In 1942, a priest named Kristian Skjerring decided to change things for the better in Copenhagen. He wanted to give these svajere a pedestal on which to stand. He organised what became known as a Svajerløb in the city – a cargo bike race for these bicycle messengers. He raised money through the races to send the young men to summer camps. They were the hardest working people in Copenhagen and Skjerring thought they deserved some respect.
The races become incredibly popular in Copenhagen. Thousands came out to watch. There was prize money, but really it was about honour, and winning the right to call yourself the King of Copenhagen – at least until the next race. These Svajerløb races were held until 1960, when cars and vans started to dominate goods transport in the city. In 2009, the race was revived in Copenhagen and are now an annual event. The city has 40,000 cargo bikes in daily use, so a revival was a no-brainer. Unlike the 1940's, the cargo bike riders are now families and people with goods to transport.
'Svajer' is an old term for a bicyclist riding two- or three-wheel cargo bikes, delivering goods before cars and motorcycles took over that job. Their legs & backs were usually worn out by the time they reached 40.
Most of the 2-wheelers are Danish 'Bullitt' bikes with aluminum frames and - for the $6K+ top of the range - state-of-the-art electrics. Wonderful bikes to ride, with or without motors.
Don't know the current numbers, but a some years ago about one in six Copenhagen families with kids had a 3-wheeler, usually instead of a car (parking, price). No reason to think the numbers are higher now.
'Svajer' is an old term for a bicyclist riding two- or three-wheel cargo bikes, delivering goods before cars and motorcycles took over that job. Their legs & backs were usually worn out by the time they reached 40.
ReplyDeleteMost of the 2-wheelers are Danish 'Bullitt' bikes with aluminum frames and - for the $6K+ top of the range - state-of-the-art electrics. Wonderful bikes to ride, with or without motors.
Don't know the current numbers, but a some years ago about one in six Copenhagen families with kids had a 3-wheeler, usually instead of a car (parking, price). No reason to think the numbers are higher now.
ReplyDelete(Correction: The last line should've read 'No reason to think the numbers AREN'T higher now'.)
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