Week 10; Journey of a Campus Cycling Officer. Where my cycling journey all began; what sparked my love for cycling? why do I feel so passionate about making cycling accessible for all?
Real, personal account of my early experience of cycling and impact it has had on my life.
Cycling for me, is way more than a physical activity or a mode of transport. It is mental, social, inspirational tool that improves the quality of lives all over the world.
Throughout history cycling has been used as a source of empowerment to unite women, fight political oppression (women history blog) and integrate estranged communities.
Cycling is non-discriminatory by nature, no matter your age, ability or fitness level you can learn how to ride a bike. The creation of adaptive bikes and e-bikes are enabling this even more.
Early experiences of cycling
Mum; inspiration, building my first bike, showing me how to repair and maintain my bike
My first memory of cycling comes from the aftermath of falling off my bike, at around 10 or 11 years old. I remember hobbling home, skint knees, sore hands; dragging my bike behind me. Getting to my house and shouting up to my mum. I remember feeling so worried thinking I had broken my bike; the chain was hanging off and the wheel was bashed. I was instantly reassured by my mum, her words were ‘darling don’t worry I will fix it’ and she did.
I grew up with my mum and my dog on a busy council estate in Livingston. Most people know Livingston as a place of roundabouts and houses. When I think about cycling, I remember it as a place full of hidden routes and great adventures…
Me and my best friend Kerris spent endless summer days cycling. Kerris had a mountain bike and I had a maroon BMX- hand built by my mum. I remember feeling so free when I was cycling. It took me away from the worries of school and the general uncomfortableness- (if that’s a word) of being a teen.
Growing up we couldn’t really afford brand-new bikes. This was a blessing really because me and my mum could create our own; bringing parts from old bikes in turn making it into a unique hybrid.
My favourite was the BMX, although it got stolen after a few months, during the time I had it I felt cool; this was rare, as I have always been a major geek (which I’ve now grown to love).
After my mum built my BMX, all of the kids in our street started coming around to our house to get their bike fixed. We basically ran free DR Bike Sessions from our house haha.
I even remember my mum making bikes for kids that had parents who couldn’t afford to buy bikes. We often went to the scrap yards hunting for old bikes and parts. We started to accumulate more spare parts, inner tubes, tyres, wheels- you name it, we had it.
I would spend hours sitting by my mum's side watching her fix bikes. Her hands would be completely black with oil. She would tell me stories whilst I passed her tools and showed me how to fix things.
I remember feeling so inspired by her. She made it look so easy. She used to say, “if someone else can fix it, we can”. She would learn by taking things apart and building them back up again. She always believed she could. Yet she never and still doesn't see how truly amazing she is.
Until the present day, my mum has helped build, repair and maintain all of the bikes I’ve owned.
Cycling as an adult; cycling for active travel; gym, university, everywhere
I have basically used my bike every day for the past 6 years. I think I have cycled more than I have walked, especially when I was at university. Everyday come rain or snow, I cycled to university, the gym, work and the shops- normally looking like a Michelin man, wrapped up with lots of layers, two hats, a scarf and gloves.
During my time at uni, I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Stirling Cycle Hub and Active Stirling. I helped out on their social rides twice a week, for all ages and abilities. The rides were very popular, especially amongst the older population- which I totally loved. I heard so many incredible stories and learned so much from everyone. My favourite part of the ride was the tea and cake stop. This was when we all had a real chance get to know each other.
I think we need more opportunities in society to integrate the young and the old; we have so much to learn from each other.
During my time volunteering I got to see first-hand the power cycling can have on people’s lives. The way it can bring people together, increase their confidence and give them a sense of freedom unlike any other activity.
I met so many diverse, inspiring people.
I always remember the journey of an incredible woman from Amsterdam. She had cancer and undergoing chemo-therapy treatment. She told me she absolutely loved coming on the rides. It gave her time to socialise, be out in nature and switch-off from life. Some weeks she felt too fatigued after her treatment to come along to the rides. One day she came cycling up to the hub with a beaming smile, she had hired an e-bike. It was such a wonderful moment, she said she felt totally liberated. The e-bike allowed her to overcome fatigue and keep coming along to the rides. Each week she was able to adjust the settings depending on how she felt and to slowly build up her strength again.
During this time, I also became a qualified cycle leader and had the opportunity to share my experience with the local newspaper- which was super embarrassing, but I was happy to spread the word about cycling and the amazing group of people I met along the way.
Cycling and being out in nature has also helped me overcome periods of depression throughout my life; which I may expand on in other blogs.
Orkney; (attending cycling events, meeting Ian, the cycling activist and cycling around the island)
Here is links to the blogs I wrote when I was in Orkney. I share my experience cycling there and stories about people I met along the way.
1. Preparation and research: Finding out more about public cycling in Orkney https://hippeadventures.wixsite.com/website/blog/preparation-and-research-finding-out-more-about-public-cycling-in-orkney
2. Inspired by a cycle activist in Orkney & PARIS becoming a car free city?! https://hippeadventures.wixsite.com/website/blog/inspired-by-a-cycle-activist-in-orkney-paris-becoming-a-car-free-city
3. Scotland’s new answer to recycling and last stories of cycling in Orkney
Current journey as a Campus Cycling Officer; amazing internship with Bright Green Business and Cycling Scotland
I was over the moon when I found out I got the job as a Campus Cycling Officer with Edinburgh college. I thought the intern was a perfect way to combine my passion for cycling, well-being and working with people to make a change in their lives.
“I got the job!!! Campus Cycle Officer working with Edinburgh College and Cycling Scotland”
My previous work experience has involved working with community groups, youth groups, addiction, mental health, well-being and homelessness. However, I have never had the opportunity to directly focus on well-being and creating behaviour change.
So far, my journey as a Campus Cycling Officer has been great. I have loved learning, meeting new people and hearing about all of the fantastic work aiming to increase active travel and reduce climate change in Scotland.
Future plans
Every day I feel grateful for the impact cycling has had on my life. It has allowed me to meet so many incredible people and has given me the confidence to believe in myself. After my internship I hope to continue following my passion for cycling, climate change and overall well-being.
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