Doug: writer, cyclist, dad. Doug lends a calm, articulate voice to the online discussion of city cycling with his new Brooklyn Spoke blog, where he’s “passionate about relaxed biking”.
Doug’s been riding in New York City for thirteen years. During that time the style and purpose of his riding gradually shifted from Weekend Warrior to commuter; sport to transport. As his riding pattern changed, so have his bikes. Starting with a mountain bike, he went to a Bianchi Veloce for his weekend cycling. As he became a bike commuter he switched to a single-speed SE Draft. With the birth of his 1 year-old daughter, he traded in the single-speed for the more baby-friendly PUBLIC D-3 that you see here. She rides in a child seat on the rear rack. Doug and I met up at the north end Prospect Park for a portrait. The new Prospect Park West bike lane is one of Doug’s favorite places to ride: “You’re going north on the bike lane and suddenly you see this majestic arch in front of you.” I have to agree – the PPW bike lane looks fantastic. Car traffic was light, riders were plenty; everyone seemed happy. No “bike bedlam” was evident.
And yes, Doug wears a helmet, which can be seen in another portrait I took that day; but this one was my favorite. After we done shooting, Doug rode off to pick up his daughter from day care.
Interested in a bike portrait? Drop me a line.