Good Watch: Cycling Shorts: Short Documentaries About Bicycles

By Joe Biel

Unrated

Released: March 20, 2012

Run time: 150 minutes

Studio: Cantankerous Titles

Reviewed by Andrew Jenkins

Cycling Shorts, by filmmaker, writer and activist Joe Biel, takes 23 different looks at the whimsical, bureaucratic and fun aspects of what has become known as bike culture. In segments ranging in length from around two to 20 minutes, we get a look at bike lane art, a guerrilla-style installation at a crosswalk, cyclists with disabilities and a rather nostalgic and poignant look at the North American railway system. This collection of short films seeks to cover the entire gamut. The personable approach Biel uses to capture those in front of the lens – who speak freely and frankly – is an endearing aspect of the filmmaker’s style, as is the tone of his voiceover. But what keeps this a cohesive and personal body of work is the passion, sense of family, creativity and, most of all, fun that is depicted in these takes on modern bike culture.

cantankeroustitles.com/dvds/cycling-shorts

Watch the trailer: momentummag.com/videos/cycling-shorts-trailer