Ottawa Cycle Chic

2012-02-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

We had a snowstorm yesterday but cyclists were still out and about.

Photo by OCC contributor Tristan

Nice posture on this gent riding his Dutch Gazelle.

Snow cycling

2011-12-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

Isn't it lovely?

Where's the snow?

2011-12-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

I took this photo last year on Christmas Eve and there was a lovely blanket of snow everywhere. This year, unless the weather changes, we are looking at a green Christmas.

That darn tree!

Late November

2011-11-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

A well-dressed cyclist at Ottawa U.

Cold weather wear. Skirt guards can also double as scarf guards.

Fall coats

2011-11-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

November days

2011-11-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

Her bike: Green Pashley

Red rims and matching scarf

Downtown gentleman
Bike: Electra

Classic bikes for the fall

2011-11-03T13:29:00.001-07:00

Skeppshult, a Swedish bike

An old classic Dutch bike

The changing season

2011-10-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a few days since we had some warm weather (see below) so the jackets, gloves and scarves are out in full force.

This shot was from late September and jackets were not required yet.

Well, that's changed.

Matching bikes from Rent-a-bike.

I really like this wooden crate...Urban Outfitters?
Bike: Linus

A year ago...

2011-10-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

A year ago today I saw this cyclist riding along the canal pathway. Bikes like this are not seen every day in Ottawa. The stylish cyclist was also not lost on me. I was in my car at the time and managed a quick picture out the window and an idea was hatched. It would take another six months to get Ottawa Cycle Chic going but this was the photo that started it all. The bike is an Adriatica.

Cornering in style

2011-10-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

Cornering in style!

A shot from a few weeks back (note the leaves have not turned)
Bike: Pashley Poppy

It may just be my perception but I've never seen anyone hunched over on a road or mountain bike looking this happy.

Cool enough for mittens!

Yoga anyone?

2011-10-13T05:05:00.000-07:00

A warm fall day

2011-10-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

This photo should help balance out my male-female ratio of chic cyclists photos. Surely even the helmet afficionados would admit this photo wouldn't work with helmets.

Bikes: Capitale Bixi

A glorious fall day (27 degrees celcius!) and everyone was outdoors.
Bikes: Schwinn and Raleigh

I did a double take when I saw this bike. Exactly like the first bike I ever bought though I think she has swapped out the drop bars for straight ones.
Bike: Sekine

Switching gears
Bike: Bianchi

Bike: Marin

Walking with bikes

2011-10-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

A beautiful black Batavus and matching outfit.

Pushing off!

Cruiser style

Action at the Bixi station

2011-10-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

Apparently a stumbling block for setting up bike-share programs is what to do about helmets. I think we have the answer here.

One good minute

2011-10-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ottawa is a helmet loving city. Informal surveys I do tend to show about a 60-40 split in favour of helmets though this may be skewed a bit because fewer cyclists wear helmets along the multi-use pathway than on busy arterials. I suspect it's more 70-30. Still, while crossing the Corktown Footbridge the other day I had 5 cyclists, one after another, come around the corner in about one minute and not a helmet was in sight. Here they are in order.

I love this vintage CCM bike!

Around town

2011-09-29T05:04:00.000-07:00

This type of get together doesn't really work in cars.

I love late afternoon fall light!

Business gent speeding past one of Ottawa's giant Crack Willow trees.

Vintage bike

Along the terrace

2011-09-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

The new terrace across from the Ottawa Congress Centre is a great place to sit with a coffee and watch the world (and chic cyclists) go by.

Bike: Bixi

Stylish ladies riding away

2011-09-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

Window shopping (she was only on the sidewalk for a short time!)

Schwinn chic

2011-09-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Bike: Schwinn

Florentine Cycle Chic

2011-09-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

Ottawa Cycle Chic contributor Marie caught these two chic cyclists in Florence recently. You didn't think this could be Ottawa now did you?

