Madeline's Story

I've been biking since I was a kid. In fact, it was a pretty big part of my childhood. Getting my first bike with gears was a pretty big deal, and riding it down to the store to get ice cream and candy really gave me a new sense of independence that I hadn't felt before.

Biking is super practical for me. I used to listen to my friends complaining about having to get up early to drive to work, or how gas prices are getting more and more expensive, or how they are gaining weight. Me? I'm naturally energized, keeping fit, saving money and protecting the environment.

I used to really hate it when my parents made me wear my helmet. I thought I looked like a total skeeze with it on. Now that I've moved to Halifax though, I wear it every time I leave the house --no questions asked! I don't have to worry about anyone being on my case about it when I'm wearing it and I find I do it because I want to, not because I have to. 

Neil's Story

I've been biking for about two years straight now. I used to do it a lot as a kid, but when I first turned 16, I switched to my car for a bit. Two years ago though, I realized I was in terrible shape and I was tired of paying for gas, insurance and registration day in and day out. I thought biking would be a better more enjoyable alternative to using the bus or walking to get where I needed to be, quickly.

When I'm on my bike, I feel free! I get a major adrenaline rush when I'm flying by people who are stuck in gridlock traffic. Other than that, I really believe that biking has saved my life. Since I started again, I've lost 75 lbs. It's also helped me get through a major depression. I just feel better when I'm out riding my bike! On top of all of this, after I learned how to take care of my bike properly, I was able to get a job at a bike shop downtown.

One major barrier to cycling in my mind is that road users don't really know how to treat each other and share the road properly. I think it's important to stay out there, despite this fact. I signal as much as I can, and use body language quite well. Making eye contact with people behind me and in front of me is also a good way to make sure I'm seen and that motorists know what I'm doing.

Avra's Story

I've been biking for around eight years. I used to live in Calgary at that time, and we had some pretty amazing trails that were both scenic and challenging --when I wanted to them to be. My whole commute was 36km's long, and I loved every minute of it! I still love the exhilaration and excitement I get from biking. I like navigating my urban path, knowing that I'm the one powering my trip and that I'm not hurting the environment.

Biking has taken me to a lot of places. Not only around Halifax and Calgary, but it was my main method of transportation when I went to Spain. The cycling culture there was so strong that it was actually more convenient to get around by bike than by car or public transit.

Going through intersections can sometimes be difficult. Motorists here don't always see bikers waiting for lights. Eye contact is definitely a key thing for me when I'm going through an intersection. I just feel better when I know drivers can see me and know what I'm doing.

Jahmal's Story

I've been biking since elementary. I started with training wheels, and even though I definitely needed them, I hated those training wheels! 

I got into cycling because I started to see my friends riding bikes. I also saw commercials, and ads every where with bikes. I always though that the people that were riding them never seemed like they were unhappy. They seemed like they were really having fun in those ads.

I keep biking today because cycling is fun and staying active is something I definitely value and want to keep in my life. 

I find a lot of inspiration when I'm biking. The things I hear, the places and people I see, just the feeling that comes along with biking helps fuel my creative side. Today, I am part of a band, and a lot of the energy that I have to do shows comes from the fact that I'm still a very active person.