The 2016 Cycling and Society Conference here at Cemore has been inspiring. Thank you Cosmin, Katerina and Denis!

One of the things that has me thinking is the relationship between technologies of mobility, power, the good society and utopian momentum. The question ‘What is it about the bike?’ raised a number of really interesting responses. Here’s a list from my notes:

Autonomy
Lets you see hidden bits of the city
Pain
Rhythm
Simplicity with a history of simplicity
Balance
Exposure
Inclusive
Becomes part of you
Almost human
Touched by you
Independence
Eccentricity
Freedom
A wider roaming range
Mundane
Out of synch with the momentum of automobility
Authenticity
Affording the joy of flow
Continuous movement
Playful, associate with childhood
Risky
Zen-like self-abnegation
Challenges hegemonic things
Fixed gear means you’ve got to keep moving
Skill
Un-gendering
The histories of all these things

And added since: …
It was/is a Discovery as much as an Invention
Highly diverse and individualized
DIY and cheap vs. professional and expensive
Minimalistic aesthetics
Expresses meaning and values
Sociocultural signifier

If you think of more things to add, tweet @mbuscher #aboutthebike