The Copenhagen or Amsterdam "chic cyclists" are operating in a completely different context. They seem to be simply going about their business using the arguably dominant mode of transportation where they live, dressing no more or less "chic" than the pedestrian counterparts where they live. While websites focusing exclusively on high-style, attractive, fit European cyclists are entertaining, we don't want folks in the US get the impression that transportational cycling is only for the well-dressed, young and fit "cycle chic." I think the better, and more descriptive phrases to brand the movement toward transportational cycling in the US would be "everyday cycling," "urban cycling," or "commuter cycling."

This is not to say that US transportational cyclists do not recognize the spotlit cultural space they occupy, and run with it. They often do and should. As Bike Snob so often has observed, there is little that is more satisfying than picking (or powering) one's way to the front of a line of motor vehicle traffic. Looking good--and pleased--while doing so certainly adds to the experience. The more attractive transportational cycling appears, the greater the number of motorists and pedestrians that will be persuaded to try it. But for cycling advocates, it is important to remember than it is a choice to be urged for everyone, young and old, fit or not, chic or not. It's hard to do that when your rallying cry is "cycle chic" and you're identifying with a very carefully selected group of "chic" images from Europe.

And Cycle Chic should not be the sole territory of ladies alone (even though they typically do a much better job of it). Men, its time to step up.

Also I totally second what Lilly and "al oof" have to say. Cycling in those cities and countries is just something people do for transportation just as here most Americans use a car with out identifying themselves as "driving enthusiast." Helmets start to become a moot point when speeds are kept low and the motoring public actually respect cyclists and the laws presume guilt on drivers who crash with cyclists.

the bike helmet thing is something i keep meaning to look into. i mean, no one wears bike helmets in amsterdam. (and while lots of people around here don't wear bike helmets, it's really -no one- in amsterdam.) what is it about their biking (and i think probably -driving-) habits that make helmets unnecessary? or rather, what is it about our habits that make them important? i saw a lady in amsterdam with 2 kids in a bucket thing in front and one kid in a rather primitive looking child seat in the back.

i'd love a sturdy utilitarian amsterdam type bike with a covered chain, but i can't afford one and i think it would get stolen pretty fast. but i can meander to work (though for me it is not even a little far) on my crappy old road bike too.