NAME: Bogdan Neagu (aka Soze)

LOCATION: Bucharest, Romania

OCCUPATION: Designer

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

I live in Bucharest, Romania. Cycling here is kind of dangerous, especially if you want to go fast, as motorists are not used to driving alongside us. Cycling infrastructure is almost nonexistent, there are lots of stray dogs on the streets but there is also a positive aspect—the asphalt quality on the main roads is very good.

What was your favorite city to ride in, and why?

I’ve cycled in Bucharest, Chicago (USA), Newcastle (UK) and Paris (France). Apart from having to use the wrong side of the road, cycling in Newcastle upon Tyne was the best ever. Enough infrastructure, cycling lanes not at all busy, drivers extremely careful, lots of parks and lots of flowers along the roads. Not to mention the weather, which was ten times better than I expected—not too rainy, not too dry, not too cold, not too hot. Plus, it is only an hour away from the seaside.

Why do you love riding in the city?

I love riding in the city because it makes me some kind of superhero. Average speed for motorists in Bucharest is probably below 15 km/h. Going twice as fast, on a vehicle worth 100 times less than a car, while sculpting my body is really something.

Or just say whatever you want about riding in the city… Poetry anyone?

I wish I will live to see 2000 people on a critical mass ride in Bucharest.

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