Comments on: Cycling in the city

By: Tee

Tee — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 13:52:08 +0000

We were visiting our daughter in Copenhagen back in May and the scenario with bikers was just the opposite. There they have the right of way. There are designated bike paths all over the city and pedestrians and cars had best stay clear or else they risk being run over by a biker. It was dangerous, but especially for those of us who are not used to it (the Copenhagen residents accept it). It’s very expensive to own a car there, so just about everyone walks, bikes or takes the transit. Oh—and if a pedestrian is blocking the path for a biker who is unable to efficiently ride through, then the pedestrian is liable to get a ticket. I found myself many times jumping out of the lane when my daughter reminded me what I was doing.

By: Jean Wan

Jean Wan — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 12:52:28 +0000

@CindyS – Oh lord, that sounds like a terrible fall. I’m glad you’re okay, and can definitely understand that putting you off city cycling for good. I biked partway to Hamilton this summer – took the GO train to Burlington then biked the rest of the way. It’s a really nice area.

By: CindyS

CindyS — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 02:07:33 +0000

Hubby and I were cycling something fierce about 8 years ago – but I was a maniac and would fall off about once a week. I also don’t trust others so I wouldn’t ride on the road (saw an accident where a cyclist was killed) and would ride on the sidewalks (which then pisses off pedestrians).

The last time I was on a bike we were riding along Lake Ontario from Burlington to Oakville (we used to ride 20 km at a time). We hit a stretch of construction and I was watching something else when my hubby stopped his bike – I ran into the back and went over the bars – landed on my face (helmet didn’t help). I remember a man from across the street came over to see if I was alright – Bob had a pack with him with clean socks and I had it over my upper lip. When I took it off the man backed up and said ‘uh, she needs to go to a hospital’.

I was having none of that and I called family to pick us up – there was a nurse next door and she put a strip of something over my lip. All I remember is everyone looking at me funny. When I got home and saw how my skin didn’t line up over my lip I took the steri-strip off to put a new one on and about fainted when I saw the gaping wound. The room definitely spun.

I have 2 scars on my face from then although they are not noticeable – but for me, I don’t feel safe riding and I would need to ride a trail to feel safe – and now I’m too lazy My treadmill is good now.

CindyS

By: Jean Wan

Jean Wan — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 17:01:41 +0000

LeeB.: I can’t believe that woman in the photo would be riding in heels.I grew up in Chicago, which is flat.I would ride all the time.And I especially liked riding along Lake Michigan as they have parks and bike paths that go on for miles and miles.But now I live in Seattle, which has lots of hills.I do not ride here at all.Too many crazy drivers (even though Seattle supposedly has nicer drivers than other places … hmm).

Yesterday I cycled in my one-hinch ankle boots, in semi-nice pants, and I definitely didn't enjoy the experience. Uncomfy.

By: Jean Wan

Jean Wan — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 16:57:23 +0000

maggie b.: When I cycle it is on slow suburban streets. I do not city cycle because I don’t trust myself not to make mistakes. And between car and bike, car always winds. .

My route to school is basically through residential streets, even though it takes longer. But I come out of it feeling much, much safer.

By: LeeB.

LeeB. — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 15:44:29 +0000

I can’t believe that woman in the photo would be riding in heels.

I grew up in Chicago, which is flat. I would ride all the time. And I especially liked riding along Lake Michigan as they have parks and bike paths that go on for miles and miles.

But now I live in Seattle, which has lots of hills. I do not ride here at all. Too many crazy drivers (even though Seattle supposedly has nicer drivers than other places … hmm).

By: maggie b.

maggie b. — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 13:24:41 +0000

When I cycle it is on slow suburban streets. I do not city cycle because I don’t trust myself not to make mistakes. And between car and bike, car always winds. .

By: Leigh

Leigh — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 12:47:24 +0000

I love cycling but I haven’t done it in years – in fact I don’t have a bike now. And the reasons you mention are why. I don’t want to worry about being clipped by a car. Plus my area is not bicycle friendly at all. I am about 2/10 of a mile off a main highway where people do about 60 miles an hour.