suzie cycles
Hi, I'm Suzie
(she/her/sí/í)
Welcome to Suzie Cycles
I'm so glad you're here. I'm Suzie, pronouns she/her (sí/í - in Irish) and I am the Founder and facilitator of Suzie Cycles. I'm from Ireland, and currently reside in Vancouver, Canada which is located on the traditional, ancestral and currently occupied territory of the Squamish, Stó:lō, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam Nations.
On this page I share my personal journey of cycling and why I created Suzie Cycles, a social venture dedicated to making biking better for you through accessible bike education.
My cycling journey
Having been a regular bike commuter for six years, 2018 turned out to be a defining year for me, both as a person and as a cyclist. Feeling the impacts of burn out I decided I needed a big change. Being on a bicycle has always given me a sense of joy, calm and accomplishment, so it made complete sense for me, in this time of crises, to hop on the back of my bicycle and cycle over 7,500 km's across Canada.
I learned many things on this 81 day journey, but my biggest take away was realizing how little I knew about how my bike actually worked. I had to rely entirely on other people to fix everything from a flat tyre to adjusting gears. This feeling of having to depend on others left me wondering, why had I never felt motivated to learn more about my bike?
For me, it was two reasons. First, I had often felt intimated in bike spaces not understanding the jargon being used. Second, as a self identifying woman I just didn't see myself represented in these spaces.
By the time I got to St. John's, Newfoundland (on the territory of the Miq'maq and Beothuk peoples) I was determined to make a change. When I returned home, I started working in a bike shop and went back to school to become a qualified bike mechanic.
Chatting to folks along the way, I realized I wasn't alone - there were lots of people who also didn't feel seen or heard in bike spaces. I was determined to change things in the bike community. Bringing together my 15 years' experience working in education and community engagement together with my passion for cycling, I created Suzie Cycles - a welcoming space that fosters inclusion, centers belonging and celebrates everyday cycling through accessible bike education.
What to expect from suzie cycles
Practical Skills
Learn the practical skills that will enhance your experience of being on a bicycle.
Feel safer, more self reliant and empowered
Celebration
Lived experience is honored and celebrated here. Everyone has something to learn and something to teach.
Having fun is central to the learning process and encouraged!
Wellbeing
Suzie Cycles uses a strengths based approach supporting learners to believe in and have confidence in their abilities and skills. Bring your whole self to the learning journey.
Belonging
This space fosters an inclusive cycling community and centers belonging for gals, gays and theys and pushes back against structural inequalities.