To bike, or not to bike: that is NOT a question.

The story behind my mashup bicycle quote

This is a mashed-up bicycle quote that I created based on my favorite Shakespearean play, Hamlet. It was originally part of a bicycle quotation quiz that I made. Since then, it has gone viral and spread across the internet, spawning thousands of variations. It has been included as one of the greatest quotes in more than one collection. I feel guilty about that. I was inadvertently spreading misinformation. Well, I was ahead of my time in that department. Haha. 

Below, you can see an image search that I did on Google for “To bike, or not to bike: that is NOT a question.” I was genuinely shocked to see all these variations — mugs, T-shirts, posters, postcards, you name it — for sale. You can also see variations of the quote people used to feed the social media machine and promote their businesses. Crazy! But I must admit the graphic designer in me is proud to have inspired so many artists. Some of these designs are quite good. I also worked in advertising, so I appreciate the need for creative fodder. If only I had a nickel for every…

I wish I could go back in time and start a small business selling “To bike, or not to bike” and other bicycle quotes on merchandise like T-shirts and coffee mugs. Maybe I still should.

As for the “To bike, or not to bike” quote itself…

The phrase “To bike, or not to bike: that is NOT a question” is a playful twist on the famous line from Hamlet, “To be, or not to be: that is the question.” This soliloquy is a philosophical reflection on life, death, and existence. The modified quote about biking, however, is lighthearted and makes a strong statement that biking is not a matter of debate—it’s something you should just do! It promotes cycling as a healthy, eco-friendly, and fun mode of transportation. The phrase reflects a mindset where choosing to bike is seen as obvious or non-negotiable, emphasizing its benefits over alternatives like driving.

Well, that’s what the quote means now. When I created it, I didn’t think much of it. Whereas, there are other projects that I worked on for years and never gained any traction. It’s an interesting irony. I realize now that art is more a product of the culture it lives in. The artist merely plants a seed; It’s the audience that waters it.

I include this quote in my atta-boy file, as in, “That a boy! Way to go, Scott.” This is where I keep memories of some of my greatest accomplishments, even if, as in this case, they are accidental. I often — probably every day — forget that what I do makes a difference in the world. I need the reminder. 

But it is bittersweet since I have never gotten credit or compensation. That’s okay. If I had to choose between fame, fortune or making a difference in the world, I would choose the latter every time.