The Diversity of Biking in Art and Culture

Bikes are an important part of many people’s lives, and fostering a world where cycling has a place involves recognizing this diversity of experience.

1 minute read

September 19, 2019, 12:00 PM PDT

By Camille Fink


Biking

Elena Rostunova / Shutterstock

"After my trips to Mexico this year, I tried to capture some of the cultural significance of bikes in my family’s towns because we need more of people of color elevating those narratives. We need more representations of diverse people on bikes to change the perception that bicycling is mostly something that white folks do," writes Lynda Lopez.

Lopez describes seeing Colombian singer Carlos Vives perform "La Bicicleta," a song he recorded with fellow Columbian Shakira. "Before closing the show with this song, Vives spoke about the significance of the bike in Colombia and how cycling is a way of life there."

Representing this diversity should be an essential part of bike advocacy, argues Lopez. "If we can reflect our cultural backgrounds and experiences in biking through language, art, and music, we can open the doors for more people to be part of biking culture."

Wednesday, September 4, 2019 in Streetsblog Chicago

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.