Synergy

PASSIONATE (AND PASSIVE) CYCLISTS UNITE

A 1980’s Raleigh bicycle can break down into 893 separate and (nearly useless) parts (go ahead and Google the artist Todd McLellan and you’ll see the art he creates out of separating the parts of various objects, including this particular model of bicycle). Separated into one pile of mostly metal and rubber, each part on its own can do little, but placed together with precision (and lubrication) the whole bicycle is an assembly of simple machines that is far greater than the sum of its parts. These 893 assembled parts can be powered by a rider, using motion and balance, to move efficiently and to carry goods from one destination to another. And that’s synergy: the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. The term synergy comes from the Greek asynergia meaning "working together." Working together can produce a product, an experience, an impact that is greater than working alone. And that is what Cycle Hamilton aims to do. Cycle Hamilton – a new cycling advocacy group launched in October 2015 – aims to gather up the support of thousands of cyclists in Hamilton because there is an urgent need for a coordinated effort to advocate together for a safe, healthy, and bike-friendly Hamilton. There are thousands of cyclists in this city who stand (or, rather, ride) alone and whose wheels maybe grace a bike counter or whose name becomes a registrant of ‘Bike to Work’ day. Their part right now possibly provides a statistic. But those small minute parts assembled and organized – voicing their concerns, celebrating improvements, functioning as one – can help achieve the goals of the united. Cycle Hamilton aims to increase the amount of safe, confident, and knowledgeable cyclists in Hamilton by promoting better infrastructure and developing partnerships with organizations, community groups, and citizens. Getting 893 parts to move in one direction can be a challenging task. Working together – true synergy – requires a lot of effort. Some parts would prefer to be the rider and others the critical spectator in the crowd, but to meet common objectives and make a difference, Cycle Hamilton requires clear and concise goals and a plan to get there. So passive and passionate cyclists unite – share your opinion and get involved. Workshops will be held in the fall and winter to develop goals and priorities and your input is needed. These workshops will help develop issue-specific campaigns to support achievable goals. To find out about the workshops, or to become a member to help provide financial support, you can find Cycle Hamilton on Facebook (Cycle Hamilton), Twitter (@CycleHamilton), the web (cyclehamont.ca), or email (cyclehamilton@gmail.com). By September 2016 Cycle Hamilton – an assembly of many members and parts working together in unison – will have drafted a strategic plan to address goals, priorities, and the sustainability of the organization. If you are one of those parts, now is the time to work together!

#NovDec2015