I’ve been thinking for a while that I should be putting some energy to inspiring as many people as possible to ride a bike. I’m not sure how I’ll do this yet, but let’s make it a campaign.
Let’s call it A Campaign to Ride A Bike (unless anyone out there would like to pose a better name?). And as our mantra we can defer to HG Wells:
“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.”
It won’t be a dorky campaign. Just the stuff that might get more people fired up and informed to buy/dig out a bike and get moving.
To start with a bit of an explainer about why I care about this issue:
* Riding makes you happy: I’ve ridden a bike since I was four and I believe this to be totally true. I started out BMX racing and, then, got my first mountainbike at 11. I’ve done downhill racing and 24-hour mountainbike races. I’ve toured around the world and pretty much every major holiday has been on a bike (Vietnam, Tasmania, California, Spain, New Zealand… I once rode Brisbane to Cairns just to kill some time). You see things on a bike. You smell things. It’s free and flowing and honest. Your skin glows on arrival. You have time to think. You can swoop through traffic. You’re alive to things, not a passive, dull passenger.
* Riding is more efficient: I’ve only owned a car for five years of my life (on and off). I generally get to a point in owning a car where I realise I prefer riding a bike, mostly because it is the simplest way to move around. It’s cheap, faster than a car (if you live in a big city, I swear it is) and it cuts out parking tickets. It’s also door-to-door and you can estimate travel times far more accurately.
* It’s the future of our cities. If we don’t cut down on our use of cars, our cities will collapse. The SMH ran a great story on the weekend about how more people in Amsterdam cycle than drive and what impact that has had on the psyche of the city. It also raises the helmet debate…which I’ll cover in more detail later.
Going forward I’ll post some links to great sites, tips on how to juggle work clothes etc when you ride to work, where to buy hot bikes, the best places to cycle for a holiday. Anything else you’d like to know about??
In the interim…some hot shots of chicks on bikes, couresty of Cycle Chic Copenhagen and The Sartorialist, for your viewing pleasure. Just in time for spring…to prove you can wear a frock n ride.
After living in Copenhagen and recently visiting Europe I’m totally loving riding my bike again. You feel so great and there’s no blush than can recreate that cycling glow!
I’m interested in how the helmet debate pans out, I know that I for one, almost stopped cycling once they were introduced.
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Im scared to try riding a bike. Its aggressive out there on the roads! And I’m not sure how to build up my confidence?
Also – being sweaty? how do you NOT show up sweaty everywhere?
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Disappointed by the lack of helmets in your pictures. Maybe it’s from having a otorcyclist partner, or from working with people with brain injuries?
Not that I ride.. .I walk to work and drive elsehwere.
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Sarah, you actually did inspire me to get a bicycle! However I was going to buy a cheapie myself and then my dad decided he wanted to get me a nice one for my birthday. Now I’m scared it’s going to get stolen. I’m also scared of traffic – having ridden motorbikes for a while I feel very vulnerable and naked on a pushbike, when I can’t go faster than the traffic and I’m not wrapped in leather. Neither of Sydney’s roads or footpaths are pushbike friendly.
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This is totally what I need to read right now! I’ve been trying to get back into cycling for its ecological and health benefits, and having spent some time in the bike riders paradise that is Portland, Oregon, I have experienced first hand how awesome it is to live in a truly bike-friendly culture. Looking forward to the next installments!
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I’ve been discussing this with my bike mad boyfriend for some weeks now and I think I’ve settled on a nice vintage style, simple bike for cruising around town, and poss commuting to work. We’re going to check it out on Saturday – very exciting!!!
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I’m also keen for more information. I usually walk to work but we’re about to move to an office that is a getting a bit too far away for me to walk to/from, so I’m thinking about getting a bike. I haven’t properly ridden a bike since I was about 12. I’m curious as to how the work clothes situation can work, and I’m actually scared of riding on the roads. Everyone I know (and I mean everyone) who regularly rides a bike to commute has had some kind of incident with a car here in Adelaide, some worse than others. Luckily they’ve all survived it but it’s still a worry! Is it a no-no to ride on the footpaths? Any tips on building confidence would be great!
