Hot on the heels (or wheels) of announcing our new Velorbis dealer, HUB in New York, we’re excited to say that our US expansion is continuing from East Coast to West Coast. Over in sunny San Francisco, California, My Dutch Bike (MDB); the importer and retailer of the best handmade city bikes, will soon be stocking a selection of Velorbis designer bicycles.

Flying Pigeon LA is also flying the Velorbis flag in Los Angeles, California.

It’s wonderful news that Velorbis bicycle icons and Copenhagen style are being embraced by My Dutch Bike and the cosmopolitan and dynamic residents of San Francisco. What’s the perfect accessory for cycling around San Francisco (other than riding a Velorbis)? Wearing a flower in your hair of course!

Velorbis bicycles are continuing to be embraced by style lovers in the US. We’re pleased to announce our new Velorbis dealer: Hudson Urban Bicycles (HUB) located on trendy Charles Street in West Village, Manhattan in iconic NYC.

Hudson Urban Bicycles (HUB) is dedicated to supplying upscale New Yorkers with the very best designer bicycles. HUB and Velorbis are therefore a match made in heaven, bringing a touch of chic Copenhagen style to customers who know how to dress to impress.

Such is the mood towards fashion on two wheels in the US, that the The New York Times has devoted an article to this significant trend that started in Copenhagen. In “Bicycle Chic Gains Speed” by Ruth La Ferla, the owner of Hudson Urban Bicycles (HUB), George Bliss, sums up the philosophy perfectly: “Women, mostly young, have given the image of cyclists ‘an extreme makeover’...The idea now is to look like a pedestrian on wheels...And most are turning their backs on the once-customary aerodynamic helmets and latex shorts in favor of a look as fetching as it is genteel.” Fantastic!

Read the The New York Times article “Bicycle Chic Gains Speed” in full.

Velorbis was proud to be included as part of the Dublin Cycle Chic Fashion Show with our friends from Copenhagen Cycle Chic at Dublin City Hall in June this year.  A selection of Velorbis bicycles were on hand to represent the Danish cycling culture elements along with other noted brands.

Chic cycling culture inspired by Copenhagen is really becoming popular with discerning Irish trend setters, who are embracing the revolutionary concept of blending high fashion with bicycles. Velorbis previously took part in the Cork Cycle Chic fashion show last year in November 2009. View the video. 
 

Velorbis Dannebrog ladies bicycle at Dublin Cycle Chic Fashion Show 2010.
*Photo courtesy of Copenhagen Cycle Chic. 

Velorbis is proud to be selected by the Cycling Embassy of Denmark as the bicycle brand to represent and promote Danish cycling culture and excellence, and its worldwide benefits.

The Cycling Embassy of Denmark has chosen a comprehensive network of expert members from private companies, local authorities and non-governmental organizations: first class bicycle design (as represented by Velorbis), city planning, cycling promotion, parking facilities and cycling tourism. Velorbis is working with the Embassy and other members to promote and communicate cycling solutions and know-how on a global scale so that other international locations can incorporate happy, healthy cycling cultures into their social infrastructures.

Denmark is known as one of the countries with the most cyclists. International interest has never been as great as now, particularly with the focus on sustainable, carbon conscious travel and healthy lifestyles. It’s also the fastest and easiest way to get around a city.

Here are some quick fire facts about cycling in Copenhagen:
•    9 out of 10 Danes have a bicycle.
•    The number of cars in the centre of Copenhagen dropped from 319,000 in 2002 to 289,000 in 2008.
•    37% of Copenhagen’s citizens cycle to and from work. The city’s objective is that 50% of its citizens will use a bicycle as their means of transport by 2015.
•    Every Dane cycles 1.1 km on average each day.
•    17% of adult males and 36% of adult females use a bicycle to get to and from work or education.
•    45% of all Danish children cycle to school.
•    Approximately half a million bicycles are sold in Denmark each year.
•    Since 1993, there have been 11 national cycle routes established in Denmark; covering a total of 4,233 km. Regional routes cover 5,874 km. Local routes cover 2,298 km.

Embassy Secretary Lise Bjørg Pedersen says: “The bicycle is the healthy, quick and inexpensive alternative to the car that many countries are seeking. But it takes time and requires know-how to create a cycling culture in a country with few or no cyclists. We have the knowledge and the solutions that are sought, and with the new Cycling Embassy we are ready to export them.”

It’s a fantastic, positive cause that all urban epicentres can benefit from. Find out more about incorporating a chic cycling culture - the Copenhagen way - by visiting the Cycling Embassy of Denmark.

It’s great to see our friends at the superb and influential street style blog, Copenhagen Cycle Chic, listed in The Observer article "The 10 best...Fashion bloggers."

