wasn't going to watch this at first. Glad I did.
"What we need is alternative routes so they can get their confidence back, then they can use the main roads."
At the moment I am in Vancouver. The bike lanes, protected bike lanes and cycletracks has me saying "DAMM, why did I leave my bike at home. You can see the difference, with people going about their daily lives on bikes, yes there are still lots of cars but traffic better.
William Robison Reply to your earlier comment. If you get people cycling because of infrastructure it does not mean they will be willing to cycle in traffic. The infrastructure is crucial - as can be seen from people who leave the Netherlands and stop cycling.
Michal Zadrag I do agree with you is infrastructure by its self is not enough. We also need to do traffic calming, and much better driver continuing education.
A couple of reasons I disagree with you.
First, protected bike infrastructure is not universal through any city in the Netherlands.
Second, the experience of Vancouver:
"People who are not confident in traffic will start to cycle in those protected lanes," said Coun. Heather Deal, who is also the city's liaison to the Active Transportation Council.
"And then you slowly start ratcheting it up and you see the numbers start to explode."
www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-bike-lane-traffic-hits-record-high-in-june-1.3166162
Riding in traffic is about strength and confidence.
Then again I don't think our opinions are that far apart.
Actually girls will prefer the Dutch bikes because their goal isn't to ride like a lunatic. Dutch bikes are easy to maintain, safer, upright and more comfortable riding position, very easy to mount and dismount, suitable for skirts and dresses, sturdy, solid and reliable.
Like the new Pendelton range; inspired by Dutch design. Most of the women who come into our shop are looking for a Pendleton.
The film will be touring the UK next year - if you'd like to organise a screening....... Otherwise the DVD will be out in December.
They are talking about mandatory helmet laws here. People that want to wear helmets should. As they are free to do so. People that choose not to, should be free to not wear one. Thanks for worrying about others "safety" but it's none of your business whether I wear a helmet or not. We need cycle infrastructure to be safe.
I think it's really sad that using a bike is seen as a style choice. However, I think it's good that the bikes now available will help get style conscious people on their bikes, saving money, saving the planet and experiencing the freedom of the open air! :)
Totally agree. My 3 'crashes' have all involved just me, twice when I was barely moving.
A helmet keeps your head round when your neck is broken. I broke my helmet when I landed in a ditch having too much speed on a corner . Helmet broke, not my scull , so yes it is your choice to wear or not wear a helmet.
So true. It's not even sexual; it's just beautiful.
Beauty must be defined as what we are, or else the concept itself is our enemy.
To see beauty is simply to learn the private language of meaning which is anothers life - to recognize and relish what is.
Why languish in the shadow a standard we cannot personify, an ideal we cannot live?
Interesting how different we are. I agree with everything in the video, but I really get a buzz out of cycling at 35 mph, even to the shops. 15 feels way too slow in comparison :) Hills are the best. Current maximum is 45.6 miles an hour or so. Looking to beat 50 at some point.
In most countries it is not compulsory to wear a helmet, although it is highly recommended. There are only a few countries where helmets are compulsory items (I live in one of them - you get used to the helmet very soon).
I have a rule for me, about wearing a helmet and its to do with the geometry of the bike . If I have lots of gears and I am leaning forward I use my helmet.
If I'm on a bike where my shoulder hip and ankle are in a line downwards its the same as walking and I dont bother with a helmet.
One bike my balance is off and the other bike I'm in balance.
Drive a bike , save a penguin !
To refer to your last paragraph in your answer: It is hen and egg: As long as cyclists are not respected, people will not cycle. And "to be respected" does not just mean to be friendly to them while they are cycling on the road from the car drivers' side but also the respect the council shows for cyclists, when they do road works: When roads are changed, cycle paths should be self understood. So far infrastructure is only geared to motorists, and that is respectless towards cyclists.
@ideasoner May be so, but so worth the extra money. I found a second hand one to start with which can be got for around same price as a half descent new bike. Once you try it lying down you won't want to go back.
There's something about a girl on a dress riding a bike that.... well it's just pure poetry
Reinhard Loske, Senator for Environment Construction Transport Europe "The experience we can offer is ... give cyclists space, and very clearly, give cyclists advantages over car." If only cyclists in the US had representation like that. Mayor Menino in Boston will cycle to work occasionally, hiring a "bike czar" to try to give representation to the cause ... but we're still forty years from having representation like Reinhard Loske that understands what it takes to build a bike city.
We are not alone in this world, great!
This needs to happen in Australia, only 21% of people who cycle in Australia are female. Women represent half the population, it is a problem. As a male, I believe there is something charming about a woman on a bicycle.
You should try recumbents, either with two or three wheels. so much better that a 'normal' bike.
Hi pseudotruth,
The quotation appears in the book "A New Deal for Transport?" (p.185), published in 2003.
Hope this helps.
