Urban Velo #7 - Bicycle Culture on the Skids

NAME: Brian Ohlen
LOCATION: Puerto Williams, Chile
OCCUPATION: Guide/Grease Monkey

Where do you live and what’s it like riding in your city?

I live in the southernmost town in the world, Puerto Williams, Chile. Riding here is different than most places. There are only 2200 people in town, so traffic isn’t really an issue. Wandering horses and cows prove more abundant than cars most of the time. None of the roads are paved. Street dogs enjoy chasing the unsuspecting biker. Small children own the roads with old BMX bikes with no brakes. Highlights of riding in Puerto Williams (Billy for short) include jumping piles of horse crap, chasing cows through the streets, and gorging oneself on cheese empanadas after a ride to town.

What’s been your favorite city to ride in, and why?

Hands down, Moscow, ID takes the prize. Moscow is a great small town that has a strong biking community with motorists that actually give pedestrians and bikers the right of way (more often than some cities at least). Other bonuses include the bitchin’ Paradise Creek Bicycles, the Village Bicycle Project, and other bike friendly organizations.

Why do you love riding in the city?

It’s fun.

We love riding in the city. We know you do, too. Urban Velo features a department entitled "I Love Riding in the City," and we want to include your experiences.

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