Bonnie Bikes of Glasgow

by Alison Gall (Owner of Bonnie Bikes)

I always enjoy reading and learning about cycling in cities across the globe, thanks to the ever increasing network of ‘Cycle Chic’ and cycling related blog spots. I live in Glasgow, Scotland which to many may not conjure up an image of style and is a place often overlooked by Edinburgh. However, the city is branded as ‘Scotland with Style’ and as a cyclist who uses a bicycle to commute to and from work, I have noticed that there has been an increase in stylish cyclists in the city. Glasgow can now even be found on the ‘Cycle Chic’ map and photos of cyclists who ride in style are added regularly.

Recently, Bonnie Bikes was asked to help hand over the Sustrans ‘Motion for Women’ petition to the Scottish Government which had been signed by 9000 female cyclists in the United Kingdom. The petition stated that more women would cycle if the roads were safer for cyclists by increasing the amount of cycle lanes in existence. It is a sad fact but in the U.K, 43% of women have access to a bike but only 4% of women use a bike more than once a week. Let’s hope the Government can make the necessary changes to make cycling more attractive to women.

Looking to other European cities like Copenhagen or Amsterdam where the bicycle is King, it is clear that the U.K has a long way to go. However, I believe that in the future there may be many more Bonnie Bikers!

I started Bonnie Bikes, which is aimed at the style conscious leisure/commuter cyclist in 2009, in the hope that it may encourage more people to cycle and have fun whilst doing so. The products on offer allow riders to personalize their bicycles or complement their individual look or style and include the fabulous Danish designed Yakkay helmets, bells, decals, top tube protectors and bags and panniers.