Activist, re-activist or in-activist?

A piece I wrote last year for the wonderful Many Reasons To Be Cheerful Annual 3. Around me taking action beyond what I do in business with design for change. Taken from a tweet I did while cycling to COP26 about it's power for change.

With thanks to the entire Shayler clan for producing the annual, and their forever cheerful way of being and inviting me to be part of it, thanks especially to Daisy Shayler.

This is my Activism...?

However, Faithless say it better than I do.

This is my church

This is where I heal my hurt

It's a natural grace

Of watching young life shape

It's in minor keys

Solutions and remedies

Enemies becoming friends

When bitterness ends

This is my church?

This is cycling for me, being out, in motion, following routes known or unknown. Focused, no distractions, no phones (bar recording the ride), looking, feeling in nature. I've cycled since I was a nipper. I didn't own a car until I was 32.?My legs it seems, are designed for it too!

So why is it my activism?

Well, first, here is one version of the meaning:

Definition of?activism

:?a doctrine or practice that emphasises vigorous, direct?action, especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue.

For me, it's the 'action' of cycling in helping to protect the planet alongside my health and my wallet (one form of my activist self). From the lighter footprint of a bike to joining climate rides like #RidetheChange to #COP26 (540 miles, seven days, 620 climate pledges 17000kgs of CO2 reduced (by me alone). London to Glasgow 2021).?I could choose to do nothing about mine and the planet's health. I could see it as someone else role - an in-activist. Or I could leave our health (myself and the planet) to the last minute and be a re-activist - very expensive and probably too late. We all have options, but we do need to be active.

So, what about cycling makes a difference? Does it fight climate change?

For me, it does, 'this machine fights climate change'; this is what I think and feel alongside many other cyclists. so what could it look like to be a cycling nation/society?

• Cycling reduces air pollution (a significant issue in all urban areas of the world).?
• Cycling is better for your health! (50% better on our hearts).
• Cycling saves you money.
• Cycling reduces congestion.
• Cycling reduces noise pollution - imagine quiet cities, towns, villages, and roads!??
• Cycling boosts biodiversity (think of all the nature that wouldn't end up on the roadside).
• Cycling boosts green spaces.
• Cycling combats deforestation.
• Cycling significantly reduces the impact on the climate compared to motor vehicles.
• Cycling boosts COMMUNITY.

Do you cycle? Do you want to cycle? It's never too late to start!

A recent fact I came across would be good to use for context, but I'm not sure it fits with the blogs I've read from Many Reasons to be Cheerful.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Southern Denmark calculated that the world would save 686 million metric tonnes of carbon annually if everyone travelled about like the Dutch. The Dutch cycle on average 2.6km (1.6 miles) a day. That's roughly equivalent to Germany's annual carbon emissions.?

It's certainly doable. In the UK, 60 per cent of journeys between one and two miles are made by motor vehicle, most of which could easily be done by bike.

The study also found that if Dutch cycling patterns caught on, it could prevent 620,000 deaths globally.

Research has shown that people who cycle to work have a 45% lower risk of developing cancer and a 46% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

So this is why cycling is my therapy, community, and activism (well, one of them)!

What might your activism be, that would help you and help our planet?

Thanks to my Adventure Uncovered family, Rosie Riley , James Wight Mark Shayler and family, Hermione Taylor , and the Do Nation team, our Leap | B Corp Design & Impact Agency whom matched my cycling in the studio on an exercise bike, and everyone who made the ride possible. Alongside all those I got to cycle with over the years. And to all who take action in any form, everywhere, in every way, you are appreciated.

You can purchase a copy of the annual here: www.reasonstobecheerful.co.uk/shop

Find out about what Do Nation do here and sign up for the COP28 ride! www.wearedonation.com

Tom Hubmann's work: www.tomhubmann.com

2 of 7 done! Vision 20/20

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