Yeah biking in high heels or a suit is not common at all in North America. In Europe biking seems to be more of a way of life and much more daily transport whereas in N. America it's more for exercise. There are exceptions to that of course but, in general I mean.
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Yes, that is also my impression. There are many Americans here, and I talk to them quite often on the street to show some hospitality. Scandinavians can get through as rather reserved or introvert. There are also exercise cyclists here who like to play Tour de France, but they are a small minority in the cities. You see them mostly on country roads. Here's an old clip from the City Hall Square with people cycling in all kinds of garments including suits:)
Sounds like I would fit in there lol😁
Bicycle culture is quite different around Europe and the world in general. The Netherlands has very interesting cycling culture. There it is definitely a way of life. I've never seen so many bikes and such great infrastructure for cycling as I have there.
The Netherlands are probably the bicycle nation no. 1. Denmark has seen a decline in bicycling since the nineties, and our politicians don't prioritize it even though there's a solid culture to build upon. Not really sure why as every kilometre on bike saves society a dollars, while every kilometre by car costs one dollar.
In Copenhagen we still have a solid bike-culture though.
N. America was built around and for the car so cycling infrastructure and habits are slow to progress.
With the climate talks and carbon reduction targets that countries are begining to agree to, you would think that more countries would incentivise cycling.
It's a good thing to hang onto.
Should be a nobrainer, but cars has been the status symbol for decades and that makes it hard for people in power (who always are attracted to status and might) to change things. But so many arguments back up more cyclists. Apart from CO2, particle pollution, traffic accidents, health of the drivers, noise pollution etc. there's also a lot less space needed for bicycle traffic.
Here's some footage from Copenhagen and in almost every frame (best seen in the shots from above) there are more people in the bicycle lane than in the car lanes. Most of those cars, especially in the rush hour have only one person inside.
Very true.
That's a neat video. That's a lot of bikes!