Ok, the headline of this post is a little misleading. I have plenty of complaints about cycling in Toronto. And, if you read BlogTO, you know that there's a list and growing discussion of even more gripes going on there.
But... and this is a big BUT... nothing outweighs the benefits of cycling in Toronto...
We have trails through ravines!
We have a growing bike lane network!
We're busting cops for parking in bike lanes!
We have a cyclists union!
We look damn good on our bikes!
We have more than 70 bike shops in Toronto!
However, I do have one big complaint... and boy-oh-boy is it a doosie!
There are simply not enough cyclists in Toronto.
That's it, that's my complaint.
Some days it's just so lonely. I know there are thousands upon thousands of cyclists around. But, I want to see more... don't you?
Join the discussion in the BikingToronto Forum
Photo via the BikingToronto Flickr Pool
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Congratulations!
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Sure, we're world-famous for our post and ring bike racks... but where else is there to park your bicycle in Toronto? Turns out, you've got plenty of options...There's the "Classic":
At BMO Field there are arches:
In Parkdale you get glasses:
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Driving the Lane: Toronto Prepares for Public Bicyclingby Emily TestaWhat do Jack Layton and David Byrne have in common? Sure, Layton’s Twitter account tells us he’ll be busking on the Danforth this Saturday, but at press time, the range of his musical talent remains untested. No, it’s a shared interest in the future of cycling that unites the current NDP leader and former Talking Head, who will participate in an October 24 panel discussion at the International Festival of Authors. Along with Toronto Cyclists Union executive director Yvonne Bambrick and urban designer Ken Greenberg, Layton and Byrne will discuss the potential of urban planning — specifically, bike lanes — to improve the political climate of cycling in Toronto and around the world.
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A short while ago I posted about how we dress when biking in Toronto.I think we're a pretty good looking bunch here in Toronto. Of course, when I tell people I'm a cyclist I can instantly see their eyes fog over as they picture me in full spandex.As we've seen from my post, you don't need to wear spandex to enjoy biking in Toronto. However, if you're looking for more inspiration, here's some clothing brands that could help you overcome "spandex anxiety" and bike in comfort and style:Bikes Without Borders: While not a clothing brand per se, Mountain Equipment Co-op carries some of their t-shirts and hoodies and they certainly have nothing to do with lycra:
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There are times when you feel absolutely alone on your bicycle. The cars keep streaming past you, closer and closer. The hill feels as thought it is never going to end. The rain starts to fall harder. The temperature goes from a slight chill to a bone-numbing deep-freeze.We all face struggles when biking in Toronto, or anywhere else for that matter.Yet, many of us, thousands upon thousands actually, continue to take our keys to locks, plant our feet firmly on our pedals and take to the streets. You'll see us in the rain. You'll see us during that first snowfall. You'll see us when it seems like everyone else on the road wants us gone.
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In the minds of many people there are just two categories of bicycles; road and mountain. A few know of a third category, the hybrids. And that's about it.The problem is that each of these categories present a barrier to visualizing bicycles in everyday use, and in fact they don't even address that bicycles can be and are used daily as a method of transportation.For example:Mountain bikes are seen as weekend use, off-road only, daredevil tools.And road bikes need to be accompanied by a matching spandex outfit, solid abs and massive quads.Fortunately, neither of these beliefs are true as there are dozens of styles of bicycles and any one of them could help you get where you're going, deliver your groceries and take the family to school in the morning.The Associated Press helps explain the newer trends in bicycle design and their use
Does your bike fit in to any of these categories? Share your ride in the BikingToronto Forum.
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From Duncan's City Ride:
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From Duncan's City Ride:
On an overcast Sunday morning I boarded a school bus at the Toronto Mountain Equipment Co-op to participate in the Tour de Greenbelt. Traveling along the 400 series highways in Ontario you're bound to pass at least on sign proclaiming entrance in to the Greenbelt. Here's a handy map to show you where this Greenbelt is:
Read the rest of this blog entry here.
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