Be An Advocate

Rick Proctor

 

There are many ways to be an advocate for bicycling.  It can be as easy as riding your bike.  If bicycling is one of your favorite activities and you want to see more people riding bikes, then go for a ride.  Most adults rode bikes when they were younger and dropped it when the challenges of modern life came along.   Experienced bicyclists make riding look easy and fun, which could be enough to convince an onlooker to try it again. 

Going out for a solo bike ride is a form of advocacy where the rider displays not only riding skills but also independence and self-confidence, qualities that onlookers may sense and think they could also do while getting some socially distanced exercise.

Riding with a group offers more visibility and opportunities to chat with others.  Riding with experienced riders is a special experience as the group flows through neighborhoods and the chatter changes topics as the ride unfolds before them.  There is also the aspect of a group of people sharing an experience and bantering about it during a coffee stop.  Onlookers with a more cautious desire to ride may be attracted to the social interactions of a group and may think there is safety in numbers. 

When we ride, we show bicycling is more than just possible, but also a practically perfect way to move about our planet.  A friendly wave, a nod, or a smile to an onlooker can establish a link of recognition, especially if eye contact is made.  Sometimes curious and envious people will ask how they can join.  It’s good to have an easy to remember response.  Our website is “bikesclub.org” which can lead a curious person to lots of information about who we are and what we do.  We are all ambassadors for bicycling every time we go for a ride.