In the past week, I was startled seeing both of the above while out, not very far from where I live. I took the image on the left. The image on the right represents two different times I saw groups of preteen boys riding nearby.
First, I saw two boys very similar to the above photo and expected to see a parent following behind. When none came, it felt like spring 2020 when wildlife reemerged in the cities. And then I saw a similar group a few days later with no parent in tow.
To be clear, and at the risk of broaching a delicate topic and being misunderstood, I see preteen and teenage boys riding in my neighbourhood all the time but they rarely wear helmets and to be blunt are a in a different social class.
Seeing these other groups of boys gave me hope that this social group is being emancipated from fears about safety. They are exploring unfamiliar territory, socializing out of doors and experiencing freedom, in an environment where boys are frequently being radicalized online.
These experiences are directly related to safe biking infrastructure being introduced to the neighbourhood.
The image on the left, is very different but not unrelated. I was touched to see the care, innovation and industriousness that went into the creation of this home. I worried about the owner and hoped they would be able to be reunited with their shelter.
Bike lanes help the person needing a home just as much as they help preteen boys. There aren't many of us who don't benefit from free ways of getting around. We all benefit when our bodies and not just our cars are given the space to be safe and mobile.
If you haven't had the chance to write a postcard to the provincial Minister of Transportation and express why bike lanes are important to you, I will have a supply of them with me at both Packingtown Bike Club and First Friday Freezies this week.
