Cycling as a Lifestyle
Today, I saw a post that the Cambridge/Paris Trail is ranked 6th out of 10 for the top trails across Canada. If you've ridden it, you would agree that it is an amazing trail to ride, even on a busy sunny summer day.
Growing up I was lucky enough to live outside Cambridge, and I spent a lot of time walking/ hiking the tracks that were there before it became a trail. I'd even occasionally ride my bike into town on the tracks to avoid highway 24 vehicle traffic. Living in the country provided many opportunities for outdoor play, but if I wanted to see a friend or get something from town, it involved a bike ride. Having a bike meant I had mobility and freedom to get away from chores and to go on bigger adventures.
This outlook and lifestyle choice followed me into my adult lifestyle. I lived on my own at 16, trying to finish high school and working part-time. Again, a vehicle was a luxury I couldn't afford, so it was biking if I wanted to get around. It became so easy to do, part of my daily routine.
Fast forward to today and The Hub Bicycle Shop. It has been rewarding to sell and service so many bikes in the KW/Cambridge area. I have seen children grow into adults and bring their children in for their first bicycle. I have been able to witness each customer and their relationship to cycling as a lifestyle grow. Whether they're a once a month Sunday rider or an all year cyclist, they're building cycling into their lifestyle.
In North America, the bicycle is still considered a toy, something for kids, you can see that when conversations come up about cycling or cycling infrastructure. We must continue to create awareness and acceptance for cyclists. How? By making cycling a lifestyle choice. Keep riding, keep sharing stories, introduce someone to cycling and enjoy each minute you can on your bicycle. Make sure you check out our great trail systems and our Cambridge to Paris rail trail.