I recently got a GoPro Hero2 camera with a head strap mount up and running, and have started documenting my bike journeys. More than just contributing fodder to “blame and shame”, what I want to do is start a dialogue. I want to share my tips, and my experiences living carless with a family. I also want to get tips back from cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians alike, about what we can do to improve the safety of our streets in different urban and suburban situations. With that in mind, I’m starting a YouTube channel where I’ll start posting some of…
In November of 2012, I purchased a Babboe City Cargo Bike from Curbside Cycle, at their incredible “Black Saturday” price. We (my family and I) were now 7 months into our car-free lifestyle, and decided to get ourselves an early Christmas present. This post is a recount of picking up the bicycle, taking it home, and thoughts on things I observed along the way. Curbside Cycle There are many quality bike shops in Toronto: MEC and Urbane Cyclist to name a few. These shops have a variety of bikes to choose from to suit your needs. Curbside however, seems to…
I’m writing a longer than expected blog post on my 3-hour trip riding my cargo bike home to Brampton from Bloor and Spadina. In the process of doing that, another topic came up: Tips for sharing the road with other vehicles on the road. SIGNAL: Drivers appreciate a fair warning. Stick your arms out before you have to, or as soon as you can, to show your intentions on the road. IF YOU SUDDENLY FIND YOUR LANE IS BLOCKED, STOP: If you don’t have time to follow step 1 to change lanes to move, stop your bike at the blockage.…
I recently had an awkward experience while dropping off my electronic and hazardous waste at the Brampton Recycling Centre, so much so that I wanted to share to get your opinions on it. I approached the ramp to sort out my electronic waste, when a sign caught my eye that said that no bicycles or pedestrians are allowed up the ramp. Problem: I rode my bike to drop off my waste. Fortunately, there was an understanding staff member who agreed to take my waste and sort it for me. But this was clearly an unusual situation for us both. While…
I’ve been car-less and have shared my thoughts on the topic of cycling on various sites for a few months now. I figure it’s time I start writing more in-depth thoughts on the matter on my site. In the meantime, my question to cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike: What are your biggest grievances about sharing the roads? Let’s talk about it on Twitter or in the comments below. Thanks!