It’s clearly important that planners and politicians get to hear our road safety and road justice messages but let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater. Let’s also advocate for cycling’s many benefits – and that includes the fact that cycling gives you a kick of endorphins and can be exhilarating as well as practical and freedom-enhancing.
To that end I started a hashtag on Twitter: #gotintocycling (Update – thanks to lots of lovely, heartwarming mini-stories, the hashtag was the top-trend on Twitter.)
Some industry types have started contributing to it but it’s mainly cyclists sharing why they got hooked, how they "got into cycling."
Here are a few samples from the meme. Hopefully it’ll grow, passing on the positive messaging to others. As @imaderbygirl said on Twitter: "If the people who are actually [advocating for cycling] can’t be positive what hope for anyone else?"
#gotintocycling as kid riding to school. Mtn biking, @ucdavis, #bikecommuting, easier #parking & staying #youthful followed. @carltonreid
— Claire (@ThisClaire) February 1, 2015
I #gotintocycling when my bus to work took longer than my work! The bike I got to shorten that time now has a seat for my son who loves it.
— David Cooper (@dave_cooper) February 1, 2015
As a kid it was more fun than walking. As a teen it was cheaper than driving. Now it's a healthy, fun, friendly lifestyle. #gotintocycling
— Karen Cooksley (@downhillnut) February 1, 2015
@carltonreid I #gotintocycling because as a woman it gives me freedom & confidence. And I get to hang about with fit blokes in lycra pants
— isobel hunter (@tombolaprize) February 1, 2015
That my kids – this is Ellie – also #gotintocycling is pure joy for me. Cycling is beautiful! pic.twitter.com/N8TsaQrchd
— Carlton Reid (@carltonreid) February 1, 2015
What got you into riding bikes? Use hashtag #gotintocycling and tell us your story! HT @carltonreid for the tag. #yycbike #yegbike #biketo
— BikeBike Inc (@BikeBikeYYC) February 1, 2015
I #gotintocycling when my Mom taught me to ride at age 7, and I've been riding ever since. Thanks Mom! #yycbike
— DGSM (@PinkRobeYYC) February 1, 2015
I #gotintocycling when my husband bought me a bike for Xmas, and I then realised it was a faster, cheaper and more fun way to get to work 😀
— Stone dweller Lucy (@narrowboatlucy) February 1, 2015
I #gotintocycling when my mom took me to a stage of the Coors Classic at age 7 and a pretty girl gave me a water bottle and cycling cap
— struves (@struves) February 1, 2015
I #gotintocycling b/c my father taught me to ride – and his father taught him: http://t.co/29xCE2qqAJ
— Robert Wright (@RKWinvisibleman) February 1, 2015
I #gotintocycling when I realized that there was an alternative to be squished onto public transit that wasn't getting a second car.
— Molly (@molly_macd) February 1, 2015
I #gotintocycling BC gave freedom/transport (Maslow's hierarchy of needs), Tech/EV's don't solve city congestion AND Bike design most Fun!
— Mark Sanders (@77A) February 1, 2015
@BikeBikeYYC @carltonreid I thought folding bikes were cute so I found one 5yrs ago & eventually got a big one. #yycbike #gotintocycling
— Selina (@selina_twiggy) February 1, 2015
I #gotintocycling at age 17 when all my friends wanted to do was drive. I took off on a touring bike for two years. How about you?
— Carlton Reid (@carltonreid) February 1, 2015