Today started out with the sad news that a TTC employee was killed on the job inside the subway tunnel. The whole story isn't in yet.

This led to the closure of the Yonge subway for a few stops. Interestingly, the city closed Yonge Street to car traffic south of Lawrence to keep it clear for the bus shuttles. I went to the intersection of Yonge and Lawrence to see what this would look like. I even had my camera with me, but I was surprised to see things in general order, and traffic not really backed up. I didn't bother taking a picture.

The shuttle buses were packed, and were leaving from York Mills. When I arrived there, I could see more evidence of the strange situation.

There was a steady flow of people and more than enough to fill the shuttle buses.

After passing York Mills, everything seemed to be relatively normal.

Then came the afternoon commute. After a powerful thunderstorm hit the Toronto area in the afternoon, so strong it reminded me of hurricanes I'd seen in Florida, power was out along parts of Highway 7 near Leslie. Even after power came back, the traffic signals were still out, which had the expected effect on traffic (car traffic, that is).

Highway 7 was absolutely jammed in both directions. As you can guess by the position I'm taking this picture from, I'm riding on the sidewalk. I don't ride on highway seven often, but when I do, I take the sidewalk. So, I can confirm that sidewalk traffic was flowing beautifully.

That wasn't even the end of this strange day. After arriving at Bayview, to head south, I saw more backed up traffic. I assumed it was because of lights again, but this time a hydro pole ("hydro" = "power" for any non-Canadians out there) was dislodged and dangling over the road.

The fire fighters blocked off the entire south bound Bayview Avenue. I don't understand why they didn't do one lane in each direction, but maybe they knew something I didn't. Fortunately, I managed to convince them that my friend and I would be fine riding down the left side of the southbound lanes, so they let us through.

After passing the danger zone, we moved to the right, and rode two abreast down Bayview Avenue! How often can that happen?! It was so nice riding down Bayview that after my friend turned off, I went past my usual turning point, and just continued south on Bayview all the way south of Steeles to Cummer Avenue.

I was one of the few people who were able to enjoy this whole situation. As I approached some people waiting for the bus, they waved at me to stop. I looked behind myself, and since I was the only person on the road, they were definitely waving at me. I slowed down to give them the low down. They were stranded.

The trip really was unique and enjoyable. Not only was traffic virtually non-existent, but it's so relaxing to ride on the relatively leveled out arterial roads. Amazing ride.

Also posted on bikerefugee

10. I need my car for work.
Many transportation tasks could be handled equally well if not better on a bike. Meet with your employer and see if your company might not benefit from a more environmentally-friendly image if you conducted your business by bike. Consider that many traditional tasks adapt well to cycling, whether it's police work, meter reading, postal delivery, and so on.

9. I'd have to get up much earlier if I rode my bicycle.
You'd be surprised! Because of traffic in urban areas, cycling generally takes less time than driving for distances of three miles or less, and about the same time for trips of three to five miles. But even if your commute is longer, 30 minutes of extra sleep won't be nearly as invigorating as an early morning ride. You'll arrive at work alert and refreshed. Likewise, your evening ride home should leave you more relaxed since you won't face the aggravation of sitting in rush hour traffic. And you won't have to rush off to an evening work-out to unwind. You'll already have accomplished that! Also, don't forget your savings of time, money (and the environment benefit) when you eliminate visits to the gas pump.

8. I'm out of shape.
If you leave yourself plenty of time and go at an easy pace, you'll find cycling no more difficult than walking. As you ride more, you'll ease your way into better shape, building fitness that is an integral part of your schedule. If you have health problems, consult your family doctor for suggestions on getting started.

7. I can't afford a special commuting bicycle.
You don't need one. Your old beater bike gathering dust in the garage will suffice if properly adjusted and maintained, and it's less attractive to thieves. If you have a recreational bicycle you can outfit it with a lightweight rack and bag or use a fanny pack to carry necessary commute items. With the fixed cost of operating an automobile at around 30 cents/mile, the money you would save commuting by bicycle on an average 10 mile round trip would buy you a $400 bicycle in six months time. (Not to mention the health benefits or the savings to the environment.)

