Fixed gear bikes have also been a boon to exercise fans that like to ride cycles for fitness. Since there is no coasting, riders must always keep their legs in motion, and when riding on an incline, they are forced to push harder than on regular cycles.
But the fixed gear craze hasn’t caught back on everywhere. In Berlin, Germany the police, citing safety as its main concern a few years ago, began to crack down on fixed wheel bikes. They claim the bikes, due to the way riders are required to stop, are a risk to automobiles and drivers, and in 2009 they confiscated 18 bikes. While this isn’t a big number, the point is clear, not everyone likes fixed gear bikes.
According to the law in some US states, the use of any bike without brakes on public roads is illegal, and in British Columbia the law states that any bike: "Must be equipped with a brake that will enable the person operating the cycle to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level and clean pavement." Some argue that the riders’ legs qualify here, so it’s a bit of a gray area.
But does a police crackdown make the bikes seem, cooler? Part of the fun seems to be the fact that at any point you could lose a bit of control while riding.
Speaking of losing control, another danger of fixed-gear bicycles is the possibility of something getting caught in the chain or one of the sprockets.
If you accidentally have a finger an article of clothing come into contact with the chain or a sprocket, the momentum of the wheel will keep the chain moving, heightening the chance of injury. What that means, if you catch a shoelace in the chain, it will get torn off or your shoe. If you catch a trouser leg, you can really get yourself hurt.
Veronica, a girl I spoke to in downtown Brooklyn is cautious when riding her navy blue fixed gear. “I absolutely love my bike, but I refuse to wear any type of dress or loose pants while riding,” she says while taking a break to smoke a cigarette. “I once knew a guy who lost a finger, or two fingers, something like that. Since then I just thought to be as safe as possible when riding so nothing would happen to me. I even check my shoelaces every time I am about to ride.”
Fixed gear bikes are fun and fashionable, but if the rider is inexperienced or uncoordinated, it poses a risk for the riders themselves, and anyone else around. Always remember, practice makes perfect.
Daniel the messenger supports anyone who is interested in fixed gear bikes, but thinks proper training and practice is key to fully enjoying them. “Even now I still mess up every once in a while, and I ride my bike nearly everyday. So anyone who is new to riding, I suggest you practice a bit before you start riding out in the streets just so you are comfortable. It’s safer for the rider themselves and just safer for everyone out on the street.”
Believe it or not, there are more bicycles in the world than cars. Well I guess that isn’t such a shocking statement, but either way, don’t be surprised if you see a lot more fixed-gear bicycles in your neighborhood, because it’s a craze that refuses to go away.
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