the Waltz of the Bikes
For more info see my blog. situp-cycle.com. Can you see yourself getting around your city on a bike? Maybe after seeing this film, you’ll expand your ideas of what you and a bike could do together. We could have a city bike culture like this one we see in Amsterdam, that is if we really wanted it. How? 1. Restrict car access and slow all traffic down. 2. Favor bikes with safe paths, crossings and parking. 3,. Convince our existing cyclists that they don’t have to dash around madly in Lycra, their heads down as if every ride was their last. They don’t make it look inviting. if you want to train or race, do it elsewhere. 4. Favor the sit-up bikes you see in the Waltz because the stately posture they allow is safer and the bike itself more convenient for carrying things, Indeed the whole experience is just very enjoyable which is why the Dutch and the Danes choose bikes as transport All the pains in the neck and shoulders, which many people imagine are inevitable on a bike, just don’t happen with these bikes. 5. Make sure Bike Share schemes like the Velibs in Paris and the Bixis in Montreal arrive in our Australian cities. These schemes are the best way to rapidly boost urban cycling since they make using a bike like this, (they are all sit–ups) completely hassle free. So, see you on the streets of our reinvented city, hopefully ! In the meantime, the Giant Suede is a great sit-up bike which is not to pricey. For more on the Dutch way of riding, watch, Talking to David …
If u rly think most Aussie commuters wear lycra, you’re deluded. A lot do, but plenty don’t, especially the jersey. On my 9k commute I want something with a chamois anyway, my man bits are more important than ‘looking relaxed’. On the planned commute after I move house (30km each way) i’ll be using the most efficient bike that offers me control with the best aero position, ie. a road bike. That doesn’t mean i’m a hoon. Btw, the Dutch can use these bikes cos it’s flat, ur whole theory is garbage.
There is a zen like quality to all those cyclists. Every thing very calm in control and enjoyable?
Very diffirent to cyclists on their hi tec urban street bikes from the English speaking world.
Thank you
I have not got tired of it yet, Even today in the howling wind and rain it was a pleasure to ride 
Congrats and enjoy the bike I bought one last year and I have enjoyed every moment on it .
I’ve just bought a Dutch Bike today. Secondhand but it’s hardly been used by the look of it. Haven’t ridden it much yet as I spent virtually all day getting it back to where I live as the trains messed up but I love the riding position. It’s single speed so I’ll have to work a bit harder on it but I need to get fit anyway.
Actually, it is. And if it was so dangerous….these people would wear one.
Good point. Personally, I do love those Catlike helmets.
Well, Bensy, in a way it s a fashion parade.
The dominant fashion here is Lycra, and the helmet with it’s colors and slits, is very much part of the fashion look.
The Europeans don’t want to give their personalities over to the bike culture. They wear what they like, and because they’ve made it safe, they don’t need helmets,
it would be nice to have that option. Mike
The only people riding a bike with a helmet in Holland are some scared tourists… Otherwise it’s very relaxed. It’s not about a fashion statement either, it’s just that the risk of head injury is close to zero.
Living in Aus, I have had the helmet safety message drummed into me my whole life (I’m 23) and I can’t imagine riding without one.
I hope I never need it but I’m glad it’s there just in case. They really aren’t that bad.
You’re riding a bike, it’s not a fashion parade.
I think it’s very complex.
Bike shops seem threatened by practical sit up bikes. Do they think they might suck buyers away from more lucrative high tech bikes?
Are sit up bikes a sort of flag, making a statement about themselves and their rider that’s not appreciated by the sport cycle culture?
Are practical bikes and their riders saying: “I’m not into speed or sport, I’m just going somewhere. I’m not obsessed by this bike I’m on, I don’t give it much thought, really,”
I certainly do I live in Norfolk which is pretty flat. I figure a bike made for Holland would be perfect for round here as we have similar terrain. However, as far as I can see, there are no Dutch bike dealers in the whole of Norfolk. I don’t want to buy one off the internet as I want to ride it first. Therefore I may settle for a Dawes or take a trip to Cambridge
Its about having the right gears.
What do you think about the bike industry not selling practical bikes at least in the English speaking world? Do you think that is part of the problem?
I have two Grandad bikes one for the English market a Dawes and one made for the Danish market a Batavus . They both have Nexus Shimano gears 7 speed. ( Did I spell that right} but the hubs have diffrent ratios. I live in Ireland and its hilly and the Dawes suits the up down nature of Dublin better because the hub favours lower gears. I cycle this bike because its easy and enjoyable. Its amplafied walking while a mountain bike is jogging.
Andrew, that’s a very interesting point about always being in balance.
What do you say to the usual argument that sit-ups are less good at climbing hills, only good on the flat? Mike
Loved this video what a nice calm relaxing way to spend a few mins. And didnt all the commuters look calm relaxed and fairly happy with them selves.
Thank you for posting this.
Regards
I have a mountain bike great fun but for transport I have a Grandad bike great fun also . I converted to one for everyday transport a few years ago. Because its easy, stylish, fun, quick, and a social way to get around any town or city.. Advise! just do it.
In fact this type of bike started out being called a safety. I find that because your shoulder, hip and ankle are in line ( like standing ) that you are always in balance and that makes you feel safer. Good Luck
If you feel to wear 1, why not? ^_^…
@Zoza15
You are of course right. Car drivers should be more careful but here in the UK, they generally aren’t
I’d love to cycle in Holland. I love cycling here but sometimes it can be very dangerous. I have a very large head and have yet to find a cycle helmet that fits me but don’t really see why I should wear one even if I can.
For me, its more about the layout of a city and planning for bicycles. When this occurs people tend to get the kind of bikes they want. Even though cycling rates are low where I live, the more things like bike tracks that go in the more people cycle on various bikes.
Following from my last point. You may be right about the Lycra though. In my opinion its about the idea that people have that cycling is purely a “sport”, and they cant see past the car as the main form of transport. That would change if we make it easier for people to cycle. Fear of being in an accident, and distances are problems, we have to much urban sprawl. There is also the perception that going to work by bike makes you sweat to much. I encourage anyone to cycle no mater what bike.
I agree with you on most points however, I ride what some would call a racing bike, but then again I dont tend to wear Lycra, and I dont race it, I just find it faster and thus a better form of transport. I dont see getting rid of “road bikes” as one of the answers. Rather we should promote cycling in general. Every bike has its advantages. When someone tells me they want comfort over speed I say, get an upright.
Also whats with the motorbikes with the bicycles?
WOW!!
A city that does not have a fixation with the car, pure paradise
Are you serious!?…
Heard there was a rule in America that you first need a Licence to ride a bike LOL!..
You dont need a damn Licence here!..
You dont need helmets, and its quite safe to ride a bike, and those who ride cars are the ones that should be carefull..