The Observer is the UK’s quality Sunday broadsheet newspaper, the sister paper of The Guardian. In the feature, Style Editor Alice Fisher picks the best from a wide-ranging array of popular fashion blogs that have taken cyberspace by storm and inspired a multitude of style savvy followers.

"Cycling has become a fashion obsession...Danish filmmaker Mikael Colville-Andersen , 42, was way ahead of the curve. Since 2007 his blog has documented beautiful bikes and riders who deal with the two-pedalled conundrum of looking good yet wearing practical outfits in fine style."

Here is Copenhagen Cycle Chic’s founder Michael Colville-Andersen pictured out and about on his trusty urban icon, the Velorbis Scrap Deluxe gents bicycle.

*Photo courtesy of The Observer, 21st February 2010.

The relationship between cycling and fashion as one style philosophy – one an extension of the other - has been truly cemented and is continuing to inspire and be adopted worldwide. It’s fantastic to see.

Read The Observer’s "The 10 best...fashion bloggers" article in full.

KidStyleFile, Australia’s first and best resource dedicated to finding beautiful premium children’s products, has spotted the Velorbis Mobii trike and immediately seen its benefits for safe (and fun) family friendly transportation.

As the KidStyleFile article mentions, in Denmark it’s not unusual for a person to go through life without ever possessing a car, such is the strength and popularity of its design heritage and cycling culture. A tricycle is a great investment that in the long-term pays for itself and eliminates the need for fuel. According to KidStyleFile, Velorbis Mobii is "perfect for families" – those who are serious about adopting a green lifestyle.

Australia is famous for its healthy citizens and outdoor lifestyle. It’s no surprise that the chic and healthy influence from Copenhagen cycling culture, and great Danish design, is being adopted country-wide.

See more great features from KidStyleFile.

In December we ran a competition with Copenhagen Cycle Chic to win a gloriously red and cream Velorbis Studine bicycle.  The competition was open to all foreign guests in Copenhagen during COP15.

The competition question: How will you personally commit to a better environment IN STYLE with this bicycle if you win it?

Congratulations to Lauren from San Francisco who is now the proud owner of her Velorbis Studine. Her winning answer was “Hej Studinealiciousness, let us push off together, me, a blur of neutral grace, heels leaving no carbon footprint, and you, my fiery, functional, fabulous muse.”

Check out these photos of Lauren by Copenhagen Cycle Chic, the epitome of cycle chic on her Velorbis Studine out and about in wintry Copenhagen. The pannier bags pictured are fully detachable and an optional basket can easily be added.  It’s all down to your personal styling and accessory needs. The Studine design is also available in classic black and cream.

We’re glad to hear that Lauren with thrilled with her Studine and look forward to hearing about her many adventures on her red beauty. Read the full overview and see more great photos on Copenhagen Cycle Chic.

Velorbis was featured in this great article in the latest issue of Australian Cyclist about urban cycling in Australia, and how Copenhagen cycling culture is influencing this movement and investment in future infrastructure.

Pedal Paradise by Robin Barton talks about "Jan Gehl, the 74 year-old godfather of bike friendly urban design was at the forefront of Copenhagen’s transformation. Now consulted by cities from Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to New York and London on how they can be more like Copenhagen."

The Australian Cyclist article also talks about how cycling can give a sense of community: "I think people are aware it gives them quality of life. They can move about the city in a different way. They can be part of city life. They can dress themselves in the city." A lovely way of thinking and a concept that Velorbis endorses.

Read the Pedal Paradise article in Australian Cyclist in full.

We're really pleased to see that wonderful Copenhagen has been voted number 5 in The New York Times' recent list: "The 31 Places to Go in 2010".

It must be all the hip people, green initiatives, fantastic architecture and of course stunning bicycles!

The NY Times says "The Danish capital has already emerged as one of the world’s greenest — and maybe coolest — cities. Copenhageners don’t simply preach the “progressive city” ethos, they live it. Long, flat urban thoroughfares are hemmed with bicycle paths where locals glide around the city."

Copenhagen sits alongside other illustrious and inspirational locations such as Sri Lanka, Patagonia Wine country, Los Angeles and Shanghai amongst others.

Read The New York Times Travel article in full and get in the mood for springtime travel – remember, that can include cycling too :)

How will you personally commit to a better environment IN STYLE with this bicycle if you win it?

Velorbis has linked up with cool streetstyle blog Copenhagen Cycle Chic for their fun and quick-fire competition to win an iconic Danish bicycle – the stunning red Velorbis Studine classic ladies bicycle with cream tyres.

Open to all foreign guests currently in Copenhagen for COP15, the UN Climate Conference, the winner will be decided by Copenhagen Cycle Chic based on how well entrants can answer the question above in 25 words or less.

The competition runs from Wednesday 9th December until 12am CET on Monday 14th December. The winner will be announced at 9am CET on Tuesday 15th December on Copenhagen Cycle Chic.

