A Wheel of Wonder

The bicycle, in its elegant simplicity, has become a universal symbol of freedom, adventure, and personal expression. Its two wheels have carried riders across continents, up mountain passes, and through the winding streets of countless cities. But as ubiquitous as cycling may seem, the way in which different cultures around the world have embraced and celebrated this humble machine is as diverse as it is fascinating.

From the colorful and chaotic streets of India to the serene and sacred mountains of Japan, the world is full of surprising cycling traditions that challenge our preconceptions of what it means to ride a bike. These customs, rituals, and celebrations offer a window into the rich tapestry of human culture, reminding us that even the most familiar objects can take on new meaning in different contexts.

In this exploration of global cycling traditions, we’ll pedal through a kaleidoscope of customs that range from the quirky to the profound, the ancient to the cutting-edge. We’ll discover how the bicycle has been adapted, personalized, and mythologized by cultures around the world, and how these unique traditions reflect the values, beliefs, and aspirations of the people who practice them.

The Blessing of the Bikes

Our journey begins in the heart of New York City, where every May, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine plays host to one of the most unusual cycling events in the world: the Blessing of the Bikes. On this day, hundreds of cyclists gather in the cathedral’s grand nave, their bicycles in tow, to receive a blessing from the clergy.

The event, which began in 1999, is a testament to the deep connection between cycling and spirituality. For the riders who participate, the blessing is a way to honor the sacred bond between human and machine, to celebrate the joy and freedom that cycling brings, and to seek divine protection for the journeys ahead.

A Sanctuary for Cyclists

As the cyclists roll down the aisle, the cathedral’s vaulted ceilings echo with the clicking of gears and the hushed murmur of the congregation. The air is thick with the scent of incense and the flickering glow of candles, creating an atmosphere of reverence and mystique.

At the altar, the bikes are sprinkled with holy water, and the riders receive a blessing from the clergy. It’s a moment of solemnity and grace, a recognition of the spiritual dimension of cycling. For many participants, the Blessing of the Bikes is a reminder that riding is not just a physical act, but a means of connecting with something greater than themselves.

The Slow Bicycle Movement

From the frenetic energy of New York, we travel to the tranquil islands of Japan, where a very different kind of cycling tradition is taking root. In recent years, Japan has become a hub of the “slow bicycle movement,” a philosophy that emphasizes the joy of leisurely, mindful riding over speed and efficiency.

At the heart of this movement is the Japanese concept of “saho,” or “proper way.” Applied to cycling, saho means riding with intention, savoring the journey rather than rushing to the destination. It’s a practice that encourages cyclists to engage all of their senses, to be fully present in the moment, and to cultivate a deep appreciation for the world around them.

Savoring the Journey

Slow cycling has found a particularly enthusiastic following among Japan’s growing population of retirees, who have embraced the bicycle as a means of staying active, exploring their surroundings, and connecting with nature. Many of these older riders have formed “saho cycling” clubs, organizing leisurely rides through the countryside, picnicking in scenic spots, and taking time to chat and enjoy each other’s company.

For these riders, the slow cycling tradition is a way to reclaim a sense of purpose and belonging in a society that often valorizes youth and speed. By savoring the simple pleasures of riding – the warmth of the sun, the smell of the flowers, the laughter of friends – they find a sense of contentment and connection that transcends age and ability.

The Ghanaian Bamboo Bikes

From the tranquil roads of Japan, we venture to the vibrant streets of Ghana, where a unique cycling tradition is taking root – literally. In the rural villages of this West African nation, a growing number of craftsmen are turning to an unusual material to build their bicycles: bamboo.

The use of bamboo in bicycle construction is not new – it has been experimented with by engineers and designers around the world for decades. But in Ghana, the bamboo bike has taken on a special significance, becoming not just a means of transportation, but a symbol of sustainability, ingenuity, and cultural pride.

Riding on Renewable Resources

The bamboo used to build these bicycles is indigenous to Ghana, and it grows quickly and abundantly in the country’s tropical climate. Unlike the metals and plastics used in conventional bike manufacturing, bamboo is a renewable resource that requires no mining, smelting, or petroleum-based processing.

But the ecological benefits of bamboo are just part of the story. For the craftsmen who build these bikes, the process is a way to connect with their cultural heritage, to honor the traditional skills of woodworking and weaving that have been passed down through generations.

Weaving Tradition into Innovation

Each bamboo bicycle is a unique work of art, handcrafted using techniques that blend ancient wisdom with modern innovation. The frames are built using carefully selected stalks of bamboo, which are smoked and treated to increase their strength and durability. The joints are wrapped with strips of recycled plastic or natural fibers, creating a distinctive lattice pattern that is both functional and beautiful.

For the riders who use these bikes, they are more than just a means of getting from point A to point B. They are a source of pride and identity, a way to express their connection to the land and their commitment to a more sustainable way of living.

The Dutch Cycling Culture

Our final stop on this global cycling tour takes us to the Netherlands, a country that has elevated cycling from a mode of transportation to a way of life. In Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, bikes outnumber cars, and cycling is an integral part of daily routine for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Dutch cycling tradition is rooted in a deep commitment to practicality, efficiency, and egalitarianism. For the Dutch, cycling is not a sport or a hobby, but a rational choice – a way to get around that is faster than walking, cheaper than driving, and more environmentally friendly than either.

Pedaling Towards Equality

This pragmatic approach to cycling has shaped the design of Dutch cities and the rhythms of Dutch life. The country boasts an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, which are separated from car traffic and prioritized in urban planning. Employers provide secure bike parking and changing facilities for their workers, and schools teach children how to ride safely and confidently from a young age.

The result is a cycling culture that is remarkably inclusive and egalitarian. In the Netherlands, you’re just as likely to see a suited businessman riding to work as you are a mother carrying her children to school. Cycling is not a marker of social status or a statement of identity, but a simple fact of life – as natural and unremarkable as breathing.

A Model for the World

For the rest of the world, the Dutch cycling tradition offers a compelling model of what a truly bike-friendly society could look like. It’s a vision of cities where cycling is safe, convenient, and accessible to all, where the bicycle is not just a tool for recreation or exercise, but an essential part of the transportation mix.

Of course, achieving this vision will require more than just infrastructure and policy changes. It will require a fundamental shift in the way we think about mobility and public space, a willingness to challenge the dominance of the automobile and to reimagine our cities as places designed for people, not just for cars.

A Kaleidoscope of Cycling Cultures

As we reflect on these diverse cycling traditions from around the world, what strikes us is not just their uniqueness, but their universality. In each of these cultures, the bicycle has been embraced as a means of connecting people – to each other, to their environment, to their heritage, and to themselves.

Whether it’s the spiritual seekers of New York, the mindful riders of Japan, the eco-artisans of Ghana, or the everyday cyclists of the Netherlands, these traditions remind us that cycling is more than just a way to get around. It’s a way to experience the world, to express our values, and to find meaning and purpose in the simple act of pedaling.

So the next time you hop on your bike, take a moment to reflect on the rich tapestry of cycling cultures that exists around the globe. Remember that you are part of a worldwide community of riders, united by a shared passion for this humble yet remarkable machine.

And as you ride, let yourself be inspired by the diversity and creativity of these traditions. Let them challenge you to think differently about what cycling means to you, and how it can enrich your life and your world.

In the end, that’s what these mind-blowing cycling traditions teach us – that the possibilities of the bicycle are as endless as the human imagination.