Preferred mode of transport
Twelve years, countless kilometres, and one book later, Bram looks back on his life-changing project. “When I started, around the age of sixteen or so, I had a love of cycling and was excited to expand my horizons and discover new places. Bram fietst [Bram cycles, Ed.] quickly became my nickname and not long after, part of my identity. As a teenager, this leaves quite an impression, but it suited me well. The environment and activism were important in my family. We didn't have a car, which meant the bike became my preferred mode of transport.”
Praxis and poiesis: a double-edged sword
And so Bram began pedalling his way across the country. Quitting was never an option. Even in desolate and depressing north-eastern Groningen, Bram cycled on relentlessly. In fact, this landscape may have inspired him to let his thoughts flow freely. As a student of philosophy and the Classics, Aristotle cycled alongside him in his mind. “In his Ethics, Aristotle defines two forms of knowledge that reflect my journey perfectly: poiesis (making) and praxis (doing). With poiesis, the action is carried out with a specific goal in mind. With praxis, the action is done for its own sake. These two forms of human action perfectly align with my own project. On the one hand, I collected photos of town signs and used them to raise money for charity (external goal or praxis). On the other hand, I cycled purely for the sake of cycling (internal purpose or poiesis). These two elements were like a beautiful double-edged sword and were present throughout the entire experience.”
Meaningful journey
Aristotle wasn’t the only philosopher who accompanied Bram on his journey: French existentialist philosopher Albert Camus also regularly popped into his mind. “In short, he says there is no inherent meaning in reality; you have to create it yourself. And that’s how I felt during my cycling project. In a society where so much is uncertain, this journey gave meaning to my life in that moment. That’s something I still think about today. Most recently on a casual cycling trip across the Waal bridge. The fact that I was cycling there added meaning and colour to the moment.”
Wind turbines: a painful reality
In addition to philosophical considerations, Bram was also confronted with the modern polder landscape dotted with wind turbines. Although it did help him understand why people wouldn’t want them in their backyard. “How do you design a landscape? That's an uncomfortable and interesting juxtaposition to think about.” Bram quotes former Chief Government Architect Floris Alkemade, who wrote the book De Toekomst Van Nederland (’The Future of the Netherlands’). “He says the Netherlands cannot escape change and that this change can produce incredible landscapes; extensive landscapes with room for rivers and also room for wind turbines. We should acknowledge the sometimes painful reality of that landscape without painting a dystopian picture of it. We should integrate things and learn to love them. This is an interesting topic and certainly something I’m more aware of now,” says Bram.
Cycling trips in Nijmegen
When asked if he has cycling tips in and around Nijmegen, Bram doesn’t hesitate. His immediate and enthusiastic answer: “The Ooijpolder holds a very special place in my heart, with its beautiful dykes and river. So that’s definitely number one. For those who love a good challenge, the hills near Berg en Dal with the Oude Holleweg and the beautiful view of Persingen and - yes indeed - The Ooijpolder is a great spot. I also love the Hatertste and Overasseltse Vennen, especially when the heather is in bloom. It would be a real shame if students never visited it during their time in Nijmegen. Now at least they know about it!”
This article is a translation of a piece written by Pleuni van Keulen for Radboud Recharge. Photo via pxhere
