Handlebars of happiness: stories about cycles

Overview

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

Stories and songs about how cycles have made positive differences to people from all works of life across the ACT, and beyond.

The November edition features cycles that differ from the traditional two-wheeled variety.

Storytellers Leela, Ulrike, Kevin, and Mike all ride recumbent tricycles.

You'll also hear about the power of the Community Toolbox Canberra - a tool lending library - because you don't need a drill, you need a hole in a wall.

Make new friends and connect with old ones as you gather for the communal experience of storytelling. Got a story you want to share? Pitch your tale to them via email.

Leela and Ulrike will share their stories of how they've replaced car trips with bike trips for their physical, mental, and financial health.

Mike uses a unicycle to play hockey, and a tandem he rides with his beloved, Cathy.

Kevin's talk is called "It's definitely cycling, it's definitely not riding a bike."

He's a retired Canberra public servant who's been riding a recumbent tricycle for more than 20 years. His most recent trike adventure in England and France began and finished at London Heathrow Airport.

Kevin will share stories about rolling with his "bum 8 inches off the road."