You can’t accuse me of not nailing my colours to the mast. I loudly and proudly oppose racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, xenophobia, genocide and more.
Climate change
I understand the severity of the threat climate breakdown poses, and that we’re rushing headlong into making this planet uninhabitable for humans. And of course I’m continuously working on reducing my own CO2 footprint.
Gaza
I can’t risk being arrested and facing terrorism charges, simply for opposing genocide in Gaza, after the UK started charging many people with terrorism offences. Equally, I can’t risk arrest for protesting oil corporations and more. I’m quite sure I’m not unique in that position, and that thousands of you also can’t afford to take those risks. In my case, the risk of deportation is real.
When the night is darkest, the dawn is close
It’s also easy to feel hopeless. After all, your actions to oppose all the evils in the world amount to just a grain of sand. And a single grain of sand can’t make a blind bit of difference, now can it? If ever you has a single grain of sand land in your sandwich, and end up in your mouth, you’ll soon realise it can make a difference!
Now we get to the point where it becomes overwhelmingly important to remember that you’re not alone!
The rising right-wing tide is designed to make you feel like you’re in the minority. Don’t fall for that! Together, we are mighty. Together, we are enough grains of sand to stop an ocean. Together, we are strong.
And remember, you don’t have to lock yourself to oil refinery gates, or spray aircraft with red paint, to be a rebel.
Rebellion
The mere act of choosing to ride your bicycle is an act of rebellion.
Refusing to support the oil status quo is an act of rebellion. Cycling through the city, with the wind in your hair, makes you a rebel.
So, what are you waiting for? Get on your bike! There’s a world to save!
PS: In case you were curious, the image above is a painting called Italian Cyclists, by the Soviet Union artist Aleksandr Deineka, and dates from 1935.