Earlier this month, Imagine Cinemas in Toronto hosted a screening of Changing Gears, a short documentary that examines how bicycles can be used to promote social equity. Co-directed by York University Faculty of Health Professor Lyndsay Hayhurst and filmmaker Keiron Cobban, the film highlights grassroots efforts in Canada, Nicaragua and Uganda to address transportation inequalities.
It is part of a research initiative funded by the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada, which began in 2016. This project investigates how bicycles can dismantle barriers related to gender inequality, education and health-care access. “We are sharing and stringing together a global story that is fundamentally glued together by the right to move freely and safely,” said Hayhurst at the Nov. 14 event.
Changing Gears features organizations such as Charlie’s FreeWheels in Toronto, which empowers youth through bicycle mechanics training and safe riding skills. In Uganda and Nicaragua, bicycles serve as tools for challenging gender norms and promoting collective action. The film encourages viewers to consider the role of cycling in creating more equitable societies.
The documentary aligns with the broader Bicycles for Development movement, which includes non-governmental organizations, corporations, governments and communities promoting bicycles as tools for achieving mobility justice. This movement emphasizes leveraging bicycles to address social issues such as gender-based violence, access to education and economic opportunities.
A panel discussion followed the screening, moderated by Mike Layton, York University’s chief sustainability officer. Speakers included Alejandro Zamora, an associate professor of Hispanic studies at Glendon College, who spoke about shared vulnerabilities highlighted in the film; and Najia Zewari, founder of Toronto’s Women’s Cycling Network, who emphasized the need for safer cycling infrastructure. Youth participants from Charlie’s FreeWheels shared their experiences with the Build-A-Bike Program, which combines education with practical skills.
Participant Dayna expressed her newfound confidence after building her own bicycle: “I never thought I could build a bike from scratch. Now, I not only have a bike, but also the skills to take care of it myself.”
While Changing Gears advocates for improved cycling infrastructure and policies that support non-motorized transport, some critics argue that broader systemic issues must also be addressed to maximize impact.
Proceeds from the public screening supported Charlie’s FreeWheels, furthering their mission to empower young cyclists. Adam Hasham, co-chair of Charlie’s FreeWheels, who attended the event, highlighted the importance of investing in social infrastructure: “Organizations like Charlie’s provide safe spaces for youth who are often overlooked by mainstream groups, giving them the tools and confidence to navigate their city and exert agency.”