Cyclo Nord-Sud photography exhibit shows how bikes change lives

There’s nothing like two wheels in terms of empowering—or even changing—lives, something understood perhaps better than elsewhere in underprivileged, developing countries. That, at least in part, is why Cyclo Nord-Sud has made a mission out of that very real, very meaningful form of philanthropy, donating bikes collected from across Quebec to people in countries such as Haiti, Ghana and elsewhere.

Since 1999, the organization has donated approximately 56,000 bikes, delivered to 20 countries over 18 years of activity.

In glance at Cyclo Nord-Sud’s warehouse, the Montreal Gazette describes the humming, feverish pace of Cyclo Nord-Sud’s operations, not to mention the need of their donations abroad. But there’s another picture of Cyclo Nord-Sud’s globetrotting campaign of changing lives that has recently been put on display in Montreal, courtesy of Mikael Theimer, the French photographer chosen by the organization to capture its developmental impact.

Focusing on Cyclo Nord-Sud’s efforts in Haiti, Cuba, Togo and Ghana, Theimer’s portrayal of how the bikes have changed lives involves a blend of sound and vision. As the organization’s general manager Charlotte Gordier told the Gazette, “[Theimer’s] idea to blend photos with audio rather than simply use video is really what made the difference.” The photographer, previously responsible for a project called Portraits of Montreal, was moved by what he documented during the journey that followed.

Theimer recalled a 12-year-old boy whose long, rough walk to and from school each day had destroyed his shoes. Cyclo Nord-Sud’s bikes, though, changed that. “He was so grateful to receive a bike, and he hasn’t had any more shoe problems since,” Theimer told the Gazette. After a discussion about where they were both from, the boy, Alphonse, stunned Theimer with an understanding of the world and his own community that seemed to transcend his years. “The way he spoke about his country and how it was important for him to work for his people and better the situation of his parents, classmates and the community,” Theimer told the Gazette, “was way above his maturity level.”

Theimer’s exhibition in partnership with Cycle Nord-Sud is called Bike Stories, and it will be on display, free, at Photo Café in Montreal until May 18.