Arne Gielen and Gertjan Hulster, Co-directors
By: Arjun Kumar, Northwestern Cause Marketing Team
Editor’s note: “When We Cycle” invites you into a visionary exploration of future urban landscapes where the humble bicycle is not just a means of transport, but a catalyst for profound societal change. The film, made by filmmakers Arne Gielen and Gertjan Hulster, embarks on a poetic yet pragmatic journey through imagined futures, assessing not only the technology and policies behind cycling, but also the deep human and emotional connections that give a simple ride its power.
A Journey of Vision and Emotional Truth
In When We Cycle, Arne Gielen and Gertjan Hulster take us into the great unknown—a future where bicycles reframe society’s relationship to speed, space, and community. The film is far more than a documentary. It’s an exploration of possibilities: What if our cities were redesigned with the cyclist at heart? Do fast, efficient rides win all the privileges, or is there room for a more inclusive, reflective scenario? With insights from various experts and everyday cyclists, the film challenges us to imagine urban futures that are sustainable, connective, and alive with possibility.
The Filmmakers' Craft: Merging Culture, Mobility, and Emotion
Arne Gielen and Gertjan Hulster are known for their thought-provoking documentaries that transcend traditional storytelling. Their work delves deep into the intersections of mobility, urban culture, and personal experience. With every film, they offer a compelling blend of urban research and a visceral, heartfelt narrative—proving that even something as understated as a bike ride can reshape our cities and our lives.
Their journey began with a simple but powerful question: “Why do we cycle?” In earlier films like Why We Cycle (2017)—which even earned an award for its insightful investigation—and Together We Cycle, they laid a robust foundation by exploring the historical and grassroots movements that have made cycling a cornerstone of Dutch culture. Now, with When We Cycle, they use that celebrated past as a springboard to look into the future, imagining how cycling could drive urban transformation worldwide.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Possibility
At its core, When We Cycle is fueled by a singular vision: to transform urban life through the seemingly small act of cycling. The filmmakers are not fixated solely on festival accolades—although their earlier work did win recognition—but are more passionately driven by the impact of inspiring communities. Their films capture the magic of everyday moments on two wheels, highlighting how even the simplest rides can spark big changes.
“A bike is something is nothing, but it is although it is something, and it's almost nothing.”
This paradoxical quote reveals the profound truth behind cycling. Despite its minimal physical footprint, the humble bike holds the capacity to transform urban environments, foster strong social bonds, and promote lasting, sustainable change.
More Than Filmmaking: A Personal and Political Movement
For the filmmakers, cycling is far more than a subject—it’s a way of life steeped in personal memory and collective resilience. They began their artistic journey out of sheer wonder at the way cycling naturally weaves communities together in the Netherlands. That initial spark has grown into a full-blown commitment to reimagine cities—challenging not just physical infrastructures but also the social fabric of our urban spaces.
Their inspiration is drawn from bold experiments in urban renewal. The film Changing Pagoda profoundly moved them by showing how once-troubled neighborhoods transformed into thriving, community-focused areas through determined leadership and innovative planning. This spirit of transformation pulses through every frame of When We Cycle, urging viewers to look inward, reflect on their own environments, and imagine what could be.
Envisioning the Future: Possibilities, Challenges, and a Call to Action
When We Cycle asks fundamental questions: How will our cities evolve when we prioritize accessibility and community above all else? How can forward-thinking policies and grassroots activism supercharge the cycling revolution? The filmmakers contend that the answers lie not only in designing better bike lanes, but also in rethinking our daily habits and the way we relate to public spaces.
For those hindered by infrastructure challenges or health concerns, the message is clear: Even small changes—be it advocating for better policies or taking a few laps on foot where cycling isn’t yet feasible—contribute to a larger, transformative movement. Every pedal stroke counts.
The Pulse Behind the Production: Music, Team, and Unyielding Passion
Every element of When We Cycle is carefully curated to resonate with its audience. Custom-composed music underscores the film’s powerful emotional landscape—mirroring its rhythm with uplifting, dynamic melodies that evoke both nostalgia and hope. The soundtrack is not an afterthought; it’s a vital voice in the narrative that amplifies the filmmakers’ passion and vision.
The production team behind the film is a close-knit group bound by shared values and an enduring belief in creative storytelling. With backgrounds spanning film, urban studies, and community advocacy, they are united by one goal: to use the medium of film to inspire global change. In their collaborative process, every conversation, every shared memory, and every insight fuels the energy that pulses through When We Cycle.
A Call to All: Join the Movement
Cycling, as depicted in this film, is an invitation to reimagine urban living from the inside out. It is a movement built on community, resilience, and everyday joy—a movement that calls on each of us to recognize that even the smallest shifts in our daily routines can have monumental implications.
As you watch the film, let yourself be moved by the stories, the music, and the raw energy captured by Gielen and Hulster. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or someone dreaming of a better future for your city, remember: it’s not just about the ride—it’s about changing the world, one pedal stroke at a time.
No matter where you are, every little pedal stroke counts. Embrace cycling—not merely as transportation, but as a profound movement for community, health, and sustainable progress. Let’s ride together toward a future where small changes ignite big transformations.
Join us for a special screening of When We Cycle on Saturday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Kehrein Center for the Arts and Park Ridge Community Church! Reserve your free tickets today—and don’t miss the family-friendly pre-event bike ride from a Westside location to Kehrein Center. https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/2025-films-a-z-1/2025/3/17/when-we-cycle