Chic cyclists by the Fountain of Neptune at the Palazzo Vecchio

Fall styles

2011-09-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

I love the look of joy on the leader's face. They were having quite a little race up the hill.

Cool weather chic

2011-09-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

Chic and athletic!
Bike: Vincente

If the cooler weather means scarves then bring on the cool weather!

It only looks like a near collision...Free Spirit meets CCM.

Yellow bike

2011-09-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Downtown

Footbridge fun continued

2011-09-13T05:15:00.000-07:00

Summer tans, how much longer?

Very colourful.

These boots were made for cycling.

Footbridge fun

2011-09-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

A very coloourful townie.
Bike: Electra Townie

These vintage Raleigh bikes are being seen everywhere now. This one is a beauty.

Bike: Raleigh

Bike share mystery

2011-09-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Friends enjoying Capitale Bixi

What is a bikeshare bike from Arlington Virginia doing in the city of Ottawa? This little mystery started about a month ago when an Ottawa Bixi was spotted in Montreal. Shortly thereafter I spotted a Bixi from Melbourne in the market area. This was followed by both Toronto and Montreal Bixi sightings here in the downtown. So, what is that all about? Well, it turns out as part of the promotion for the Bixi world bikeshare program, they are placing bikes all over the world to show the international flavour of the Bixi system. I think it's rather fun!

Quick update...this afternoon I spotted a Barklay's bike from London!

Men in black

2011-09-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Bike: Louis Garneau

First cool days

2011-09-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

30 degree celcius days followed by a coolish 17 had the jackets and scarves out. Hopefully more warm days still to come.

Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it isn't

2011-09-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Stationary cyclists make for easy photo ops.

I had my back turned on a busy bridge and only got the "going away" shot.

The milk crate craze

2011-08-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

Bike: Schwinn

Bike: Norco

Out and about

2011-08-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Waiting at the red...Vanier chic

Seems like a good idea!

Conversing at the footy

Shooting the shooter
Bikes: Giant
RentABike Ottawa

Style!

2011-08-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Bike: Skeppshult

Shadow chic

2011-08-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Scenes from the rush hour commute

2011-08-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, I like the Corktown Footbridge!

2011-08-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

Heading on to the bridge

Getting in the photographer's way!

Hair up this time

Nice selection of styles here

Trio

lots of blues...via Blackberry

Getting in the photographer's way again

On Bank Street

2011-08-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

To be fair to the gent on the sidewalk, he had just hopped on his bike. He did proceed to ride on the road.

Corktown Bridge Revisited

2011-08-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

Bike:Electra Townie

Nice turn

Gentleman chic

View from above

2011-08-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

Minimalism

Shadows

All over town

2011-08-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Laurier East

The Glebe

Golden Triangle

Uphill in Lowertown

Bike chic fashion show

2011-08-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

The Rideau Canal Festival held a bike chic fashion show on the weekend. Ottawa Cycle Chic had a rough idea of what to expect and we were not surprised.

Models preparing for their fashion ride

I was not thrilled with the choice of bikes for the fashion show. This is the only model that has a bike suitable for her outfit. Even then, white jeans and no chain guard...not a good combination.

Very nice evening dresses but the bikes just don't match up.

Bike: Kunstadt Sports

Of course, part of the show featured local designer Richard Robinson. He lived up to his colourful reputation.

This young lady waiting for the bike chic show was actually the only one present who actually had a chic bike. She obviously understands that the bike needs to match the outfit. Something perhaps, that can be considered the next time such a show is put on. Still, it was 20 minutes of fun.

Bike: Opus

Taking turns on the Corktown Footbridge

2011-07-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Bike: Trek, I think.

Bike: Norco, Bike logo: one less car

Scenes from the Corktown Footbridge

2011-07-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Cruising

Coming and going

Bike: CCM LaPrice

Heading east

Walking with your friend

2011-07-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Bike: Raleigh

Sunday cycling

2011-07-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

View from the Earl of Sussex

View from the Earl of Sussex

Near the National Arts Centre

Ottawa bike culture

2011-07-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

A bike rack cozy on Bank Street

A dash of colour along Colonel By Drive
Bike: Electra

Orange Kronan and blue friend

Lovely Creme Pashley with flowers in the basket and a well worn Brooks saddle

Campus styles

2011-07-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Bike model: Sport Racer

Bike: CCM Elite

Bike: Norco City Glide

Polka dot days

2011-07-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

Along the MUP

What a day!

2011-07-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

Well, the long wait is over. Ottawa now has its first segregated bike lane. The Laurier Avenue SBL was officially opened today to much applause. It didn't take long for chic cyclists to be spotted.

The long wait about to be over.

Chic in the Laurier Avenue SBL

A couple leave the launch pad.

Bike: Electra Townie
Westbound in the SBL

Waiting for the light in the Laurier SBL

Summer in the city

2011-07-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

Heading east on Laurier.

Sunday, July 10th will see the opening of Ontario's first fully segregated bike lane and greater safety for cyclists crossing the downtown.

Caps are big this summer!

In the Golden Triangle

More canal views

2011-07-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

Going away

2011-07-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

Bank Street

Queen Elizabeth MUP

Queen Elizabeth MUP

More Bank Street chic

2011-07-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

It's important to match your milk crate with your bike!

Canada Day weekend chic

2011-07-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Classic Dutch style
Bike:Magneet (photo by A. DeVries)

Chic all over town

2011-06-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Chic gent on Bank Street.

Wellington Village chic

I wasn't happy with the pic above when I took it in May. Slightly out of focus and there is that, umm, helmet thing. But things change and so do cyclists. As you can see below, the helmet is gone now...the MUP is a pretty safe place to cycle after all.

Bike: Multi cycle

Bank Street chic

2011-06-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Chic about town

2011-06-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

Elgin Street

Great bike posture!

Great day for cycling along the Rideau Canal

Sunday cycling

2011-06-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

Cornering the market on a Schwinn

Heading to Quebec on a Bixi

Not quick enough

2011-06-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

Chic cyclists can cycle by at any time and you need to be ready. Sometimes they're too fast for me. I was enjoying a coffee at a cafe on Bank Street...close, but not fast enough.

I was walking to meet my own chic cyclist after work when this stylist went by...shutter speed not quite fast enough! But we'll keep trying.

Bridge views

2011-06-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Bike walking

2011-06-23T04:48:00.000-07:00

University chic

2011-06-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

There's an s-shaped ramp at the University of Ottawa near the lights that cross Colonel By Drive. Here you can see a number of cyclists ascending and descending the ramp while avoiding pedestrians. I saw as many as a dozen at one time. There were moments when it seemed almost choreographed!

Bike:Kundstadt Sports

The graceful dismount

More blues

Black cruiser

Putting it all together

2011-06-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

That white on the rear fender usually signifies a Raleigh bicycle but I am open to a correction.

At the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

2011-06-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

Mother and child at the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
Bike: a lovely Norco City Glide

Bike: Norco City Glide

Ottawa cycling styles

2011-06-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

Perhaps they are discusssing helmet use?

Ottawa cycling styles...colourful!

Summer days and the cycling is easy

2011-06-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

Very nice baskets on this Electra

How to bike with a skirt (we'll let the helmet go this time)
Bike: Gazelle

How to bike with a skirt, part II

Ottawa Bixi

2011-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Lowertown Bixi

View from a bench on a sunny day

2011-06-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

Bike: Raleigh

Another purple cruiser

Bringing home the bread

Blues

2011-06-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

Men on bikes

2011-06-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

A great way to play

In the market

Classic

Hang on to your hat!

Rent-a-bike

2011-06-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

Bikes: Giant, from Rent-a-bike Ottawa

It's official!

