Let’s Talk About Bikes
Bicycles are everywhere. The last two years have seen the rollout of a comprehensive bike-sharing program in Boston, along with enormous growth in bike infrastructure and ridership—developments that mirror trends in cities across the globe. BSA Space examines these changes in the urban realm with Let’s Talk About Bikes.
The exhibition investigates themes of production, use and impact. The region’s expanding collection of bicycle fabricators ranges from one-person frame shops to internationally recognized custom manufacturers. Admire the craft, beauty and innovation of bikes by Firefly Bicycles, Parlee Cycles, Royal H Cycles, Saila Bicycles and Seven Cycles. A Hubway bike, Montague’s folding bike and MIT Media Lab’s GreenWheel Electric Bicycle Electric Power Module demonstrate new ways the bike can have an impact on Boston’s transit systems.
Let’s Talk About Bikes explores the many urban cultures spawned by the bicycle: alternative societies such as SCUL; leisure riders and events like Hub on Wheels; community educational groups such as Cycle Kids; the work cultures of pedicabbies and bicycle messengers; and enthusiasm for cycling demonstrated through clubs, teams and races.
The expansion of urban biking raises broader transit-related questions about the relationship of bicycles to urban and environmental public policy. The exhibition examines this theme, from the Complete Streets movement to advocacy activism to concerns raised in Boston’s larger community about roadway use. Let’s Talk About Bikes presents many stories and outlooks in order to raise awareness and questions about the role of the bicycle in cities today.
The humble bicycle has become a major player in the ongoing international debate on urban change in the 21st century. Are we making too much of it? Or too little?
Also, please tell us why you do (or do not) cycle in Boston at letstalkaboutbikes.com. You will be entered to win a Montecore bike by State Bicycle.
Cambridge Seven Associates is a leading sponsor of exhibits at BSA Space. Atlantic Wharf is also a sponsor of Let’s Talk About Bikes.
Exhibit curated and designed by Chris Grimley, Michael Kubo, and Mark Pasnik of over,under.
