FAIRHOPE, Alabama -- "Regular people on regular bikes wearing regular clothes," is the mission statement for a new group called Slow Bicycle Society on the Eastern Shore.

Founded by Fairhope resident Molly Peterson just a few weeks ago, the group is already attracting attention for its "no Spandex required" attitude and easy, fun riding routes.

With rides offered on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, "slow bikers" from all over Baldwin County are uniting for leisurely cruising and socializing in a safe, comfortable environment.

The Slow Bike Movement began in Copenhagen, Denmark decades ago as a response to the traffic-clogged streets of the city. Inhabitants began using their bicycles for transportation to and from work, play, and school.

Now more than 500,000 citizens choose the bicycle over the car or mass transit in the greater Copenhagen area. Termed "Copenhagenizing" or "Slow Bike Movement," the trend is now catching on in other cities worldwide.

Peterson said she was inspired by the Copenhagen model and bike-friendly cities such as Portland, Ore., and other Slow Bike groups such as Slow Bike Chicago and Mobilians on Bikes. She thought it was time for the idea to hit Baldwin County.

"Groups like the Baldwin County Trailblazers and Smart Coast have made starting a slow bike society easy," Peterson said.

Those groups have added sidewalks, trails and alternative transportation education provided by these groups.

With a strong set of trails and paths open for biking, "the community now needs to see that there are alternatives to the racing bikes that most people equate with recreational riding," Peterson said.

SLOW BICYCLE SOCIETY



WHAT: A group of 'slow bikers' from all over Baldwin County who take leisurely rides and socialize in a safe, comfortable environment

WHEN

: 5:30 p.m. Fridays and 3 p.m. Sundays

INFO

: Join the Slow Bike Society on the Eastern Shore on Facebook, follow them on Twitter as 'SlowBicycleES' or visit www.slowbike.wordpress.com

While recent inclement weather has only allowed four rides so far, Peterson is happy with the response to date. With half a dozen riders turning out for the Friday "Fruit and Nut" rides through historic Fairhope and double that number showing for the Sunday rides that occur at different locations each week in Baldwin County, Peterson is certain more will come.

Cyberspace is already buzzing with interest about the group, which has a Facebook page, a Twitter feed and a blog site where those interested can plug in to find out ride locations and upcoming events, she said.

"There are no membership fees or requirements to join, other than a bicycle and a good attitude," Peterson said.

Attendees at recent rides have ranged in age from teens to retirees and have come on a wide variety of bikes.

"We've seen cruisers, 10-speeds and very basic single-speed bicycles. The type of rides we are doing are perfect for those types of bikes, especially along the Eastern Shore Trail," she said.

Peterson also said that the pace is very comfortable and "no one gets left behind."

Although there are no plans for making Slow Bicycle Society on the Eastern Shore a powerhouse among the slow bike set, Peterson does have aspirations for the local movement.

One being that cyclists and motorists form a better working relationship on the roadways. In an area where tragedy has struck more than one cyclist on Baldwin roadways, her goal is to take some of the fear out of biking on shared roadways and create understanding between the two.

Her main goal, though, is to remind people "what it felt like to ride bikes when we were 10 years old. The freedom of it and the smile it brings to your face."