2011-06-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

Ottawa Cycle Chic is officially part of the cycle chic world and we now have a new red and white logo (no doubt inspired by our red and white Bixis). So it seems only fitting to include a couple of pictures of the creator of the original Copenhagen Cycle Chic Blog, Mikael Colville-Andersen, who was in town last week to give a talk.

Mikael Colville-Andersen
Bike: Skeppshult

Mikael showing how it's done. Note the very relaxed style!

Some more fellows

Gent on a very nice Opus bike

No need to change for the ride home

Proper cycling attire

Shades of blue

2011-06-10T06:11:00.000-07:00

The blue bag

The blue cruiser

The blue dress

The blue bike

2011-06-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

Nice hat

The case for a basket

Bike: Velo Sport

It's easy being green

2011-06-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

Can helmet use be chic?

Fragments

2011-06-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

Appropriate cycling clothes

Appropriate cycling shoes

Me and my shadow

Father and son

2011-06-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

In the pink

2011-06-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

This footwear does not clip to the pedals!

Summer chic!

2011-06-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a lovely week in Ottawa and the chic cyclists are out in force. Perhaps they know that Mikael Colville-Andersen, founder of the original Copenhagen Cycle Chic™, is in town to give a talk today. Details at Cycling Vision

Corktown footbridge views

2011-06-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

Bike: Unknown, model Ridgerunner

Business chic

Bike: Raleigh

Surely one of the best views in Ottawa, the Corktown Footbridge.

Green bikes

2011-05-31T14:09:00.001-07:00

Nice bikes no matter which way you're heading.

Still more cruising

2011-05-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Cruiser bikes have really taken off recently and I am guessing that the wide range of colours has something to do with it.

Straw hat and cruiser

2011-05-31T06:23:00.000-07:00

Espadrilles

2011-05-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Espadrilles, the perfect footwear for cycling around the tulips.

Hotel guest bikes

2011-05-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

The people at Minto Suites Hotel seem to understand the need to provide their guests with nice bicycles for getting around town. And nice bikes they are. Conveniently located next to the Lyon Street bike lane (south) and next to the upcoming Laurier Avenue segregated bike lanes. Ottawa Cycle Chic thinks this is a great idea and fine customer service!

Rainy day chic

2011-05-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

It would be nice to see the sun again but rain doesn't need to dampen one's chic expressions.

Bike: Raleigh

Capitale Bixi launches in Ottawa

2011-05-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

Capitale Bixi started up last week under slightly dreary weather but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of those test riding the bixis. Ottawa Cycle Chic was there to capture the moment.

Bixi chic!

Ottawa Cycle Chic found the colour scheme of our Capitale Bixis to be very appropriate for the Nation's capital.

More cruising

2011-05-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

We have had some really inconsistent weather of late...cool one day and warm the next. So jackets and coats are still to be seen.

Purple cruiser for grocery shopping

Laid back cruising

Cool cruising

2011-05-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

The increasingly popular cruisers.

Bike:Schwinn

Tulip time

2011-05-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Tulip Festival is still blooming!

Bike: Raleigh

Capital chic!

2011-05-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

What better time to launch Ottawa Cycle Chic than the May holiday long weekend. Glorious weather and bicycles everywhere! In addition, we launched Capitale Bixi this past week and the bike-share plan is off to a great start with red and white Bixis spotted all over the streets and pathways.

Lovely lady on a Skeppshult Natur

I first noticed the cycle chic style in Ottawa during the summer of 2009, but it wasn't until last summer that chic cyclists were seen more often. This summer it has really taken off. Upright bikes have obviously found their way out of cellars and garages and maybe a mountain bike or two has been parked. I've seen Pashleys, Multicycles and Adriaticas popping up along the canal pathways and on our city streets. No longer a head-turning occasion but now part of the everyday scene in Ottawa...as it should be.

Gent on a Pashley