Bicycle culture - Definition and Overview

Many cities contain sub-cultures of bicycle enthusiasts, including racers, bicycle messengers, bicycle transportation activists, bicycle mechanics, and cyclists who share an interest in peace and justice activism or various counter-culture groups. Group activities may involve competitive cycling, fun rides, or even civil disobedience, which is how motorists may characterize the activities of "Critical Mass". Some groups work to promote bicycle transportation (Yellow bicycle program); others fix up bicycles to give to children or the homeless, or to poor people in other countries (Bikes Not Bombs).

Bicycle culture includes arts and crafts, both handmade and mass manufactured, and a literature of books and magazines. H. G. Wells was an early contributor to bicycle culture with his novel "Wheels of Chance".

Bicycle magazines and organizations give yearly awards to cities for being "bicycle friendly". Cities known as such, including Amsterdam and Copenhagen, feature "bicycle culture" as part of their urban identity.

See also

• Carfree movement