Berlin Gives Fixies das Boot
 

looks like Berlin has made fixed gear bikes illegal, due to 'traffic safety' concerns.

"we decided to do something to undercut this trend," said a policeman.

Berlin Gives Fixies das Boot

Sounds like they're just requiring the bike to have at least one 'normal' brake. Not the same as making fixed gear bikes illegal.

+1.
Uh-oh, you might lose cool-points if you install a front brake!! Oh, no!!! Whatevs, get a lever, cable, caliper, and pads for $35.

I found this article far more interesting:

http://www.thelocal.de/lifestyle/20090616-19993.html

You're right, but the wording of the article makes it sound like all fixed gear bikes are brakeless dangers.

I'm more interested in how these "European Fixies" even work!

"Evolved from indoor track bikes with no gears and brakes..."

No gears? Not even one?!

I was just in Berlin earlier last month and I saw a decent amount of people riding fixed compared to most European cities.
They have wonderful bike lanes over there that are mostly on the sidewalk and separated from traffic. (And pedestrians actually know not to walk in them)

It's a pretty flat city and all in all a great place to ride a bike, brake or no brake.

Das Boot means "the boat".

Just sayin'

or "The" Boot.

haha i was thinking the same thing
they also should have used "or" instead of "and"
i find it a little ridiculous. i think that its more peoples style of riding that can be a traffic hazard such as bikers running stop signs, cutting off cars, etc. i think things like this are just more apparent in fixie riding because it is more of a hassle to stop
but at the same time its not that difficult to install a front brake and its not like you even have to use it

just no more bar spins unless you go bmx style with lengthy cables

...or a gyro.

i actually only entered this thread to point that out.

It's already pronounced "boat" anyway.

Police are rounding all the fixies up and shipping 'em to the states.

Fixed.

I wonder if it is such a problem there that they had to outlaw it, or if it is just one of those media frenzy things.

Hipster probably ran over a granny and GARP got involved.

so Berlin gave fixed gear bikes a boat? how sweet!

Gearless, brakeless European fixie:

http://tourdemparks.org/BaltimoreSpokes/Draisine.jpg

Just today I returned from a week in Berlin, I go for work a couple of times a year. It's an amazing city for bikes, paths everywhere, bike specific traffic lights, and most drivers are aware and courteous (if you follow the rules). Most people ride city bikes, dutch bikes, mountain bikes, cheap department store bikes, flea market junk, etc. Lots of practical stuff attached like baskets, bags, trailers for kids and so on.

Fixed gears were pretty rare until recently and this visit I saw more than ever. It's definitely on the radar and it doesn't surprise me at all that the cops are forcing people to install brakes. While Berlin is one of the most liberal cities in Germany, they are still relatively strict regarding vehicle safety, like the rest of the country.

Bonus material, I went to this small new (well new to me at least) bike shop in Prenzlauerberg called Rembetis. Shop owner was a really nice old dude, definitely a life long cycling fanatic and absolutely knows his stuff. He used to set up in a nearby flea market and do repairs and sell used parts, etc. Had a nice conversation and he showed me some of the old 50s and 60s frames he was reconditioning. There were some really sweet vintage track bikes on the wall. Prices were reasonable, starting at 400 euro (US$566) or so for some quality classic builds. Anyway, check him out if your'e ever in Berlin: http://www.rembetis1.de/index.php?id=17

Massachusetts law requires all bikes to have at least one working brake as well. They're not exactly strict about enforcing it but the law is there.

Not having a brake when sharing the street with cars is just ******** stupid. It's like not wearing armor to a joust.

That is in no way a legitimate analogy.

Replace "brake" with "helmet", and then you're getting somewhere... but there's still that issue of the 12 foot polls, and charging each other.

No fixie for you. Next!