Flowerbike Rides In Phoenixville For Domestic Violence Awareness Month

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Pedals with Petals, a bicycle adorned in purple blooms and ribbons, rode into Phoenixville Saturday to share a message: love does not harm.

The flower-covered bike arrived during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month to support survivors of domestic violence.

“Purple ribbons show support and are a symbol of hope for survivors,” said Dolly Wideman-Scott, CEO of the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County. “Our center is here to reduce, remedy and prevent this crime in our county.”

The bike’s flowers call to mind the game, “Loves me, loves me not”—pulling off daisy petals to determine a sweetheart’s true nature.

“Pedals with Petals travels to sites in Chester County with an overall message about love and care for the community,” said Carol Metzker, creator of the flowerbike that changes flowers and colors to match a cause.

The tradition began in France in the 1800s.

“This month, the flower bicycle lets people know what love is not: violent, psychologically abusive, isolating, possessive or demeaning,” Metzker said. “It spreads the word that if a relationship is causing pain, there is help.”

A useful way of determining love is by recognizing behaviors, as noted on a list developed by Soroptimist International of the Americas, an organization for women based in the United Kingdom to encourage empowerment.

Loves Me is a message that makes a woman feel safe and comfortable, listens to her, values her opinions, makes her laugh, respects and trusts me.

Loves Me Not: is a message that makes a woman feel afraid, and is jealous, tries to control, loses temper, makes her cry, hits her, takes her money and things.

For more information, call the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County’s 24-hour free hotline: 610-431-1430. Call or text (in Chester County) 911 if you are in immediate danger.