Ottawa’s Velo Vixen Zara Ansar

Zara Ansar

CITY: Ottawa, ON

OCCUPATION: Videographer by day, creative ninja by night (VJ, Photographer, Blogger, Visual Artist)

What is your BikeStyle?

My bike style changes a lot. I’m very much influenced by kawaii fashion, but I do love a bit of feminine glamor. Think of me as a human Pokémon character on vacation in Paris.

What are your favorite clothes to bike in?

I love bright colors and fun patterns and I usually don’t match. You’ll definitely see me wearing patterned leggings, tights, and socks and mostly in skirts or dresses and either heels or colorful sneakers. I also really love capes.

Where are we most likely to spot your bike?

Along the canal in Ottawa and through Centertown on side streets that are free of traffic. Also parked near farmers markets and places that sell dark chocolate ice cream. Sometimes you’ll see my bike just parked in a park with my sketchbook.

What do you like most about riding?

Walking is too slow for me so biking is the faster, better, and more fun option. You really get to know the city and community you’re living in while riding.

What is your dream bike for everyday cycling?

I really love my Bobbin Birdie for slow rides and my Pake for fast rides. My ultimate dream bike doesn’t exist yet: one that lasts a lifetime, never rusts, is really lightweight, changes color depending on my mood, and can be reconfigured for any terrain. It’s essentially the Batmobile of bikes.

What did you eat for breakfast?

I had an egg with cheddar cheese on a sesame bagel and some arugula with olive oil, followed by a nice cup of orange pekoe tea.

What song is most played on your iPod?

“Harvest Moon” by Poolside, “LFT” by Quadron, “We Like to Party” by the Vengaboys, “XR2” by M.I.A.

Basket or panniers?

Definitely a basket on my Bobbin Birdie. I use a Vaya messenger bag on my Pake.

What are you currently working on with Ottawa Velo Vogue?

Right now we’re in the process of organizing a bunch of events and mini fashion shows. We’re preparing for a big fashion show in the summer at a special location!

Summer is around the corner, how is your BikeStyle adapting to the changing seasons?

With summer near, I can peel off more layers. I don’t have to always wear a jacket, which is great because I always overheat. I’m still wearing boots in the transition period from spring to summer, but once summer hits I’ll be in sneakers, sandals, and pumps! Jelly shoes are in this year, so hoping to get a pair.

What’s the first summer product that you can’t wait to use?

For Christmas, I received a really amazing vintage crate, which I can’t wait to use on my Bobbin bike!