Freedom is a bike ride away

If you want to understand the way the world works, you don’t need a class in sociology or international relations, all you need to do is ride a bike.  My housemates have bikes and so when I moved in, I bought a bike (a classic GIANT, $99 used, a steal!).

In just over a week, I notice motorists honking, glaring, and yelling at me and other bikers, most often when we are simply using the road, signaling properly, and taking up our alloted space.  Our simple act of biking–even courteous biking–is deeply agitating.

In biking, we dare to do things differently.  I don’t have a car payment, or an insurance payment, or a gas bill to cover.  My monthly expenses are hundreds of dollars less than that of a motorist.  I am less dependent on oil for my livelihood.  And if my bike breaks, I could probably fix it, or find a friend to fix it, easily and with minimal expense.

To use a bike as one’s primary mode of transportation cuts against the conventional wisdom–even when it’s the most sensible thing to do–and evokes emotional responses from others.  ”Well, I work far away… or transport equipment… or have a family… or need groceries… or live in the suburbs…” or any number of reasons.  I find similar responses when I don’t eat meat.  It becomes all about the person, when in reality, it has nothing to do with them and everything to do with my needs, lifestyle, and choices.  For me, biking has brought increased mobility and financial independence.

Soak it up

Since I began biking a week ago, here are some tangible rewards I notice

• I can get anywhere I need to go, quickly, easily, and without waiting in traffic
• Exercise is built into my routine (without feeling like exercise)
• I talk to strangers more
• I trust my sense of direction and my ability to get unlost
• I know which streets are most in need of repair

I started biking out of convenience but I will continue biking by choice.  The world looks different from the seat of the bike and the trip is, literally and metaphorically, more beautiful.  I am able to experience life in the big, broad, beautiful, sweeping sense.  A life full of fresh air, sunshine, scents and sounds–and this coming from a guy who works at a computer!

Find your own bike

While this post is centered around my experiences biking in Boston, it’s not really about either.  It is a challenge to find little things which cut against the grain of the status quo, pursue them, and carefully observe the results and reactions.  I can tell quite a bit about people from their reaction to biking (or eating less meat, or working from home…) and after observing enough individual reactions, can piece together a bit about how our society works; including what I’ve been taught and what I may need to re-teach myself.

What’s Next?

Biking is yet another choice in a string of Small Things which changed in my life, mostly over the past three years, and helped to lead me to where I am today.  Next week I’ll put together the complete list of Things Which Changed.  I think they’ll inspire you to make a few simple changes which will enrich life and the world around you.

Until then, enjoy the outdoors!
- Brian