I Love Riding in the City
NAME: Josh Wilkins
LOCATION: Frankfurt, Germany
OCCUPATION: Software Architect
Where do you live and what’s it like riding in your city?
I live in Frankfurt, Germany and bike every day, rain or shine. It is my main form of transportation. Urban cycling is big here—something like every sixth commuter does so by bike. There is, of course, the expected aggression between cyclists and motorists, but it is rather limited in my experience. There is also a high rate of bike theft, so you have to be wary!
I grew up in California and Oregon and spent many years mountain biking. The bike scene here in Europe is very different. The bike is not only for exercise, but it is a normal part of everyday life. Everybody rides, from toddlers on their Laufrad to seniors on their Hollandrad complete with a wicker basket on the handlebars. Somedays it’s just crazy how many people are out there on two wheels.
What was your favorite city to ride in, and why?
Eugene, OR. The city has a nice mix of flatland and steep hills and you can get out of the city easily and ride the back roads out in the country.
Why do you love riding in the city?
It’s never boring. You have to keep all the senses tuned. Kind of like driving the autobahn, alertness is key! I love using the bike as an all round utility vehicle. I get a major kick out of transporting things using my own power. I adore the freedom it allows—come and go when I please, no need to worry about when the train is coming. Combining exercise and the daily chores is just damn cool. It is also a great feeling to fly past all those cars stuck in rush hour traffic.