6. I have to dress nice for work.
Some bicycle commuters simply ride in their business attire – they seem to command more respect from motorists. Most ride in casual or cycling clothes and change when they arrive. You can carry your change of clothes in a pack or in panniers on the bike or even transport them back and forth on days when you don't ride.

5. There's no secure place for my bike.
There is probably a storage room or closet where your bike can be secured behind a locked door. Maybe you can even take it to your office – what a status symbol! Or check and see if parking is available in nearby buildings or garages. Otherwise, fasten it to an immovable object with a U-bolt lock, preferably where you can see it.

4. I can't shower at work.
Depending on the weather, you may not need a shower if you ride at a leisurely pace. If you do, take a washcloth, soap, towel and deodorant and clean up at the restroom sink. Or look for a public facility or health club within walking distance of your workplace where you can shower. Then encourage your employer to install showers where you work.

3. What if it's rainy or cold?
Start as a fair weather bicycle commuter – when the forecast is bad, don't bike. Some people may conquer the elements and commute every day, but it doesn't mean you have to. If you only ride when the weather report is favorable, it will still make a dramatic improvement. The more you enjoy bicycle commuting, the more you'll look forward to your daily ride. You may eventually decide to invest in rainwear and cold weather gear so you can commute year-round!

2. I'd have to ride in the dark.
Wear light colored reflective clothing, use a good lighting system and choose a route that avoids major thoroughfares. There are a variety of bike mounted lights that can help you see and be seen.

1. It's not safe to ride in traffic.
The fear of riding in traffic is often much greater than the actual danger. Minimize risk by riding properly – visibly and predictably. In stop-and-go traffic, a fit cyclist can generally keep up with the traffic flow, so it's acceptable to maintain your place in the roadway. Hugging the curb invites danger as cars try to squeeze past you. To help prevent injury always wear a helmet. You can also reduce the risk of riding in traffic by using less-congested secondary roads. You may travel a few extra kms, but you'll be able to enjoy the ride, a worthwhile trade-off.

Source: Arthur Ross, Madison (WI) Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator 1997

A mock interview of Herb vanden Dool, by Herb vanden Dool.

We hope to make these cyclist profiles a major feature of this website!

  1. What do you use your bike for?

    I ride everywhere - to work and back; to get groceries or to hang out with friends. Only the coldest, most miserable days of winter stop me. I just bought a trailer so I can carry larger items on the back as well.

  2. How long have you cycled?

    I've been cycling since I was a kid on a farm in Alberta. I once biked the 20 kilometres to Lethbridge from our farm and figured it was a big undertaking. Now it seems easy, but perhaps it wasn't considering the regular hurricane force winds on the prairies.

  3. How often do your ride?

    I end up riding whenever I'm not working from home. It gets me out of my neighbourhood which is getting a bit dreary.

  4. Who inspired you to start bike commuting?

    I started commuting in Edmonton, but when I moved to Toronto I got involved with the Community Bicycle Network thanks to Ron Kuipers and Todd Parsons. They got me into cycling activism which eventually led to this website!

  5. Any advice for new riders?

    Start riding with experienced cyclists. Join a group and learn some new things. Try out the RideMatch feature of this site!

  6. What do you wish you could change about cycling in Toronto?

    I wish we had a less fractured cycling community that could be a strong voice for the city, pushing for funding that is proportional to our numbers!

  7. Have you inspired others to start bike commuting?

    I once got a non-cycling girlfriend to ride once on the Islands! Actually, I'm sure I've inspired lots of people through my old job as Cycling Ambassador.

  8. What's the favourite part of your bike commute?

    I like smooth fast roads so whenever that happens then I am happy.