Plot

Follow six individuals from diverse backgrounds who have devoted themselves to a simple, machine - the bicycle. Through their struggles, witness how bicycles have the potential to transform lives and contribute to a better world.

The Engine Inside tells the stories of six everyday people from all over the globe who reveal the unique power of the bicycle to change lives and build a better world. Through their stories, the film uncovers the often-overlooked potential of this 200-year-old machine, exploring its impact on a wide range of global issues such as physical and mental health, socioeconomic inequality and climate change. By shining a light on people who have embraced cycling as a way to overcome daunting personal and systemic challenges, The Engine Inside ultimately asks viewers to reconsider their own perspective. Is there a transformative power within us all that can be unlocked through the simple act of riding a bike?

The Engine Inside tells the stories of six everyday people from all over the globe who reveal the unique power of the bicycle to change lives and build a better world. Narrated by the "voice of cycling" Phil Liggett, The Engine Inside uncovers the often-overlooked potential of this 200-year-old machine through the stories of people who are embracing cycling to overcome daunting personal and systemic challenges...

Indigenous rider Jay Bearhead lives, works and recreates on the lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc territory, in the unceded ancestral lands of the Secwépemc Nation. Bouncing between foster care, residential school, addiction and homelessness, eventually, Jay returned to the only tool that he knew could save him: the bicycle.

Megan Hottman, The Cyclist Lawyer, is a powerhouse in and outside of the courthouse. A former professional road and track cyclist, Megan has now represented over 200 cyclist cases. A film believer in the ability of bicycles to build a better, more equitable, more livable future for all, she continues to fight for everyone's right to cycle.

Cairo-born and raised, Nouran Salah is breaking a deeply embedded social taboo and empowering women to ride bikes in Egpyt. Her non-profit Cycling Ghekos hold regular meet-ups and community ride-outs, as well as aiding underprivileged neighbourhoods in the city, all with the help of the bicycle

Darnell Williams, better known as RRDBlocks, is an infamous rider based in New York City. Inspired by Rough Ryderz videos, his street riding led him to start Bike Life in NYC: a movement that sees hundreds of cyclists take to the streets, block traffic, and generally have fun riding bikes-everyone is welcome, whatever bike they ride.

Growing up in Yonso, Ghana, with only an exercise book and a single pen, Kwabena Danso went on to found Booomers Bikes. His factory has since produced over 3,000 bamboo bike frames and provided an income for over 270 local people, as well as funded a school in his childhood village.

Janice Tower began competitive cycling when many would be thinking about retiring. With a focus on testing herself in the great outdoors through completing the Iditarod Trail Invitation in winter Alaska, Janice shows us what we can achieve when we put our minds to it.

Ultimately, The Engine Inside asks us to reconsider our perspective. Is there a transformative power within us all that can be unlocked through the simple act of riding a bike?