Good luck! We look forward to hearing your pledges for a greener cycling lifestyle and see you riding in style on the winning Velorbis Studine bicycle.

To view the conditions of entry, see Copenhagen Cycle Chic.

How about this for a lovely piece of cycling nostalgia from Copenhagen in 1937. We found this Traveltalks gem by Metro Goldwyn Mayer on Copenhagen Cycle Chic’s website – no surprise really as they always have a comprehensive array of cycling information.

Copenhagen cycling culture has been going strong since 1937 and doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. In fact, its influence seems to be stretching worldwide as the carbon conscious movement continues and cities adopt a slice of Danish cycling culture.

In 1937 Copenhagen was the largest city in Northern Europe with a population of 900,000 inhabitants. 1 person in 3 owned a bicycle. The commentator speaks about a city of bicycles, an amazing bicycle parade vision; how after each working day, the whole city seems to appear on wheels.

Copenhagen’s passion for cycling hasn’t lost any of its intensity, enjoyment or participants.

Velorbis is proud to be an offspring of this cycling culture legacy.

Check out this inspiring article in The Independent on Sunday Magazine by Robin Barton on 18th October 2009. “On your bike: What the world can learn about cycling from Copenhagen”, talks about how Copenhagen is bursting with eco-friendly solutions that the world’s leaders would benefit from taking a closer look at when they arrive in the city for COP15, the UN’s Climate Change Conference in December.

Whilst in Copenhagen the journalist, Robin Barton, stopped by the Velorbis flagship store for a visit and an interview with Velorbis founding partner Ken Bødiker.  Robin writes the following about Velorbis...

”Surprisingly, for a city with as many bicycles as people, Copenhagen's most fashionable bike company began life in London.  He'd noticed that his native Copenhagen had something to export to London: a culture of urban cycling. Three years later and Bødiker has opened a flagship store in sedate Frederiksberg and exports his German-made town bikes to the UK, US and Australia.

He lends me a Scrap Deluxe, a pepped-up, Dutch-style model with lights, mudguards, a rack and kickstand that counts Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers among its owners, and I set off to discover how Copenhagen is offering a vision of the 21st-century city.”

The article also talks about urban sustainability in various areas of the city and Copenhagen cycling culture in general. Read The Independent on Sunday article in full.

We came across another great piece illustrating the impeccable influence of Copenhagen cycling culture worldwide. This time in the Big Apple – NYC.

In the Streetsblog New York article by Sarah Goodyear - “Copenhagen Cycle Ambassador Says Bikes Are Hot” - our friend and cycling ambassador from Copenhagen Cycle Chic and Copenhagenize streetstyle blogs, Mikael Colville-Andersen talks about how bicycles need to be promoted in a mainstream way not just for particular sub-cultures or a lycra clad few.

Apparently in Copenhagen 37% of commuters use bikes, and 55% of trips are made on two wheels.
Colville-Andersen points out that people on bikes in Copenhagen “are not ‘cyclists’ -- they're people. On bikes.”

We’d like to interject the word ‘stylish’ into that sentence.
Velorbis is dedicated to supporting and equipping stylish people on bikes.

Read more interesting facts in the Streetsblog New York article, such as how Denmark’s long-term visionary urban planning has created a cycling oasis that makes people feel safe on their bicycles. This type of infrastructure and culture would be amazing in a vibrant, fashion-forward city such as New York. Hopefully it’s around the corner.

This really interesting article by Christina Passariello in the Wall Street Journal Fashion section – “New cyclist styles pedal their way into Paris” – mentions how the new wave bicycle revolution is continuing full steam ahead, intertwining fashion and cycling as one statement.

The cool cycling culture that started in Copenhagen is now gathering momentum in Paris. It seems that arriving fashionably late on two stylish wheels is the new vogue, with many fashion editors and models predicted to do just that at Paris Fashion Week.

Paris has also introduced a bike share scheme (Vélib') to encourage more people to cycle. Copenhagen Cycle Chic has an article that talks about how the city is being transformed and how the Parisians are embracing urban cycle style in a convenient social context just like Copenhageners.

 

 

 

 

 

Velorbis is pleased to sponsor The Slow Bicycle Movement, founded in Copenhagen by Mikael Colville-Andersen; often referred to as the leading ambassador of Copenhagen cycling culture.

“Style over speed” is its ethos. Just shift the gears into full-time cruise control and enjoy the actual cycling experience.

There have been some really fun slow bicycle races in various cities around the world since 2008 such as London, Chicago, New Orleans, etc., with the cool concept filtering into other aspects of daily life for an utterly de-stressed way of life. It’s amazing how chilled-out people can get.

Velorbis Scrap Deluxe gents bicycle took part in the Copenhagen Slow Bicycle Race earlier this year – Copenhagenize vs Amsterdamize - and was the proud winner of this challenge. See video footage on The Slow Bicycle Movement blog.