I don’t know what it is about bicycles and scooters. I find myself photographing them wherever I go. Maybe it’s an attempt to recapture my childhood, who knows? While I reminisce about the joys of riding a bike as pleasure, the actuality is that for most people, scooters and bikes are a primary mode of transportation.
I’ve visited many countries and it seems like bicycles and scooters are everywhere. Whether it’s Morocco, Berlin, or Barcelona, they’re parked on the sidewalk, chained to light posts, outside doorways…everywhere. I’ve seen some spectacles on scooters and bikes too. Once I saw a washing machine strapped to the back of a scooter driver. I wish I had my camera handy for that one. I’ve seen folks carrying livestock, babies hanging from one arm and a small child between the mother and father. I’ve seen bicycle vendors selling everything from plantains to chickens.
Bicycles and scooters are a useful indicator to the quality of life in a certain area. In the Caribbean and Morocco, they’re worn out and battered while in Berlin they’re shiny with all the bells and whistles. Regardless of condition and location, I find them fascinating and telling.
Hopefully you’ll find them interesting too. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experience.
