The second hearty pillar is BICYCLING!!!!! I love cycling, have been practicing since I was little, and have been witnessing its growing popularity in the city of Toronto. I sometimes feel that Toronto underrates just how much of a cycling city it is. From the drama of Igor and bicycle theft, to the politics of bicycle lanes and our refusal to teach safe cycling in schools, there is a lot of tension, are lots of accidents, and lots of misunderstanding on the part of cyclists and drivers alike (and out-to-lunch pedestrians who can't really be blamed since they are not operating a vehicle).
And yet, I still see bikes EVERYWHERE in this city. There are SO many bicycles. Lots of abandoned bikes and junkers indeed, but also some of the most beautiful bikes. I love bicycle watching. Amid all the negativity, people are still riding, avidly, and the sensation I get as I see convoys of cyclists breezing down the bike lanes on college street is freedom (even if half of them aren't wearing helmets). They all look so free.
On this note, I would like to introduce some tips to enable fellow cyclists who would like to maintain this freedom.
TIP #1!!!!!!
BE SEEN AND BE HEARD
Get a bell. If it looks like someone who is stepping off the sidewalk or exiting a car doesn't see you, they probably don't. Let them know you are here. Ring your bell. Get a bell.
If you ride at night get lights!!!! How are you supposed to share the road with other vehicles at night if they cannot see you? Bike lights are NOT a big investment, they are the law, and they will save your life. Go to Mountain Equipment Co-op and get a white front light and back red light. They are $3.75 each, they are long lasting (powered by LEDs), and when they run out you can even buy replacement batteries.
NOTE: make sure you attach your lights on the road side of you bike (i.e., if you place your front light on your front fork, make sure it goes on the left prong)
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