BE Chic BE NY Fashion Show - Bike Expo New York 2012

It’s fun, easy, sexy, fast, free and the best way to get around. Riding a bike can be an extension of your personal style, if you want it to be. Take a spin on the new separated bikeways and experience one of the great amenities this city has to offer. Best of all, you’ll never get stuck in traffic and parking is always free.

Bike New York offers safety classes for people who want more practice biking in traffic and to develop their city riding skills. Organizer of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour -- America’s largest cycling event -- Bike New York is a local not-for-profit organization that provides programs, including free bicycle education to youth and adults, throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

New York City’s bicycle network is growing every year! With the expansion of the city’s bike lanes, it’s more essential than ever for riders to understand the different types of infrastructure out there, how to use them and how to develop the confidence to bike in the city!

On Saturday, May 5, 2012, the BE Chic BE NY Fashion Show at Bike Expo New York provided a snapshot of what it can be like to ride a bike in New York City.

New York locals including New York City’s Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, Amazing Race Reality TV star Dennis Frentsos, Julie Pennington Hardee and Liz Jose, Founder of WE Bike NYC, biked the runway and shared with us why they choose to ride a bike to get around the city.

View our photo slideshow of the event here.

Meet the Models

Frankito Arias callmefrankito.com

I am an aspiring actor and model. I ride in NYC because it’s a great sport and I am able to exercise on the streets of the best city in the world.

Sarah Canner vespertinenyc.com

I am an actress, screenwriter and fashion designer. I design Haute Réflecture Fashions (Vespertine) to promote safe and fun cycling, especially for ladies. I ride in NYC because I absolutely love it. The road is my latest stage and runway.

Dennis Frentsos twitter.com/dennisfrentsos

I am an actor, model and fitness trainer, and you may recognize me from my appearance as a contestant on NBC’s Amazing Race. I ride in Santa Monica (I grew up in New York) for fitness and training, and I commute to save gas and to help protect our environment.

Amanda Hagy wix.com/amandahagy/paints

I paint scenery for movies and TV. I ride in NYC because I can stay healthy by getting on a bike and using my body to get to where I need to be. I can leave my house in Bushwick and be in Times Square in 30 minutes. It makes me feel free.

Julie Pennington Hardee jphardee.com

I am an in-house fit model/ receptionist at a sweater company in the garment district. I ride in NYC because I'm a little crazy and mighty brave.

Allan Ishac allanishac.com

I am an advertising creative director/copywriter and writer. I ride in NYC to get to