Skip to content

  • Home
  • Life Coach
  • Travel Lifestyle
  • Luxury Lifestyle
  • Travel Tips
  • Urban Life
  • More
    • Contact Us
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms and Conditions
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Tech
  • Toggle search form
the joys of being car-free & carefree – The Urban Observer

the joys of being car-free & carefree – The Urban Observer

Posted on September 20, 2024 By rehan.rafique No Comments on the joys of being car-free & carefree – The Urban Observer

To be stuck in (car) traffic is stressful and annoying: running late to a meeting, to family, a concert or a conference. Argh! Yes, one could leave earlier; but why plan your life around a traffic report?!

Driving does not offer independence or the joys of the open road in such circumstances. On the contrary, it feels nearly enslaving to be completely and utterly stuck. This escalates when societies prioritise this singular form of inefficient transport, paving giant highways in the name of progress… which also turn to parking lots every day at rush hour.

Thankfully though, cities and citizens across the globe are slowly waking up to this absurdity. A new trend is emerging – first in cities like Amsterdam, or Copenhagen; but increasingly in Stockholm, Seattle, Santiago, Seoul, and many more.

To be stuck in bicycle traffic is uplifting and empowering. To be part of an emerging and expanding movement – silently, yet actively, demanding better transportation, better air quality and frankly better cities: one bike ride at a time. The light turns green and we swiftly and freely pedal past those standstill cars, in our own bike lane – moving forward by the power of our own two feet. (Sometimes, admittedly I hold my nose when passing a particularly dirty tailpipe – snobby yet satisfying.)

stockholm traffic

How inspired I feel on a sunny Monday morning, to cycle in solidarity with fellow urbanites on their way to school or work.  Each hill I crest, I do so with a sweaty (sometimes breathless) sense of euphoria. Knowing that every day there are more cyclists sharing Stockholm’s bike routes, struggling up those hills, often on a 3-speed bicycle with a rusty chain, like mine.

stockholm3Sure, cyclists in LYCRA® on mountain bikes remain common in this hilly city; but increasingly Stockholm cyclists are also clad in jeans, business suits or weekend party wear. The latter groups demonstrate that cycling is quickly becoming just another form of urban transport. Each cyclist has their own reason for opting for 2-wheels: taking ownership over one’s physical and mental health; reducing personal environmental impact; saving money; or contributing to more people-friendly transport modes in cities – or all of the above.

Every single time I hop on my bicycle an immense feeling of joy takes over from the freedom and simplicity of a bicycle ride; the interaction with the people and places around you, the rawness of the weather; the chance to spontaneously forage for berries or flowers; the realisation that we are all equals on the bike. Biking is not just a mode of transportation; it is a philosophy of how I want to live my life.

commute to work

**Top photo taken from: Sweden.se Blogs; all other photos taken by the author.

 

Urban Life

Post navigation

Previous Post: Hiking to Nonstind – A Journey Through Lofoten’s Scenic Splendor
Next Post: Polo at Ivy Leagues – LA POLO

More Related Articles

Shepard Fairey’s Mural Honours Joaquin Oliver and Calls for an End to Gun Violence, Washington DC Shepard Fairey’s Mural Honours Joaquin Oliver and Calls for an End to Gun Violence, Washington DC Urban Life
“Don Quixote” Exhibition by Ai Weiwei in León, Spain – StreetArtNews “Don Quixote” Exhibition by Ai Weiwei in León, Spain – StreetArtNews Urban Life
DIY Eyebrow Growth Serum | Hello, let’s glow DIY Eyebrow Growth Serum | Hello, let’s glow Urban Life
Registration Now Open for ADVANCEA Academy! – Urban Ag News Registration Now Open for ADVANCEA Academy! – Urban Ag News Urban Life
The First Leafy Greens Harvest of the Season – You Grow Girl The First Leafy Greens Harvest of the Season – You Grow Girl Urban Life
Scary Cities: The Urban as Protagonist / Antagonist in Horror Films Scary Cities: The Urban as Protagonist / Antagonist in Horror Films Urban Life

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Emotional Labour In Leadership | Strategic Leader Coaching
  • Black Belts, Birthdays, Seaplanes And House SalesMr and Mrs Romance
  • 3 Self Improvement Lessons That Leaders Use In Crisis
  • Mastering Public Speaking: How Small Business Owners Can Build Confidence and Drive Growth
  • What Are Midges? And What to Do About Them!

Categories

  • Life Coach
  • Luxury Lifestyle
  • Travel Lifestyle
  • Travel Tips
  • Urban Life

Copyright © 2025 .

Powered by PressBook Blog WordPress theme