I Love Riding in the City
NAME: Mark Isaacson
LOCATION: Stockholm, Sweden
OCCUPATION: Manager of the 3 Stooges
Where do you live and what’s it like riding in your city?
Stockholm kicks ass. I’ve had the opportunity to ride in most of Europe and the United States, and Stockholm is my favorite. Everyone rides bicycles in town to the point where it is over congested in the bike lanes during the short but wonderful summers. Politicians also ride, so there is awareness from the system to increase bicycle lanes, infrastructure, public air pumps, etc. Since everyone rides or knows someone who rides, most drivers are also more conscious and considerate.
What was your favorite city to ride in, and why?
Stockholm, Sweden. Copenhagen, Denmark. Santa Cruz, California. These cities are similar from a bicycle perspective with a great mixture of nature and city life. Metropolitan Stockholm is similar to the structure of New York City in that it consists of seven islands all connected by bridges to keep getting around simple and efficient, and more importantly, car-free.
Why do you love riding in the city?
Wind in my face, bugs in my teeth, cold mornings that make my eyes tear, angry car drivers, blind bus drivers, me and my silly grin from ear to ear. In a word, freedom with the gift of captivating and focusing my mind on what is in front of my wheel.