Young women and beach cruiser bikes...
I am seeing these beach cruiser bikes around town a lot. They are mostly ridden by young women... It looks like both a fashion/environmental statement. Some have a rear carrier on the frame and others have a basket in the front. Here in Northern California you can ride about 330 days a year without bad weather...
I have an Earth cruiser. LOL I bought in my pre-op non-exercise days so I could ride it on the beach without worrying about rust. Even though I look like a dork riding now that I am riding it the street for miles I am going to stay with it till I feel it is necessary to upgrade. It's flat here anyway so no gears needed.