I made a spur of the moment request to snap a photo of Rev. Dr. Anne Simmonds as I was taking photos of the indirect left sign at Sherbourne and Bloor. She said yes, she gave me her card, and I emailed her the photo and some questions. Here's the Q & A:
How long have you biked in Toronto?
Since 1979 when I returned from being out of the city for 7 yrs. It is my main form of transportation in the city, even in the winter when the streets are dry.
What is your usual route?
Several routes downtown - gerrard and bloor are the main streets but I use side streets when I can.
What is your favourite bike route?
For pleasure in the valley.
What has improved, if any, for your cycling route?
Not enough.
What is #1 on your list of improvements?
Separated bike lanes - in the mean time making it hugely illegal with a big fine if someone blocks the bike lane - including police - they seem to have no awareness of forcing people into traffic.
Is there hope for better cycling and a healthier Toronto? What's the best way we can get it?
I see hope in that there are so many more cyclists so we have to be taken more seriously - when I 'm in a line of cyclists on a busy street, I feel a little safer. Yes, we need to pressure city counsellors to make it more accessible and safe.
You did not ask what makes me crazy about riding in TO - Bloor street - when I go along there and do often - after years of being torn up - a perfect opportunity to include designated bike lanes and we did not even get a solid white line to separate us from the traffic. in some parts it would have been so simple to have separate lanes.
