It started with a birthday present…a scarf with bikes on it.
I loved it. Then bikes started popping up everywhere. I saw them in magazines,
on signs. I have learned not to ignore signs like this, so I did what any
normal (ha) 21 year old would do. I started researching the symbolism in
bicycles.
On Copenhagenize.com, I found an article titled “Designing
Bicycle Symbolism – Towards the Future.” The opening paragraph states, “The
Bicycle as a symbol of progress, of renewal, of promising times ahead. This is
not a new concept. Indeed it has been around since the invention of the
bicycle. Many bicycle posters at end of the 19th century featured promising
themes like liberation, progress, freedom.”
During the “women’s right to vote” era, the bicycle became a
strong symbol. Women wore pantaloons (shocking, in that time period) as they
cycled around the city.
Susan B. Anthony, famed women’s rights leader even made a
comment about them, “I think [the bicycle] has done more to emancipate women
than any one thing in the world. I rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on
a bike. It gives her a feeling of self-reliance and independence the moment she
takes her seat; and away she goes, the picture of untrammelled womanhood” (The Guardian).
I reflected on the articles I read and thought about why I
was drawn to bicycles so much. I think that idea of freedom and progress
appeals to me because I’m at that point in my life. Even though I just
graduated college and I’m going to be getting a “real job” as a therapist soon,
I struggle with the idea of completely settling down. I love to work hard, but
I also enjoy traveling and seeing new places and meeting new people. It’s the
balance of freedom and progress, both together and separate. A balance that I’m still learning. Probably a
balance that I’ll always be learning.
Bicycles are all about moving forward. Enjoying the journey.
I am accumulating more bicycle accessories – a necklace, a
bracelet, my scarf. Each time I wear them, I am reminded.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance,
you must always keep moving.” – Albert Einstein
Sources mentioned in this post:
Comments
Post a Comment