The Beauty of Biking: Witness the World on Wheels

January 18, 2014

The cyclist's transitory path

A compass may guide him on a northbound journey, wheels may fly him down valleys and mountains, muscles bulging out beneath sweat-soaked skin may aid him on his way, but they only take him so far- his mind must do the rest. Nestled away in that hazy purgatory lying somewhere between serenity and exhaustion is the cyclist’s mind, an enigmatic fortress of determination.

The milkman on his morning rounds, the cherry tree’s proud blossoms, summer’s weary sunflowers, autumnal leaves beneath the wheel, a smiling man of snow and a baker on a homeward journey-  a secret spectator to all things fleeting, our fair cyclist soundlessly rides on; little does he realise, he is but as transient as the world he silently witnesses. His toes are nimble, his calves are large, his eye is sharp; a vagabond on wheels, appreciate him while you can- a gentle nod or a knowing wave as he flies past your doorstep with one eye on the future and one eye on the past.

Bearing the brunt of road rage and frequently finding themselves motorists’ scapegoat of choice for transport delays and traffic congestion– should we be more appreciative of cyclists? A fateful picture of doping and traffic accidents or a flourishing beacon of environmental awareness and international sporting excellence- is cycling a dying art or a ray of hope? Does biking really promote environmental protection? Are we really wise to extol the benefits of cycling?

SPRING

Sakura [Japanese cherry trees] and fleeting bike bound visitors cross paths under a spring sky- the year’s momentary  blossoms fall onto cyclists’ shoulders.

One moment there, the next moment not- a springtime cyclist finds himself to be but as ephemeral as the sunset that lies in wait before him.

SUMMER

Soaring sunflowers welcome cyclists on their summer journey.

Yet further, yet higher, beyond rivers, lakes, oceans and mountains- having sipped the addictive adventure poison that is biking, a cyclist looks on eagerly to her future destinations.

Lijiang’s rural cows happen upon bike-bound passers by journeying through their town.

Inhabitants adorn floral wreaths and take to their saddles for summer in Yangshuo.

Bicycles rest invitingly in the afternoon sun along the quaint canals of Amsterdam-Holland’s capital where the cyclist is king. 

Bike Parks burst to the seams in every corner of Amsterdam as summer rolls by.

Cyclists bask in the golden glow of Ibiza’s summer in late-July.

AUTUMN

Not to be overshadowed by taxis, buses, lorries, motorbikes and scooters speeding across the roads in early October, cycles remain prominent protagonists on Shanghai’s hectic transport stage.

Want to declare true devotion to the cyclists’ cause? Pack up your belongings and cycle your electric scooter home instead like this Xian local.

Autumn leaves crunch beneath the wheel- biking bliss ensues in London parks.

WINTER

A cyclist’s winter path winds invitingly along country farms, wrapping itself around the mountains of Guangxi province lost in the fog.

A traditional dessert seller on wheels braves icy conditions to sweeten winter’s tooth in Tianjin.

Leafless trees lead bike-enthusiasts on their way to Cambridge.

Beneath the Christmas tree, show off the beauty of winter cycling chic and seal another year with a final annual cycle along the Thames.

King’s Cross Station of cosmopolitan London opens its doors to a cocktail of visitors and their bicycles each year.

Want to discover more about the beauty of biking across the universe? Have a read of The beauty of cycling, Love thy bike, Beauty ‘n’ the bikes, Back alley bikes, Bike Potatoes and The joy of cycling.

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• 2014: The year of cycling in Yorkshire!
• The problem with the word ‘cyclist’
• Finger still being pointed at cyclists in road safety debate | Cycling Weekly
• How Montreal tracks cyclists
• More cycle paths or fewer psychopaths?
• Get liberation from union blockheads: go on two wheels
• Edinburgh lorry drivers to get cycling lessons

• Cycling minister calls for more ‘everyday’ riders (theguardian.com)
• A Brief History Of Bike Superhighways (fastcodesign.com)
• Give cyclists the space they need (telegraph.co.uk)