Much has been written about the humble bicycle. I add to the heap knowing there’s not much new to say, but needing to gush anyway.
What moves me about my transportation mode is simply, me. I put myself in motion on a frame with two wheels (and a gear or two – I don’t need to be a hero). It’s faster than walking, which I’m too impatient for, but simpler than any other machine – I can generally fix what ails it, and get back on the road.
In tough times, I don’t worry about the price of gas. In good times, I get my exercise without wasting time at a gym. And in between, I have the immense satisfaction of powering my own ride.
If you haven’t already discovered bicycle transportation, let me tell you – it’s absolutely a delight to arrive powered by your own strength. I love the surprise that registers on people’s faces when they ask, “you biked here?”
As a woman, biking to meetings is more empowering than a power suit. As a woman in a southern city, I take pride in being able to bike in a skirt or dress with my natural modesty and makeup intact. And as a woman who lives in a tough part of town, I’ve found that riding my bike both somewhat insulates me from, and endears me to, the crowd hanging around outside the corner store.
Yesterday I biked to lunch with a fellow advocate. As we rode away energized by a full meal, sunny skies and a sharp gust of wind buoyed us over the potholes. As my colleague put it, “On days like today, I don’t know why we have to fight. If everyone knew how great this was, the city would be overrun with bikes.”
I hope the secret gets out.
Rebecca is planning a lot of great events for this summer, visit atlantabike.org to see what she’s is up to.
amazing post rebecca.
Comment by ted on April 17, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Thanks again Rebecca.
Comment by Mick on April 19, 2009 at 9:35 am
I love the drop jaw surprise of “you biked here?!” This is a great post.
Comment by Jessica on June 8, 2010 at 10:50 am