Metrolinx President & CEO Bruce McCuaig on Bike to Work Day

Do you regularly bike to the GO station to catch your train to work?

I made sure to cycle for Bike to Work Day, but I usually walk to the station.

Bruce McCuaig arrives at Clarkson GO Station on Bike to Work Day

What are the key benefits you gain from your trip to the station?

Sometimes it’s the only exercise I get on weekdays, and it’s a great way to unwind. It also feels good to know that I have contributed to cleaner air by leaving my car in the garage.

The entire GO bus fleet is equipped with bike racks (accommodating two bikes each). Was this done in anticipation of or in response to customer demand?

We realize that our customers represent all walks of life, and we want to encourage alternative modes of transportation that extend the GO experience (for trips to and from the station). Cycling is something that appeals to a wide range of people, and it makes good sense to offer the means by which people can easily combine cycling and transit into their lifestyle. We want to give people opportunity to connect cycling and transit – what better way than to give them easy access to a way to transport their bikes?

What advice do you have for anyone biking to work or to the GO station?

Be prepared for the weather conditions! Also, if it’s your first time, I suggest doing a trial run beforehand, so that you fine-tune the route, know exactly where the bike racks are and know the time you’ll require. You don’t want to miss the train!

Smart Commute program supports Bike to Work Day

Metrolinx program encourages commuters to use alternative transportation options

TORONTO, May 25 /CNW/ – Metrolinx, through its program Smart Commute, is supporting alternative forms of commuting by encouraging people to participate in the fifth annual Bike to Work Day on Monday, May 30, 2011.

“Through Smart Commute’s Bike to Work Day, Metrolinx helps to raise awareness about alternative commuting options,” said Metrolinx President and CEO, Bruce McCuaig. “The Smart Commute program allows us to work with businesses, local municipalities and employees across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) to help them make commuting more enjoyable by encouraging healthier alternatives like cycling.”

Participating Smart Commute offices include: Central York, Durham, Hamilton, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, North Toronto, Vaughan and Toronto-Central.

Each participating office will host major events on Bike to Work Day that are targeted at getting people out of their cars and using alternative transportation options – on this day, their bicycles. When Smart Commute provides the support system to help businesses participate, both the employers and employees can save time, money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Smart Commute is a program of Metrolinx and the municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). To date, 177 employers with more than 430,000 employees have signed on to the Smart Commute program. For more information, go to www.smartcommute.ca.

Passengers using GO trains or buses can also use their bikes. Many stations have facilities for locking up bikes. And the entire GO bus fleet, including highway and double decker buses, is equipped with bike racks that can carry up to two bikes.

Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario, provides leadership in the coordination, financing and integration of all modes of transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). A seamless, integrated regional transit network with a focus on public transit means people and businesses will be able to move more easily across the GTHA, making cities more liveable and the economy stronger, while protecting the environment. For more information, go to www.metrolinx.com.

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For further information: Malon Edwards, Metrolinx, Media Relations, 416-874-5945