Best Wishes
Richard
Really enjoyed the film. Would love to see it in its entirety.
Any chance?
Fixies are only a fashion concern to hipsters. I think girls look really good on those dutch inspired cycles - see pendleton bikes.
For me a bike represents liberation and freedom.
Bike riding is where I am free from makeup and clothes and being clean and tidy. The bicycle represents womens emancipation and to adhere to such beauty rules when upon one is a tragedy.
Creating trinkets and feminine cycling clothing isnt the answer to low self esteem. We need to tackle the roots of it not put a plaster over the wound.
Women need to get together, to talk and discuss the REAL issues and how to overcome "the beauty ideal"
These bikes are by no means 40 kg. They weigh about 16 kg.
We had to import them, it is extremely difficult to get bikes like that in the UK. That is one of the reasons why girls do not cycle in this country.
This is amazing!
What do you think of the new Pendleton bikes at Halfords?
"Liberating" was the word that made me weep (on the inside). Here in Australia, Mandatory Helmet Laws have all but killed cycling. I'm sure that the women featured in this video would not cycle if they had to squash a helmet over such lovely hair.
If the issue of MHL's arises in Britain, remember this:
It can no longer be sensibly disputed that MHL's reduce cycling rates among all age groups.
(This leads to a lack of driver awareness, which increases the likelihood of an accident).
It can no longer be sensibly disputed that MHL's have a negative health impact on society.
(There is a negative financial impact as well).
A typical cycling accident can no longer be sensibly compared to being hit on the head with a hammer.
(The "hammer" analogy is used by pro-helmet safety advocates).
Well done, Boris! Well done, London!
You're so right, amorfuss. Guess I have the same perspective as you here. What I find intriguing is that, if the politicians and urban planners get the infrastructure right, attractive female cyclists appear in their thousands. Without it, we are left with this kind of desperate plea to fashion and style.
This wouldn't work in Australia. Great work Mandatory Helmet Laws.
@krirks Just click on the cc button, bottom right of the vid. You'll get subtitles in many languages.
There are a hundred British accents - even the Queen can't speak proper English!!! (I'm Scottish, by the way ):-)
@falameufilho I'm not sure I agree. My Eruo city bike is much heavier then a "light bike", but it is very stable. Riding it seems as if then bike will not fall over and if one tried it seems it would fight to be stable. My light bike may be faster, but they are not near as stable as my Dutch bike. So what if it weights over 50 pounds. I never have to clean the chain, just oil it 4 times a year. I can also wear anything I want on it.. Can't do that on many other bikes... Heavy Ducth bike rule!
looking good ladies! yay bikes.
Are there pedals for high heel shoes or high heel shoes made for the pedals?
Then look at statistics and you will see that in countries with a safe cycling infrastructure like the Netherlands the percentage of cyclists wearing helmets is extremely low, whilst in dangerous countries like the U.K. it is the other way round. In this film we are not talking about sporty, racing cyclists but about everyday cycling, gentle cycling.
You are welcome to visit it.
@eldridgepaul the faster disign ones do go faster than most road bikes to, they realy dont seem practicle though
irl stick to my fixed gear, mtb and SS retro roadie :)
No helmets? D:
Helmets were never proven to make cycling safer (specially not in the cities)
Researches are not conclusive, it just makes you feel safer.
Wuppidoci - Yes I am a male cyclist, and I don't like the fact that women are a tiny minority in the cycling world. I try to encourage my friends to cycle, to the point where I actually own a number of lady's bicycles to lend to them.
Helmets are part of a huge debate. I think that their "need" will be significantly lessened when bicycles become mainstream and cyclists are respected as valid road users.
Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Encouragement. You have to properly teach people about cycling, you have to build the appropriate infrastructure, you have to enforce cyclists' rights on the road, and you need to encourage people to use their bicycles on the available infrastructure. It really is a case of build the cycle-paths, mark the cycle-lanes and then wait for the cyclists to come.
How health professionals understand the diseases they treat is an interesting one. There's the well documented case of Liverpool PCT funding 20mph zones to help prevent road accidents and thus cut NHS costs. The same could be applied to cycling, walking and indeed the quality of housing, as well a the obvious candidates like diet. The devil is in the cultural habit of driving that goes so deep that even NHS staff predominantly drive to work.
And still do, rode to local NHS for a medical, security let me park in the staff covered bike park, twice on both times there was only one other bike, and a full staff car park 😂🎉
There's at least one girl who bikes to my school, she uses the same bike rack as me. She's not really fashionable I guess, but I think she's pretty anyways.
Anyway out of a high school with 3,000+ kids, its pretty sad how few people bike, like 15 on beautiful weather days, including one crazy art teacher.
