Why I Bike (And How It Almost Killed Me) by Slava Menn as told to Tom Layman

Freedom. That’s why I got on a bike, and that’s why I’m never getting off.

I jumped on a bike 10 years ago, timid as all hell, sticking to the bike lanes, afraid to make moves in the busy, crowded streets of Boston. Then I got a helmet. Then I started riding with confidence and fell in love. And then my new love almost killed me.

My first week on a bike I was in the Back Bay of Boston during a rainy, bone chilling November commute home from work. I moved to the left lane on a busy three lane street and prepared to take a left turn when my front wheel got caught in an expansion joint and I somersaulted over the handlebars. Lying on the pavement I saw the my life flash before my eyes in the form of a black Lincoln Towncar approaching my face. Summoning my inner-ninja in a way that only life-endangering encounters can inspire, I rolled out of the way and onto the curb.

Rattled and road rashed, I took solace in a hotel reception to wash my cuts, compose myself. But something funny and magical happened as I assessed the damage: I realize that this wouldn’t be my downfall. Since that experience, I’ve been riding hard and haven’t looked back.

I occasionally take the subway or drive and around the city, but I’m most free when I’m on my bike. Instead of being underground like a rat or fighting other drivers in my car, I get to ride along the tree-lined Charles River. All it took was a little exercise and endorphins, and I was hooked. So hooked, that I started making rugged urban bike lights.

We started Fortified Bike to make biking a safer and more convenient joy for everybody in an urban environment and hope that by sharing our stories, we could encourage you to share yours.

So what’s your story? Why do you ride and what has it taught you?

Leave a comment or email us at whyIbike@fortifiedbike.com and we’ll interview you for our blog.

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