Bikey!

Personal Bits, Toronto, Travel

A horrid incident between a bike courier and the ex-Attorney General Monday evening which led to one man dead, the other disgraced. This whole story is sounding like two strong willed people, “colliding” as it were, by chance and as usual, the car “won” (if you can call a man dying in the streets a win).

I find it weird that comes within 24 hours of my decision to start biking to work. Don’t worry: I’m not riding on major streets; keeping my distance from cars, parked or otherwise; and wearing a helmet so chances are I’ll be ok if I keep my head up and eyes on the road.

When I say I’m biking to work it’s not entirely what it seems. Between home and office there is a massive ravine and a monster hill that would render me drenched in sweat if I were to attempt it. So I bike 2/3rds the way, about 30 min tops, to a secluded station and subway ride the rest of the way. The ride home is virtually all down hill so it’s not such a struggle to get home, post-work.

“Epic Fail,” I hear you shout.

At least I’m out there, I respond. I think 30 min of bike riding is a lot better than the 25 min walk to the subway every morning.

I’m still trying to find a good “stride” to the whole commuting thing – like strapping my helmet jauntily to my hip when I ride the subway or how to juggle that bike seat with my Starbucks morning tea. Who knows? If I get energetic enough, I may wind up conquering that hill in the next month or two.

5 thoughts on “Bikey!

  1. photog2/RodTO

    I biked to work a couple of summers ago and it would take me the same time as taking transit, but after almost getting run over on the danforth a couple of times and coming to work all sweaty and gross I gave up on the idea. If my work had a shower I would do it more often.

  2. Dead Robot

    Sean :

    As for safety, I feel like cyclists who are irresponsible manage to get the most media attention and as a cyclist who stops at all stops signs and red lights…and who TRIES to not ride on the sidewalk unless absolutely necessary (ie, being pushed off the street by a car), I try to do my part to promote good bike riding etiquette and safety. I have, in all honesty, punched a car who pretended I was invisible, however.

    There is a stretch of road where I feel compelled to ride on the sidewalk for one block. It’s that or cross 4 lanes of Yonge Street traffic for just one regular block. I do feel guilty every time.

    Don :

    Fantastic. Way to go dude.

    I knew you’d approve. Soon I will be running along side of you in ironman competitions. While eating chips

    Cb :

    More power to you!! It’s exercise and a good commuting option. Though I’m not sure about the winter months…

    I like a good crisp bike ride – like this morning! Rain and snow will chase me back into the underground human sewers, though.

  3. Cb

    More power to you!! It’s exercise and a good commuting option. Though I’m not sure about the winter months…

  4. Sean

    Biking to work rules…I do it every day (or at least try to), but sometimes, the 7.5 km bike ride is too much. This morning was a struggle.
    As for safety, I feel like cyclists who are irresponsible manage to get the most media attention and as a cyclist who stops at all stops signs and red lights…and who TRIES to not ride on the sidewalk unless absolutely necessary (ie, being pushed off the street by a car), I try to do my part to promote good bike riding etiquette and safety. I have, in all honesty, punched a car who pretended I was invisible, however.

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