On April 4, I reconnected with great happiness: I took my bike to come back from the office. I can already see you rolling your eyes… But I’ll stop you right now; I’m not the extreme cyclist you might imagine. No, I’m not the type to lug my kids through the slush with my ski goggles. In fact, I don’t even know if I can claim the title of cyclist!
Three years ago, I didn’t even own a bicycle! And I even candidly confessed to the president of Vivre en Ville that “I don’t like cycling! “.
I grew up in the suburbs and my two-wheeled adventure ended, around the age of 14, with my last BMX. Although I am well rooted in Montreal, I had never adopted this mode of active transportation that I left to ultra-motivated people or children.
It was only during the pandemic, when the streets were deserted of all forms of life, but especially of vehicular life, that the absurd idea of buying myself a bicycle interfered in my mind.
I still remember my first bike ride to the office. A journey of 8 km. Estimated time: 23 minutes. I had a big backpack, ready for anything, and I felt like I was going to Everest. Little cool wind, big sun and obviously not the best way. However, despite the rather ugly journey, I was delighted.
I find it difficult to describe the euphoria felt during this first outing which was altogether rather banal. This euphoria, I still feel it today and it even surprised me on April 4, when I found the joy of pedaling again.
Every time I use my bike to get around, especially for a trip that I would normally do by car, I consider it a small victory. I’d love to say it’s because I’m saving half a gram of carbon, but to be honest, it’s a lot more selfish than that. I savor every sensation. The force of my muscle pushing against the pedal. The caress of the wind against my face. The heat of the sun. The smell of spring. The sound of birds. I feel so much more alive than when I’m locked in the airtight cabin of my vehicle!
I suddenly have the impression of being part of a collective life as much as an urban one and even of being in contact with nature, where it is. Because yes, there is plenty of nature in the city when you take the trouble to look. I suddenly discover places that I had never noticed before. I see and experience the city differently.
Coming back by bike after a day of work allows me to take the time. It’s a moment of real break between my family and professional space. A luxury that has become increasingly rare since the pandemic.
And the great benefit of this transition is that it is active. I accelerate my heartbeat, I take fresh air, I give off endorphins. I allow myself to be. To exist. By the slightly silly smile that does not leave my face when I pedal, I connect with human beings that I do not know. Our eyes meet, we smile spontaneously. For a moment, we are all united. Walkers, joggers, strollers, scooters. Well, dog leashes always scare me a little and in an ideal world, we would each have our space. But I prefer this lively hubbub rather than places that are too smooth.
Although sometimes the stillness of the night is a moment of grace. I come back from a party and life seems to have stopped. The city dozes off. My Lachine Canal is a perfect mirror. Only the sound of my wheels against the ground is heard. My city lights twinkle just for me. The world belongs to me. And I can only feel lucky to live in such a safe city and remember how much I love city life.
To everyone who curses traffic, orange cones, and even bike lanes, I want you to know that I get it. When I’m in the car, I too swear en masse. But when I find myself on two wheels, Montreal appears to me in a different light. In its best light. I find myself wanting to defend it, wanting to make it loved as I love it and wanting to share this incredible discovery: pedaling to get around.
I am well aware that cycling is not for everyone. That we don’t all live 8 km from our place of work. But just try once this summer. Or, if you already know this happiness, try to spread it.
Comrade cyclists, make a commitment this summer to bring along a recalcitrant friend. Make him live, if only once, this pleasure. Give him that different perspective of the city. Well, choose your day, anyway! No rain, not too much wind and above all, watch out for potholes!