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How about “On yer bike!” Day? Last year I rediscovered my old tractor of a mountain bike, circa 1995. I rode it recently in a triathalon, rust and all. And it actually did ok against all the slick whizzy race bikes. It just looked a little sad. Love the idea!
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Yeah! Everyone should ride a bike, it’s so much fun and so practical. I love my (two) bikes. I’ll join the campaign!
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S,
When you were in NY did you ride ?
If so, are there any places that you can reccomend to hire a bike ?
Thanks
Q
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Join the commuter revolution and register for Ride to Work day on 13 October 2010
http://www.bv.com.au/ride-to-work
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I’d like to know options for riding with a 4 year old. I don’t drive (no licence) so we public transport everywhere, and I’d love to start riding, but 4 is an awkward age in terms of options … is it too old/big for being on one of those little ‘child seats’ on the back of the bike?
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I’ve done a fair bit of riding overseas as well. Get the taste for it on either the Great Victorian Bike Ride with 5000 of my closest friends later this year. Or try the March 2011 ride – The Great WA Bike Ride.
Here is one more famous quote – Albert Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”
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Hi Sarah,
I’m super keen to ride! And I even managed to find a dusty ’ol bike in my parents garage recently however like a few people have mentioned above I need help with some basic questions.
How do you secure your bike when you go into a cafe for a cup of coffee etc? Do you even neecd to secure your bike?
What’s the go with the helmet? Are they really needed? How do I know if my helmet is legitimate enough?
Are there shops (?) that I can get my bike checked out at for road safety? Where are these shops? Safety is important and if I’m going to do this I might as well do it right the first time around!
Thanks in advance for all your expert answers! Great post!
N
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Great idea Sarah. When I was pregnant I used to ride to the shops as it was more comfortable than sitting in my car (changes in pelvis meant the tail bone was very sore when sitting), I must have looked a treat, knees hitting my belly as I pedalled.
My bike is now away for several weeks, as I avoid riding in the magpie swooping season (nothing fun about this), I am looking forward to bringing it out again.
PS. Fiona, there is some research about that has been getting some press that is questioning if helmets are as safe for you as we have been led to believe. I am planning on having a listen. I am still wearing mine, as do my children as whenever I fall off I always hit my head on the way down
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oh my goodness ladies – this is wonderful!
There are so many of us, what a great thing to be a part of.
I write the Sydney Cycle Chic blog, as authorised by Copenhagen Cycle Chic and we are waiting for women just like you to join us on rides.
Women that perhaps haven’t ridden for years or who are too fearful of Sydney’s roads or mothers who want to transport their kids around safely – from the sounds of it, women just like you (and me!).
We wear normal clothes (even heels), we ride slowly, we have fun, we shop, we meet for coffee, we drop the kids at school, we do normal everyday things and we are creating a real movement in Sydney spurred on by beautiful pictures like the ones Sarah posted.
Great post Sarah – the more women that get behind this the better. There is nothing like the freedom and liberation of riding a bicycle.
Stop by my blog too and come and join us on a ride sometime!
http://www.sydneycyclechic.org
Saskia x
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Hi Sarah,
I think you’re awesome and I read your blog every day – thank you for creating it.
Have you heard Mark Ronson’s new song ‘The Bike Song?’ Triple J have been giving it a lot of airplay lately and it’s just a fun, upbeat, happy song that reminds me of spring and summer. I went looking for its video on youtube and I don’t think there is a vid as yet (it’s quite new), but I did find the song used in a campaign Transport for London is doing at the mo to get more people on a bike (Introducing London with Mark Ronson)! Check it out, as the images I think are actually very you and just what you’re getting at here!
Anyway – the past week I’ve been loving the song, and I love your writing, so the two popping up at the same time was a nice touch of synchronicity today.
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I couldn’t agree with you more. I have actually never owned a car, in part because when I was in my twenties I was a competitive marathon runner (so I travelled on foot (and still do, largely, by preference)), but also because I love the freedom and flexibility of being on a bike when commuting over longer distances. We, unfortunately, however, have snow on the ground five months of the year and so biking is trickier here. Great issue. Good luck with you campaign.
