For over 200 years, bicycles have been instrumental for changing our lives; especially, in the areas of environmental and social changes. The freedom of personal travel among the “average” person, when bicycles became more widely available in the late 19th Century, led to movements and progress in social shifts such as women’s rights and racial equity. Post Industrial Age, using bicycles as a clean mode of transportation has made, and still is making, contributions to a healthier environment by shifting away from travel by air polluting motor-vehicles. Bicycles also change our lives on a personal level. Relationships have formed centered around cycling, physical and mental health have been improved as a benefit to riding a bicycle, and joy and passion for bicycle-related activities has inspired creativity.
In keeping with our Cycling Week theme, let us know how bicycles and cycling has changed your life. Send us an email at [email protected] with your cycling change story and we’ll post here on this page. In the subject line type “Cycling Change” so we can find it. Or, if you would like to send us a Tweet your story, tag us @cyclekingston and use the hashtag #CyclingChanged.