Is there anywhere this is available to rent online? I would like to use this as a source in my research project for my university
Hi Nancy. The full film is available to buy on DVD at www.bikebeauty.org. We are working on making downloads available, hopefully will come soon. Hope this helps
Great video. The girl at 6:30 is stunningly, naturally beautiful.
using a helmet has NOTHING to do with speed. It is the distance between your head and the pavement. An "at stop" tip over can be fatal if you strike your head, once again, NOTHING to do with forward speed. I have seen folks do a slow motion tip over a dozen times in which they for some reason fumble for the bars or get caught up in them and crack their noggin.
@JimexJimex How can you write such a comment? In these first 3:45 minutes only two girls are talking about fashion and another one mentions that cycling is not looked at as being "stylish". All the rest is about their general attitude to cycling shaped by their peer group and opinions. Then they travel to Bremen and one of them comments on the situation in Bremen: Nothing about fashion here. Please look at this video a bit more diligently before you post a comment that is so inaccurate.
I agree with this totally I would love to ride but just dont feel safe on the london roads etc come on England catch up with the times
we are going to move from karlsruhe, germany to birmingham.
I'm 17 and very sad about that but we have to go because of my parents job.
I can't speak the british accent...
How did the move go? Did you enjoy it?
Niceeee & Very lovely !! ♥ ♥
That's a crock of bull. The current trend is hybrid city commuter bikes which aren't road bikes nor MTB. They're designed for comfort and safety, not speed, but work well on roads, paths and even light trails. This is what the country should be doing. Not all this bollocks about racing bikes.
@Noel8
Beauty is a concept, not a person.
When I ride my carbon fibre racer that weighs 7.4 kilo for seriouse exercise I go hard but when I go down to the shops or the pup or visiting on my mountain bike I just plod along no real hurry its great, if only I could get my Daughters to cycle they seem to think that its not fashionable & you are a nerd if you cycle, teenages they will grow up...
Of course high heels aren't suitable for cycling, but then they're not suitable for walking either, and women still walk in them.
Классное видео! мне понравилось, умничка!) Вообще уважаю труд тех кто делает видео, и ведет свои каналы. Я сама веду канал и знаю, как это непросто - записывать ролики.
Так держать!
*****Que maravilhas!!!Quem deras no Brasil tivessem mais belas que pensassem assim.*****
comfort position.
Dear TehChurch, you are from Britain (as your profile shows), and in Britain most car drivers have no respect for cyclists, there you are right. But when the young women talk about respect shown by car drivers, they are in Bremen, Germany, and there the situation is completely different. Please have another look at the video, we are not making propaganda for British transport policy, but criticising it for not doing enough for cyclists. There must be a misunderstanding on your side.
Some really cute girls there. :O)
Super!!!!!!!!!!!!
@eldridgepaul also 5 times the price
bikes are cool! they are way cooler than cars
get the right bike, a good one, you can get all matching parts, custom colours and its exsersize! the right bike also realy feals nicer to ride, think of it like shoes...
you wount be looking cool on a hunk of junk from argos....
get a fixed.. Fixed Gear if there worried about style
Are you a male cyclist, hartleymartin? I guess so. Women (and most men) do not fancy helmets, they are not very becoming. And if you talk about risk, then you have to get pedestrians to wear helmets as well.
There is a huge discussion about helmets esp. in the Anglo-Saxon World, But in countries like the Netherlands, where cycling is supported and relatively safe (from motorists), helmets are not an issue at all.
girls on bikes are hot
@Pupixario haha im using that saying
Disagree.
In this 8 minute video, the first 3 minutes and 45 seconds are DEDICATED to fashion and style. the word "SAFE" didn't even pop up until 4:40.
You might get better bike adoption among girls if you give them newer bikes made with lighter materials as opposed to these 40Kg behemoths they're riding on this video.
(if what you're telling is true) you are one case in a million as they say..
statistics tell a different story. countries where most percent of cyclists wear helmets have the highest percentage of cyclists accident.
And then it could be due to the helmet that you got knocked off in the first place.
Anyway as I said there is no proof that helmets save cyclists lifes. And common sense in this case, taking statistics into account, is not to wear helmet.
This video emphasize WAY too much on the fashion and style side of urban cycling, as if fashion is a MAJOR factor that prevent girls from using their bicycles.
No, it's NOT.
Then it puts out images of hot girls on dutch style bikes, which is totally impractical in their cycle environment.
The message quickly degrades to "Oh we the lovely girls want to ride our lovely bikes, so use the public fund and build lanes for us!"
That is EXTREMELY unconvincing, to say the least.
I got knocked off while wearing a helmet and it cracked in two, if I hadn't been wearing it I'd probably be dead... It's just common sense.
You wouldn't need to fear being knocked off with proper infrastructure, in all honesty. Also, some poorly made helmets crack in two _before_ any impact absorption takes place, leading people to think it saved them when in fact it did no such thing.
NHS-sponsored plastic surgery for everybody!