“It saved my life many times.”
Cancer, e-bikes, and meditation
This summer, Lisa Lambert turned 60, fought her way back from colon cancer, and became a cyclist. Like many adults, she’d owned bikes, but when she needed to get somewhere, she drove. At 49, she became seriously ill. She was treated for colon cancer, and as she puts it, bounced back pretty quickly. Eleven years later, the cancer returned. Complications in her second round of treatment led to seizures, which forced her to surrender her driver’s license. “After I had my surgery back in April, it was really difficult for me to regain some feel good in my body.”
At first she relied on her partner to drive her to appointments, but soon realized she needed more transportation choices, and more independence in her mobility. For her 60th birthday, her friends and family chipped in and bought her this speedy little electric Volt bike. “It saved my life many times,” she tells me. "When I was sick, it saved me from thinking I was never going to get better, or that’s it: I’ve hit 60 and I’m done.”
She recalls her dad losing his driving licence: he came to live with Lisa and her partner when he was terminally ill and no longer able to drive. "That was one of the bigger disappointments of his life. It said to him, my life is just about done.” Lisa has had a lot of time to consider this: Independent mobility is essential, and not just for older people. Her friend with a depth perception issue who cannot drive? She can ride a bike. People using medication, people carrying kids and groceries? Electric bikes are the way to go. "We all want to stay as healthy as we can, and as youthful as possible, but you know, when you’re popping around a corner and suddenly there’s a hill right in front of you, you’d be happy to have this.” When her friends hear about her new e-bike, they ask if she’ll ride it over so they can try it.
So how did Lisa choose this e-bike? Following the advice of a friend — who owns 2 e-bikes — Lisa chose this one, and spent about $1500 after tax. She likes that the Volt is small and BMX-y — perfect for city riding — and folds. And yet, it is sturdy and can carry so much that she’s going to give away her Honda scooter. It has fenders, lights, and the battery is inside the body so it is protected from the rain - and not easily stolen! She can ride it like a regular bike, shifting gears without power, or turn the battery on. She can use the throttle, which delivers more power, or just pedal assist, which is a little boost to help get her going. She is thrilled to report that she’s reached 35km/h!
Do you get exercise on an e-bike? “Absolutely," Lisa says. She doesn’t always use the motor, and she can feel her legs working either way. She is now happily cancer free, but lost a lot of weight and muscle mass during chemotherapy. Riding her e-bike is helping rebuild that strength.
What’s it like to ride an e-bike in traffic? Lisa enjoys using Vancouver's bike routes - especially the quieter ones south of 33rd Avenue. She does frequent shoulder checks: "I’m way more alert on a bike than I ever was driving." On the whole, she feels safe and confident. “Now that I know how easy this is, I’d make the extra effort. Every day is a gift.” What about the winter? She’s not sure she’ll be a rainy day rider, but is still committed to getting around on her on steam: "Transit is great, and I have really good sneakers. I plan on walking.”
Riding a bike, managing pain Whether she’s walking or riding, physical activity helps Lisa with focus and mindfulness; the self care that is essential for her recovery. On her e-bike, she’s focused and moving; literally riding away from her discomfort. It isn’t a distraction — hello Netflix — but a pleasurable and self-paced therapy; her riding meditation.
"And that is helping me: it makes me feel better and it makes me hopeful.”
