It was interesting to be back in Oxford for a few days and check out the range of bikes etc. My recollection - mainly from the 1990s - was of a lot of eclectic bikes. Now 90% are mountain bike-style commuters. There are still a few shoppers to be seen, but fewer of the 'delivery-boy' bikes than I remember. Very few 'retro', pashley, trikes etc. Saw no conveyances for kids beyond bike seats - unlike Cambridge which seemed full of cargobikes and whatnot. Also remarkably few Bromleys and/or other folding bikes, unlike London (although did see one rather nicelooking matte black one). Lots of baskets - but none of the clever styles, flowered panniers etc. Just plain old wire baskets, and the occasional unglamorous washing up basin strapped to back of bike.
On the one hand this seems a bit sad, certainly rather dull to the bike-watcher. On the other hand, this seems very healthy - a place where bikes are 'just' transport and there is no fetishization over 'style', and where bikes are for everyone of every age.
posts
