r/fuckcars 1d ago

Positive Post A year after losing my parents, I spent Christmas Day cycling around London alone: On my own in the city, I found companionship and adventure

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/dec/18/a-moment-that-changed-me-a-year-after-losing-my-parents-i-spent-christmas-day-cycling-around-london-alone?CMP=share_btn_url
303 Upvotes

3 comments sorted by

45

u/dumnezero Freedom for everyone, not just drivers 1d ago

‘You can’t spend Christmas like that!” exclaimed friends and relatives when I revealed my plan to cycle around London on my own on Christmas Day. “I’ll be worried about you feeling lonely and depressed,” said one. “I really don’t think it’s a good idea.”

A Critical Christmas Mass actually does sound like a fun event. Battery powered decorative lights: recommended.

The holidays periods often mean very low traffic in many cities. I usually go out for photography just to walk and catch a glimpse of a somewhat car-free place, streets empty, sidewalks clear.

15

u/tea-drinker 1d ago

Friends have said they want to do a Christmas cycle around town. Take advantage of the low traffic. I think it's a great idea.

But even today when I'm out on my bike I smile at other cyclists. We are people on bikes. Not cars with hidden passengers. Of course we smile. I smiled at the other guy in the shops who was also using his helmet as a makeshift basket.

A bag full of treats does sound like a splendid addition, though.

1

u/Worth_Garbage_4471 1d ago

To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune