Handlebars of happiness: stories and songs about cycles

A 2025 Cyclonats Festival of Cycling Culture event, presented by Canberra by Bike Design Company and Smith's Alternative

UPDATE 20 Aug: We're thrilled to announce we will have the Australian premier of the short film Fietsgeluk (Bicycle Happiness) from the Dutch Cyclists' Union, Fietsersbond. The film was created by Dutch film company Nieuw en Verbeterd (New and Improved) who created the Why We Cycle, Together We Cycle, When We Cycle trilogy about Dutch cycling culture.

Our Handlebars events are storytelling and songs about how cycles have made positive differences to people from all works of life across the ACT, and beyond.

Our August speakers will include local scientist turned artist, Sophie Baker, who recently held her second solo exhibition, Circumnavigating Bush Capital from a (Bike) Saddle, at the Belconnen Arts Centre. Sophie carries her canvases on her back, and paints from wherever her mountain bike takes her.

You'll also hear from Ruslan, a cargo bike dad, who carries his children to soccer, or the family dog, and even white goods like a dishwasher. His cargo bike is his daily transportation.

Lachlan will also tell his story. He’s a student, bike rider, and also avid public transport user.

Meredith is our final speaker who will describe her journey from bad doggin’ to grocery shopping, or Dragster to Cargo bike. She'll give a glimpse of life and how bike riding provides moments of joy, from childhood to the present day.

Here's a review of the June edition of our storytelling night, thanks to Pedal Power, the ACT's main cycling advocacy organisation.

Make new friends and connect with old ones as we gather for the communal experience of storytelling.

Our event is inspired by Bike Story Night, started in Texas USA by Valerie Ruiz.