A Brief History of Alleycats

Alleycats, are informal urban cycling races that have a rich history rooted in the culture of fixed gear bicycles (fixies) and the subcultures surrounding them. These events have evolved over time, starting as underground races in the streets of cities worldwide and gaining popularity as a unique form of urban cycling competition and social gathering. To delve into the history of fixie alleycats, we need to explore the origins of fixed gear bicycles, the emergence of alleycats, their cultural significance, and how they have evolved to become a global phenomenon.

Origins of Fixed Gear Bicycles

Fixed gear bicycles, also known as fixies, are bicycles that have a drivetrain with no freewheel mechanism. This means that when the bicycle is in motion, the pedals must continue to turn with the motion of the wheels. Fixed gear bicycles have a long history, dating back to the early days of cycling in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In those times, fixed gear bicycles were the norm, as freewheel hubs had not yet been widely adopted.

Fixed gear bicycles remained popular among track cyclists and messengers throughout the 20th century, but their use as everyday urban transport declined with the introduction of freewheel hubs and multi-speed gearing systems. However, fixed gear bicycles experienced a resurgence in popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, driven largely by urban cycling subcultures and the influence of messenger culture.

Emergence of Alleycats

Alleycats are thought to have originated in the late 1980s or early 1990s in North America, particularly in cities with large messenger communities, such as New York City, San Francisco, and Toronto. Messengers, who often rode fixed gear bicycles for their simplicity, reliability, and manoeuvrability in urban environments, began organising informal races through city streets as a way to test their skills, have fun, and build camaraderie within the messenger community.

The term “alleycat” likely comes from the notion of these races being as unpredictable and fast-paced as a cat darting through an alley. Unlike traditional road races or criteriums, alleycats were characterised by their informal nature, lack of official organisation, and emphasis on navigating city streets and traffic. Participants raced from checkpoint to checkpoint, often completing various challenges or tasks along the way before reaching the final destination.

Early alleycats were typically organised by messengers themselves and were often held in the evenings or weekends when traffic was lighter. Courses would wind through city streets, alleys, and other urban environments, incorporating elements of urban cycling such as skidding, track stands, and alleyway shortcuts. The routes were kept secret until the start of the race, adding an element of surprise and excitement for participants.

Cultural Significance

Alleycats quickly became more than just races; they became social events that brought together diverse communities of urban cyclists, messengers, bike enthusiasts, and anyone else interested in the unique culture surrounding fixed gear bicycles. Participants embraced the DIY ethos of urban cycling, often customising their bikes with colourful paint jobs, stickers, and accessories and developing their own slang and terminology.

The inclusive and grassroots nature of alleycats made them accessible to cyclists of all skill levels and backgrounds. Unlike traditional cycling events, which often require expensive equipment and extensive training, alleycats celebrated the raw energy and spontaneity of urban cycling, encouraging participation and creativity over competition.

Alleycats also played a significant role in the promotion of cycling as a sustainable and practical mode of transportation in urban environments. By showcasing the agility and versatility of fixed gear bicycles in navigating city streets, alleycats helped challenge the dominance of cars and promote alternative forms of transportation.

Evolution and Global Spread

As fixed gear cycling gained popularity worldwide in the early 2000s, fueled in part by the rise of urban cycling culture and the proliferation of social media, alleycats began to spread to cities around the globe. From London to Tokyo to Buenos Aires, cyclists in urban centres everywhere began organising their own alleycats, adapting the format to suit their local cycling communities and city landscapes.

With the proliferation of alleycats came greater diversity in race formats and themes. Some races focused on speed and agility, with courses designed to test participants’ cycling skills and stamina. Others incorporated themes or challenges inspired by urban culture, such as graffiti art, street food, or local landmarks. Some alleycats even featured scavenger hunts or alleyway alleycats challenges where participants had to collect items or complete tasks at various checkpoints.

The rise of fixed gear crit races, which are more structured and competitive than traditional alleycats, also contributed to the evolution of urban cycling competition. Fixed gear crits typically take place on closed courses, such as city streets or industrial parks, and feature multiple laps and organised heats. While fixed gear crits cater to a more competitive and athletic crowd, they share many similarities with alleycats in terms of their emphasis on fixed gear cycling and urban racing culture.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite their popularity and cultural significance, alleycats have faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly regarding safety concerns and their sometimes reckless nature. Critics argue that racing through city streets poses risks not only to participants but also to pedestrians and other road users. There have been incidents of accidents and injuries during alleycats, prompting calls for greater accountability and safety measures within the urban cycling community.

Additionally, the DIY and underground nature of alleycats can sometimes clash with local authorities and city regulations. Organising races without proper permits or permissions can lead to legal issues and conflicts with law enforcement, especially in cities where cycling infrastructure is limited, and tensions between cyclists and motorists are high.

In response to these challenges, some alleycat organisers have worked to professionalise their events and improve safety standards. This includes implementing measures such as mandatory helmet use, traffic marshals, and course design that minimises the risk of collisions. Others have sought to collaborate with local authorities and businesses to legitimise their races and promote cycling as a positive and inclusive activity.

Fixie alleycats occupy a unique place in the world of urban cycling, combining elements of sport, culture, and community in a way that few other events can match. From their humble beginnings as underground races among messengers to their global spread and cultural impact, alleycats have come to represent the spirit of urban cycling and the vibrant subcultures that surround it.

While alleycats continue to face challenges and controversies, their enduring popularity speaks to the enduring appeal of fixed gear bicycles and the sense of camaraderie and adventure that they inspire. As urban cycling continues to evolve and grow, alleycats are likely to remain a fixture of city streets, providing cyclists with an outlet for creativity, competition, and connection in the ever-changing landscape of urban life.