The publication of my memoir, Bike Hunt, gave me the opportunity
to present at various venues and through various media about the power of
bicycles for improving our world. Even though, or perhaps because Bike Hunt covers my struggle toward that
goal, the book offers the perfect backdrop for intense discussions on this
topic.
The bicycle is the greatest machine ever invented because it
provides so much for so little. With simple pedal strokes it will transport a
person six times faster than walking and can carry hundreds of pounds. It is
easy to make and available in all parts of the world. When people choose to
travel by bike, they not only improve their own physical health, but the health
of their communities by reducing emissions and noise. And yet, in most
countries, bicycles are only used for fewer than ten percent of trips.
Central to my presentation are the many disturbing barriers to
bicycles being used as a tool for social change. Since the 1950s, the U.S. bicycle
industry has presented bicycles as toys. On top of that, their push to sell bicycle
helmets has stigmatized bicycling as far more dangerous than it actually
is. Though car occupants suffer 25 times more head injuries than cyclists, the
car industry would never dream of promoting helmets for their customers. Then
there is Hollywood with its portrayal of cyclists as dorks. So it’s no wonder
bicycles are forgotten by social movements (see
my last post on Civil Rights) and even the environmental movement.
The other barrier is one that is faced by all nonprofits –
group dysfunction. In Bike Hunt, I
delve into many of the causes of this, including power grabs and infighting.
Unfortunately, because our bicycle movement is so fragile and undermined by our
bike industry and other stigmas, bicycle nonprofits cannot withstand the forces
of group dysfunction like nonprofits in other movements.
I show in Bike Hunt
and my presentations how to overcome these barriers first by recognizing them
then stopping them at the slightest hint. If you have run into these sorts of
struggles or more, please read the book and visit www.OneStreet.org to tap into the resources
there.
Sue