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I vote for helmets!
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I would love to sell my car and use my bicycle as the default means of transportation, but it’s so difficult where I live. There are no sidewalks, let alone bike paths! The streets are narrow with winding turns. Bicycling is dangerous here, but I plan to consider bike-ability (or walk-ability) as a top priority when I move to my next location.
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Re riding with a 4-year old…I used a trail-a-bike for my daughter from the age of 4 until about 8 (when she started riding her own bike). It worked really well and is very easy.
Here’s an example: http://www.trail-a-bike.com/
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Hi Sarah,
Love your blog and bike philosophies. It’s great to see so much bike banter in the media.
I’m without a car and have been riding for about four years now. These days I treat public transport as an ‘avoid-at-all costs’ alternative.
I sent you an email last night re. the media assistant position. Hope you received it.
Best,
Lucy
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To those starting out on bicycles, see if your local council has bicycle confidence courses. e.g. City of Sydney has weekly ones for free. I have been on one, and they are very much worth the time.
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/CyclingCourses.asp
The maintenance one is good as well.
A current bicycle rider is the best person to ask for help from, so try to get a phone number/email from someone experienced. Online forums are a distant second, but still good. Local bicycle rides and the local user group are possible places to start finding enthusiasts—like everything, some riders are more helpful than others.
And if you’re reasonably confident on the road, try to help your fellow rider with routes, upcoming events, resources and so on. Everyone talks about hills, but actually getting started is the hardest bit. Thankfully it is very rewarding and gets easier over time.
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Hi Sarah
Great to hear that you’re starting a campaign! I’ve been a commuter cyclist for 5 years now (after not getting on a bike for 15 years) and I cannot imagine being without my bike.
I’m now 20 weeks pregnant and still cycling and I can assure all the ladies out there that when you ride slowly, predictably and visibly, it is a very safe activity. I actually feel more stressed getting in a car these days. Oh, and I always ride in my normal clothes (coats, scarves, dresses, jeans, heels) and don’t get overly sweaty because I’m going at a sedate pace.
My Christmas present this year is a bike that converts into a pram for when the baby is born!
Also, just something I’ve discovered from personal experience – the BEST way to convince people to get on a bike is to tell them it is faster and more efficient than driving, public transport or walking – many people place secondary importance on the positive environmental, health and financial impacts. Then once you can convince them to try it, they just love the feeling of freedom and joy that comes with getting around on a bicycle.
As for the Bike Song, you can find the video of it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuXj7IJQHEk&feature=player_embedded
I look forward to supporting your campaign!
Joyce aka Miss CycleStyle
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Oh whoops, apparently the video has been removed from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Sony BMG
However, if you still want to have a sneaky look at it, I embedded it in a blog post I wrote recently http://cyclestyle.com.au/cyclestyle-world-tour-london/
Joyce aka Miss CycleStyle
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Don’t forget that National Ride to Work Day is coming up, and there is a great opportunity to get involved through this initiative. October 13th, 2010.
http://www.ridetowork.com.au
If you hit that site and register, your doing cycling a whole world of good. The numbers help to represent a year on year growth in cycle commuting, which helps justify new facilities to support the healthy, green and fun transport option.
Newcastle City Council is hosting a breakfast this year in Wheeler Place for those that live in this location.
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Does anyone know if you can take your bike with you on City Rail? Kind goes against the whole idea of riding but I live very far away from work so a combo would be ideal!
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Pretty sure you can Neha, i’ve seen people get on before with bicycles
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Sarah, I think you’re great and love your blog but for heaven’s sake, get rid of those pictures of people riding bikes without helmets!!!! It’s illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in Australia, and it’s also reckless. The Australasian College of Road Safety says:
‘In the two years after compulsory helmet wearing legislation was introduced in Victoria, the number of bicyclists with head injuries decreased by 48% and 70% in each of the two years, relative to the last year before the law. ‘
http://www.acrs.org.au/collegepolicies/people/bicyclehelmets.html
Why would you take the risk of a serious head injury by not wearing a helmet when you ride? The ACRS also says that ‘bicyclists admitted to hospital with head injuries are 20 times as likely to die as those without’.
