coffee

What should be on every bike lane

Here is a fast update about what is happening in the world of Sam James and the bike lane that runs in front of his shop. For those not in the know, Emma, barista extrdinare had a wee bit of a run in with a car driver that really needed a coffee and had to park in the bike lane to get it.

Emma had informed the lady that if she continued to park in the bike lane she might get a fine. The woman returned to the coffee shop and talked with Sam, the owner, and told him that Emma was rude and should be dismissed. Sam in turn dismissed the customer.

After the incident Sam told me that he was going to get a no parking sign to inform customers who insisted in parking in the bike lane that it was a big no-no. He told me that he was having a sign made.

Well true to his word a no parking sign appeared on the sidewalk. Sam also added that if drivers insisted on parking in the bike lane then he would have to stop serving them. Kudo's to you Sam, Emma and the rest of the staff at Sam James Coffee Shop.

Emma hard at work

Anyone who loves coffee knows about the Sam James Coffee shoppe on Harbord Street. The little Japanese cubicle that Joe Pantalone dismissed when it first opened is thriving. The line up out its door some mornings is a testament to a bustling business.

But, as anyone who rides a bike along the busy Harbord strip knows, there are usually a couple of cars waiting while the drivers quickly dart into to get take out. This creates a dangerous situation for cyclists.

Emma, super star barista who works most mornings decided to take it on herself to educate drivers who insisted on parking in front of the store. One morning while I was enjoying a cup of joe, a car pulled up and as usual the driver stopped while the passenger went in for coffee.

Emma informed the woman that parking in the bike lane was dangerous for cyclists and that they could even receive a $450.00 fine if the police rolled by. The customer was concerned and thanked her for the information.

A week later the driver of the same car went into the coffee shop and complained directly to Sam how horrible Emma was during that situation. She informed Sam that Emma had been rude and probably, though I am not sure, thought it best that she be dismissed for her behaviour.