What in the world is ? You鈥檒l find out this weekend as cyclist and innovators mark the first-ever global cycle hack.
So, what is a cycle hack and what does it mean to you?
The idea is quite simple. It starts with the concept of a 鈥渉ack鈥� 鈥� not as the word typically used in relation to computers, but in a more general sense as a solution to a problem 鈥� that is designed to make life easier and even more enjoyable.
Organizers of the inaugural 48-hour worldwide event describe a hack as 鈥渁 brilliant idea that may be tiny but will improve the experience of cyclists and other road users in a big way.鈥�
For a typical Cycle Hack, participants hear from inspirational speakers with a range of perspectives on cycling. Once invigorated, they form teams and discuss ideas. More formal workshops help these ideas develop before the final hours are dedicated to making these ideas a reality and testing their viability. The tried-and-tested ideas are added to an open source catalogue where they are easily accessed.
Cycle Hack originated in Glasgow, Scotland, but the team behind the concept wasn鈥檛 content with addressing issues in their city alone. So they spread the word and initiated a global phenomenon with gatherings in Melbourne, Tbilisi and Beirut. And yes, Vancouverites can sign up for a Cycle Hack, too.
So what might a cycle hack look like? Almost anything. It could be something as small as creating and sharing a template that allows you to make a fender from a discarded pop bottle and a couple zip ties. It could be a website that links new cyclists with experienced ones. It could address policy and governance through a cyclists鈥� charter or advocacy for better cycling infrastructure.
This is the joy of the cycle hack: it鈥檚 completely scalable. No idea is too small or too large. Physical, digital, conceptual: they鈥檙e all welcome at the table.
Want to make cycling better for all of us or have an idea you鈥檇 like to share? Sign up! Have a barrier you鈥檇 like to see the global cycling community tackle? .
I鈥檓 excited by this concept. I love the idea of resolving barriers to cycling by throwing out an open challenge to a global community. Who knows what solutions someone in a city on the other side of the world might have for issues we deal with every day in Vancouver. Even if you can鈥檛 participate in the Cycke Hack yourself, it鈥檚 worth keeping an eye on the idea catalogue to see what comes from it.
Kay Cahill is a cyclist and librarian who believes bikes are for life, not just for commuting.