Also, to answer a question above, helmets should always be purchased new. If a helmet is second-hand, there is no way to tell if it’s been in an accident, which can leave it looking fine, but affect how it performs in the future. Go to any sports store for help choosing a helmet, and get them to fit it to you as well. The strap should be snug under your chin and the helmet sit firmly on your head, and not wiggle if you shake your head.
I love the idea of riding a bike, but as a pedestrian, I am often annoyed by them. People riding without helmets is ridiculous, and I can’t stand it when people ride on the footpath (which is also illegal, if it’s not a shared use footpath). To have a bike going at 20k/h wizz past you with no warning is scary! If you must ride on the footpath, go slow and use your bell. But really, there is no ‘must’, just selfish people who think the law doesn’t apply. Also, bikes who think the red light doesn’t apply to them and race through an intersection as I have a green light to cross.
Bikes do have to be roadworthy before they are ridden – the Victorian Police recently did a blitz on people riding bikes. They checked for helmets, as well as brakes, lights, reflectors and bells. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head, but most bike shops will do a check of your bike for a small fee – although it will cost more to get things fixed or added.
By the way, bikes can be taken on trains in NSW and Victoria, but a simpler option might be to leave your bike at the station. A lot of stations have safe cages with a key. You lock up your bike in there, then jump on a train. Be aware that you may need to buy a ticket for the bike too. People with bikes are encouraged to travel early, to avoid the peak hour crush.
Wow, this has turned into a mammoth post, sorry about that! I didn’t realise how much I knew about bikes. I rode a bike for years as a kid, and family members still ride. I really do love bikes, and have been thinking about getting one for a little while, it would fit in well with my life. I do a lot of walking, so it would replace that, as well as some public transport use. You can get some really pretty panniers now too, so you can take it shopping.
Sarah, to answer your questions about what else we’d like to know, I’d like to know what you use your bike for – do you find that if you ride sedately, you can still arrive at a posh restaurant in a nice outfit relatively sweat-free? Or is it just for exercise and shopping trips, where you don’t mind how you look? [note: I'm not trying to be rude, I really want to know!] Also, how do you go carrying stuff – do you use panniers, or a backpack?
Thanks for another great post!
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Hi Sarah,
thanks for another great post! I am all set to ride my vintage bike to work and out and about. I have also recently purchased a gorgeous helmet from Cyclestyle (thanks Joyce). They have just added some great helmets to their online shop:)
Cheers,
Beck
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[...] I think you should ride a bike, too. [...]
[...] Let’s go ride a bike? : totally embrace this in theory…..if only I didn’t live on top of a HUGE hill! [...]
Hi Sarah
I never had a bike as a child so consequently felt very nervous while learning to ride a 2 wheeler as an adult, I have just bought a tricycle and absolutely love it. It’s safe, has a big basket on the back. I ride it all the time. Making up for all those lost years!!!
Cheers. Love your posts.
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I ride my bike for tranport and love it! It is the best way to get around, no parking hassles, keeps me fit, costs nothing and it’s fun! I love when I see others riding their bikes too, but there are too few of them, unfortunately. I read the article about Amsterdam and thing the Dutch got it right when they decided to make it easier to ride and more difficult to drive by changing the city’s infrastructure. Cycling will never become favoured if the right things aren’t put into place to support it.
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Hi Sarah
Could you post some cute and funky pics of women cycling AND wearing an appropriate helmut? In Victoria, it is illegal to ride a bike without a helmut. Let’s promote the fashionable aspect of riding, complete with a sense of safety and law-abidingness…
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I am currently living in Sweden for the year and everyone here, young or elderly, ride bikes. I think it’s absolutely great and I plan on getting a bike as soon as I get back home to Australia.
