Put your hands up for Detroit

We were reminded of a programme we saw on Swedish television - SVT - a while ago: Kultur i farozonen. (Which translates to both Culture in the danger zone or Culture in danger.) Or rather it was a series of documentaries about different forms of culture in different places. We didn't see all episodes, but the one that we are really glad to not have missed was about the bicycle culture in Detroit.

Perhaps you know that the city of Detroit filed for bankruptcy in July 2013. Perhaps you know that the city of Detroit have had a really rough time for a long time, at least since the 1970's (but the roots of the city's problems can be traced back even further). And have you seen Detroit? Parts of it looks like a war zone. For example, check out the photos of Camilo José Vergara and of Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre. Beautiful photos, but eerie.

(Photo by Camilo José Vergara. We haven't asked for permission to publish this photo on our blog so: Camilo José Vergara. If you have any objections to us showing one of your photos on our blog, just let us know and we will take it away immediately. Also, we should mention that we kind of borrowed the photo from the blog The View from Madrid.)

(Photo by Yves Marchand/Romain Meffre. We haven't asked for permission to publish this photo on our blog so: Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre. If you have any objections to us showing one of your photos on our blog, just let us know and we will take it away immediately.)

However, there are signs that Detroit is on the upswing again, and to some extent that is thanks to the bicycle industry. For example, check out Detroit Cargo Company.

(This is the Woodward seat tool bag, available from Detroit Cargo Company.)

On their web page you can read about their thoughts on Detroit. And about their thoughts of using leather. We especially dig that! There is also Shinola.

(This is the Runwell, available from Shinola.)

On their web page you can read about their thoughts on Detroit. And see some really good-looking bicycles. We especially like the Runwell in the light orange colour.

Anyone who is into techno (or motown, for that matter) should have a soft spot for Detroit in their hearts. We certainly do, and we wish Detroit all the best in the future. We hope to come see you soon, as well, with bikes in our luggage.

There was that programme, though! As a bit of an anticlimax it isn't available anymore. It was available on SVT's web page for 30 days, until the 21st of April. Is it possible that SVT will show it again, if enough people write to them and ask for it? It's definitely worth a try! You can, though, see the trailer here, until the 21st of March 2015. 30 seconds, with Swedish subtitles. If you want to know more about Kyle Wiswall, who is mentioned in the programme you can do it here. And actually that link works just fine if you just want to know even more about Detroit.

Leslie Wacker, Kyle Wiswall and Boscoe. (This photo was taken by Tony Barchock, and published on above linked web page Crain's Detroit Business. We hope that's cool. If not, let us know.)

Ride safe!