"I am not part of a “skateboard gang”, I enjoy other sports as well, but, skateboarding is my favorite sport. It is my sport, my hobby, and even my mode of transportation. I don’t even own a bicycle any more, I skateboard everywhere. I love everything about it…except the stereotypes. I have been skateboarding since I was 3-years-old and all I have to say about skating is…thank you. I’m fifteen now and skateboarding is what has shaped me into the young man I am today. It taught me to always get up after I fall, to never give up, to stick with something until I get it down and to be proud of what I have accomplished."

- anonymous, 15

“I cycle because I live in London and so I use it as a means of transport. It’s really easy to nip around on a a bike. I’m not, like, a massive fiend committed to cycling every day but I do manage to do it. I cycle and I go to the gym to make myself feel good. Not to look the way someone else wants me to look."

- Grace
London, England
Via Refinery 29

"I love cycling most of all because it gives me freedom. It's about being outside, the wind in your hair (that's right, you don't always have to wear a helmet) and the sights and sounds of life in the city or countryside. Why would anyone want to have an cycle exercise machine or go to a spinning class? Just get on a bike and go somewhere."

- Peter K.
Via Why I Love...Cycling

Read more about Peter's lifelong ride!

"As an active transportation consultant, working to make communities more walk and bike friendly, when I moved to Canmore I wanted to "Walk the Talk." We downsized from being a two-car family living in suburbia, to one vehicle. It has been two years now and it has been great! We moved to a place that is a 5 minute bike ride to downtown and a 20 minute walk. It has been a breeze. It certainly helps me to get my daily dose of physical activity. Plus I am so concerned about the environment & climate change. Living in a walkable environment is about the most powerful thing individuals can do to reduce their carbon footprint and improve local air quality. The cost savings aren't bad either. According to the CAA we are saving about $10,000 per year. That is a substantial amount! 

My bike now has snow tires. I have no problem keeping warm. I was reluctant to walk or bike in the rain, but once I get out there, I am glad I did. We have the technological gear today to keep warm and dry. I love the sense of community from meeting neighbours when I am out and about using "human powered transportation." It is a great way to "fit fitness in" throughout the day. It is living more sustainably and more naturally. We were born to move this way."

- Mandy J., 57
Canmore, Alberta

“Biking for me isn’t so much a hobby but it is a tool for getting from point A to B. There are people who drive cars who probably have know idea how cars work. That’s me with bicycles. It’s just a thing like breathing and eating - I just want it to be a form of transportation. To paraphrase Queen, ‘I want to ride my bicycle’.”

- Andrew K.
Prince George, British Columbia Canada

"I have discovered that driving during post work rush hour takes me just as long as cycling the 20 km distance and it beats staring at the car in front of me and watching out for crazy drivers who weave in and out of traffic hoping to get ahead. Cycling is freedom from traffic as I'm able to use River Valley and designated bike trails for most of my journey. I love the feel of wind and feel of speed, the warmth of sun on my face, the view of nature next to me and surprise visits from birds and critters that inhabit the trails. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to enjoy this journey and get some exercise at the same time.
Driving agitated and fatigued me....cycling refreshes and makes me happy....it can't get any better than that."

- Donna P., 54