Christmas caricatures

If you happen to be around central Gold Coast during the festive season, you might encounter a spectacle: two whimsically-dressed parents on festively adorned cargo bikes, trailing laughter (or ridicule) and promise of Christmas cheer. Accompanied by two wide-eyed children, buoyed by the belief in Santa's imminent arrival, we embark on our annual mission to spread joy and smiles.

The cargo bikes, typically mundane in their utility, are transformed into chariots of festivity, adorned with tinsel and soft christmas toys. Our helmets are reindeer horned, mummy and daddy had those for cars, and kiddies are ones used on dogs. We are a rolling Christmas caricature. 

We meet a kaleidoscope of reactions. Some onlookers wave enthusiastically or honk their horns in solidarity, while others shy away, choosing to disengage or look the other way. There are those who offer a restrained smirk, their amusement thinly veiled, perhaps curtailed by their own self-consciousness. But most often, we are greeted with smiles.

“And when that smile is returned, sometimes accompanied by laughter, it feels more precious than gold. In these exchanges, I find success; my heart beams with the joy of connection.”

I often ponder why this tradition means so much to me. It's not just about the public spectacle that swings between ridicule and joy; it's a celebration of my identity, a boost to my confidence. My children, still fresh to the world, remind me that life is fleeting. These moments are not just about belief in Santa; they're about creating core memories, sparking imagination, and cherishing the magic of childhood.

A bike, as I've written, is more than a mode of transport; it's a conduit for community engagement. It allows us to interact with our environment and its people in a way that no car or digital device can. It can solve many of society's problems. Traffic congestion, diabesity, social isolation, less noise and walkable cities. When you design for bikes - and I mean design beautifully - you incidentally make a city cleaner, greener and more socially cohesive. 

Our festive rides are an antidote to the isolation often felt in a world dominated by screens and social media. They're a reminder of the warmth of human connection, the importance of community, and the joy that comes from sharing a simple smile.

So, as I continue this tradition, I hope to inspire others to find their own unique ways to connect and spread joy. Let us all remember that in every smile shared, there's a potential for a brighter, more connected world. After all, isn't that what the spirit of the season is all about?