A Small Ride, A Big Shift

"Hi, my name is Stefano," it began. "I would like to know if you have accessories to transport my 9-kilo Jack Russell either forward or backward."

At first glance, it was a practical question. But something about the way it was asked made me pause. A calm tone, an openness. I replied honestly: we didn’t sell animal transport gear — but I’d look into it. We don’t like to say no without trying.

A few messages later, Stefano added a quiet but important detail: he had a genetic disease that wouldn’t improve. He was starting to have trouble walking more than ten minutes.

And just like that, the question changed. It wasn’t just about a bag anymore. It was about autonomy. About continuing to live a rhythm that mattered. About still being able to walk the dog.

We had one bag that might work. It wasn’t designed for animals, but it was sturdy, stable, and clipped securely onto a Brompton front block. I offered to send it — no charge, no commitment. Just try it. See if it fits. Sometimes, that’s enough.

It’s worth mentioning: at the time Stefano contacted us, we didn’t yet offer any dog or cat transport bags. That came later. His question helped push us in that direction.

Stefano’s dog, Stark, turned out to be a perfect co-pilot. A calm Jack Russell, neatly seated in the front basket, looking around like he’d done it all his life.

The first photo arrived from his living room. Stark steady in the bag, curious but completely at ease. A few days later, another photo followed — this time from the park. Stark in the basket, the Brompton unfolded, and Stefano’s walking stick tucked neatly along the side. That little detail said everything.

He has Kennedy Disease — a rare neuromuscular condition. It weakens muscles gradually. There’s no cure. Just adjustment. He wasn’t looking for pity. Just a way to keep going to the park. Let his dog enjoy the air. Keep a part of his day that he hadn’t been able to manage on foot.

"You helped me regain a bit of autonomy that I had lost," he wrote.

That stayed with me.

Eventually, Stefano got his own Brompton — a secondhand C Line 6-speed from a friend. When Rome was too crowded for rides — the Pope’s funeral and the conclave filled the streets — he stayed local. Just the park near home. That was already a win.

The photos he sent were quiet and full of life: Stark in the basket, bright shoes on the pedals, sunlight through the trees. He even shared a video — just a short clip of them rolling through the park together. Not dramatic, not fast — just real.

I had originally asked if I could share a photo of just his dog in the basket — not him. But Stefano went further. He encouraged us to share the whole story, as it might help others in a similar situation.

He later visited a Brompton dealer. Got welcomed like family. Was invited to join the community. "I’m seriously starting to think the world of Brompton is a philosophy of life," he wrote.

That line stayed with me too. Because it’s true. People ride these bikes not only because they fold — but because they open up possibilities. Especially when your energy is limited, or the city is too fast, or your dog still wants to go out when your legs say no.

I didn’t ask Stefano to share his story. He offered. "Use it wherever you want — maybe it helps someone."

So here it is. A man. A dog. A folding bike. A bag.

And a quiet reminder of what we’re really building here: not just accessories, but access.

Thank you, Stefano.

And thank you, Stark — our calmest, most reliable 9-kilo tester to date.

JP (Founder - Owner Bromptonic)