Cycle Chic: Getting to know NYC’s own Cargo Bike Momma and her bike style

Just because you ride a bicycle doesn’t mean you can’t have style. In this column, we celebrate cyclists with sass and attitude and chat with them about their bike life. In this edition, we check in with New York City’s Maddy Novich, a professor by day and content creator all the time at @cargobikemomma on Instagram.

Here’s Maddy.

City: New York City

Favorite Place to bike: Do I have to pick one? I love biking in Central Park – it is car-free and absolutely beautiful. I also love seeing all the iconic sites like Tavern on the Green, The Boat House, the Reservoir, and the horse and carriages.  I love going up and down the westside Greenway — it is also car-free and offers a beautiful, unmatched view of the water and the GW bridge. And finally, I love biking through Times Square — something about the lights, people, and vibrancy makes it so magical.

Occupation: Criminal justice professor, mom of three, digital creator

What do I ride: I have two electric cargo bikes: An Urban Arrow Family Cargobike (for when I’m carrying 2+ kids) and a Riese and Muller Load60 Rohloff HS (for when it’s just me or 1 kid). We also have a Benno Bikes RemiDemi and a red Madsen Cycles bucket bike.

My style: I would say, ‘cargo bike chic.’ My style is a little edgier, usually in all black, donning leather motorcycle jackets, ripped, black jeans, and boots, paired with high-end designer statement pieces like a Chanel bag, Fendi glasses, or a Gucci belt. I would say I have classic New York style and my bikes match that vibe.

Where can you spot me: You will most likely see me in Harlem or the UWS. I live uptown and am always running my kids to various classes and activities in the neighborhood.

What do I like most about riding: How do I pick one thing!? Haha

I guess what I like most about riding is the efficiency and freedom it affords me. I am a full-time, working mom of three little kids and I have very little free/down time. And when I do, I am very protective of it.  My cargo bike makes me super efficient so I can spend more quality time with the people I love the most.

What is my dream bike for everyday cycling: My Riese and Muller Rohloff HS is my dream bike. It was actually gifted from R&M for my 40th birthday. It is fast, agile, super smooth (thanks to the full suspension), and petite (like me!) which makes it so easy for me to handle. And also, it is so fun to ride.

Breakfast: Does coffee count? I start my day (around 6.30 a.m.) with two to three oat milk lattes and eat brunch a few hours later  — usually organic turkey bacon or eggs and berries.

Music: I LOVE Miley Cirus, Taylor Swift, Bebe Rexha, Lana Del Rey…and so many more — but you can usually hear these artists on my playlists.

Basket or panniers? Panniers!!! Mainly because my kids go where a basket would be haha

Favorite clothing item: So hard to choose just one. I would say, the one item I reach for the most is my Showers Pass Navigator jacket. It has a gorgeous high-viz pattern (that looks like the map of a city), fleece lining, and is water resistant. Keeps me seen, warm, and dry. Plus, I think it’s super stylish.

Cycling style tips: I think building a wardrobe of stylish, classic but cycling-friendly basics is key to being both fashionable and practical. Plus it is easy to mix and match quickly.  My style basics are fitted, ripped jeans, and a neutral base layer (like a black or white, or grey bodysuit).  Depending on the weather, I’ll add a leather jacket, my Navigator jacket, a puffer vest, or even a blazer — something that keeps me warm depending on the weather — that enhances my outfit.  This is paired with a pair of high-quality, waterproof leather Chelsea boots like my Ariat Wexler boots in the fall, or a pair of Converse sneakers. I then finish off my outfit with a few key “pop” items like my Fendi cat-eye sunglasses, Gucci belt, a Panama hat, and/or a gold chain necklace. Once you have a wardrobe of basics that is stylish and practical for biking, it becomes easy to spice it up with statement pieces.

For more bike-style stories click here.