I have never felt so relaxed and free before in my life. I also feel like I am getting quite fit having to bike into town, to do the groceries, attend uni and visit friends. The swedish women are all very lean and fit as well and I think this sort of lifestyle is definitely part of the reason. Cars, traffic, peak hour are things that I hope to try to put in the past upon my return home!
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Also, as Vicki mentioned, the ability to ride one’s bike freely and safely is dependant on the infrstructure of the city. Unfortunately, it would probably be quite difficult riding a bike around Sydney city obviously. In Sweden there are bikes lanes all around town, and many areas to lock up your bike at stations, shopping squares, libraries etc. It’s such a shame that this sort of thing isn’t really a priority for the Australian government. It’s both a great thing for the individual and for the environment to ride one’s bike.
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[...] 14 hours today so am just posting a Quick Cool Thing I Found on The Interweb That Builds On My Campaign To Ride a Bike. Knife and Saw has made this beautiful device – perfect for all of those inspired by Jerry [...]
It makes me lightheaded to see people riding without helmets. I just had a bad bike accident a month and a half ago. I used to wear a helmet with my new bike but it got stolen in July. My mother brought me up a 20 year old replacement bike in the meantime. Since it was vintage and I could sit up straight in it (rather than bending forward to reach the handle bars) I decided to stop wearing my helmet. Unfortunately, whilst riding my bike home from school one day the breaks on the front wheel broke when I used them. They went through the spokes and stopped the bike on a dime and I went flying. I put my arm out to break my fall, but I still hit my head on the pavement and had to go to the hospital in an ambulance and got three stitches (behind the hairline, thank goodness). I’ve got a big scar on my arm from the pavement and two dents in my leg from where I fell on the handlebars. Sometimes my head hurts in a funny way and it makes me feel weird.
Once I get a new, structurally sound bike I am wearing my helmet, no matter how dorky it looks (and it doesn’t, because it’s covered in my roller derby stickers). I wear a helmet when getting hit by other girls on skates, why wouldn’t I wear it when there is the possibility of getting hit by cars?
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Scottie – where did you buy your tricycle – it’s just what I need. Never had a bike as a kid, but now in middle age would love to ride, but I have very bad balance, so need the three wheels.
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Linda – I bought my Gomier tricyle on goeasyonline.com.au. Delivered to my door, very easy to assemble. Just love riding “Ruby” always get lots of smiles and waves when out riding. Highly recommend a tricycle for anyone with balance problems or little confidence in traffic.
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Cute pictures, but what about helmets?? I would love to see some inspiring photos of people looking chic with helmets on. We are in Australia after all.
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[...] my blog – and beyond – to get more people riding. You can catch up on some of my rants here and also [...]
As a recent transplant to New England, I’d love some tips on riding a bike in the snow & extremely cold weather. I’m especially worried about my fingers freezing off, slippery snow trails, and best gear to ride as the sunlight dwindles. I’m fairly new to bike riding as a commuter so any help you have would be great!
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Great blog!
Our family all ride bikes, our 7 year old absolutely loves it, and no she isn’t allowed to ride without a helmet and closed-in shoes. I ride once a week to work ( just a bit tricky the rest of the week because of time, need to pick my daughter up from school and its just a bit too bigger distance to get there on time), and I’ve found it great. I’m fortunate enough to be able make use of the bike routes from Ashfield to Waterloo. I used to ride in London, and I can tell you it’s a lot less congested on Sydney roads. I’ve had no problems, though I do tend to err on the side of caution, after all you’re going to come off worse in an accident no matter whose to blame. Every other day I ride my scooter, keeps my environmental footprint to a minimum!
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OMG I LOVE my bike. I started riding seriously again about four years ago and I’m hooked. It helps that where I am is pretty bike-friendly (Canberra) but honestly it’s just the BEST!
I’m pretty sick right now (so am no-sugaring, no-anything) but can’t wait to get back out there again.
I’ve just bought a car again but to be honest it was mostly to take my bike places that are hard to get to!
Thanks for promoting cycling Sarah!
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April 25th, 2013 at 6:20 pm
PS There’s NOTHING wrong with wearing a helmet! My dad’s life has been saved at least twice by wearing one. I’d feel weird without it …
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