We are LCL: Laura Galvis Daza

A Movement That Should Take Root

In her day job persona, Laura Galvis Daza provides technical support for users of a fitness events registration platform. Outside of work hours, she is a passionate supporter of cycling, London Cycle Link and Squeaky Wheel Bike Co-op, growing her mechanical expertise over the past two years through maintaining her own bikes and by co-leading events such as the WTF (Women / Trans / Femme) Workshop and Volunteer Night. In January, Laura also joined the LCL board.

LCL: What is the best thing that has happened to you on a bike?

LGD: Everything is the best thing! But I can give a concrete example: this one beautiful ride that a handful of LCL members did, on a 20°C Sunday at the beginning of June, 2022. We biked 50km as part of the Forest City Cycling Challenge. Booming music, conversation, country landscapes, amazing food, leg massages, I kid you not—it absolutely ruled! That same day in the late afternoon I went to play bike polo, and had a fabulous time there, too. With cycling, there is a feeling of freedom, of health, of being connected to the city and the natural environment. I like how cycling makes my body feel. I do cherish that.

LCL: When you picture yourself riding a bike, what are the words that come to mind first?

LGD: Freedom comes to mind. Fitness and health. Community comes to mind as well, ever since I found London Cycle Link and Squeaky Wheel Bike Co-op. I have felt more connected, thanks to the co-op space and the online community on Basecamp. Other words that come to mind are… stem and shifters and pedals and handlebars, haha! I'm now more aware of bike components as I ride. If something sounds funny or feels different, I no longer just ignore it. I try to pinpoint where it’s coming from and why it’s happening. At least, I am aware that my bike needs an adjustment.

LCL: Can you finish this sentence? I support London Cycle Link and/or Squeaky Wheel because… 

LGD: Because I believe that active, sustainable transportation is something positive that the Forest City needs, and we can lead by example. We can show people that we care whether there are protected, designated bike lanes or not. We can show people that biking remains an option even if it's raining or cold (fenders, studded tires, GORE-TEX—it’s not rocket science, y’all!). We can get around and visit friends and family, put a basket on a bike and run errands, take our kids and pets along. We can do it and it's fuuuuuuun! Let’s spend time in nature, outdoors! Let’s get to know our neighbourhoods, get closer to local businesses and vendors, notice the architecture and public art. Let’s enjoy these parks, the river, the TVP network! Let’s use these bike routes! The way I see it, biking is not supposed to be some rare, niche activity. It should be a common way to get around, business or leisure.

I support LCL because it represents a movement that the general population in London, Canada and North America needs to be better aware of, a movement that should take root. The more people who bike, the fewer trips in a combustion engine vehicle, the less congestion in the city (decrease air pollution, reduce noise, free up space). We are talking about our collective health and well-being here!

I support SWBC because we are teaching and learning extremely valuable skills on how to repair and take care of our own bikes. “It doesn't work well anymore, therefore I don’t like it,” “…therefore it’s garbage”? No, “Let's find what’s wrong with it and fix it up!" Find replacement parts, adjust it to your body and preferences!” Either the co-op will help you fall in love with your bike again, or give it to somebody who needs it more—no matter what, someone learns skills in the process. When I go to the co-op, I feel blessed to spend time with people who are passionate about repairing bikes, who are willing and happy to share the knowledge that they have, and who’ve literally built a community around making this space highly functional and welcoming.