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.

Disponible en français

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

My story: How to choose a bike for commuting

This is the first in a series of posts leading up to Bike to Work Day – Monday, May 30, 2011

Last spring I decided it was time to retire my old bicycle, Mabel. She wasn’t pretty, but she was mine and she got me around and I loved her. I loved her sleek 70s retro-styling. I loved that she was just the right size for me. And I loved the little reflectors tucked into the end of her handle bars.

What I didn’t love was not being able to stop in the rain (combo of steel rims and old-style brakes), tearing my pants on pedal shafts, and three, out of five, working gears – no matter how many bike mechanics “fixed” her up.

After a particularly arduous trip along the Welland Canal, which was mostly uphill and ALL in the pouring rain, not surprisingly, I decided it was time. I was sad to let Mabel go, but excited to start shopping for a new set of wheels.

What kind of bike did I need and what could I afford?

I needed a city bike:

• with carrying capacity (books, plants, lamps, pets, groceries, you name it, I’ve probably carried it on my bike);
• that I could ride (and stop) in the rain;
• I could carry up the stairs, if I needed to (steel-framed Mabel weighed in at about 70 lbs or 31 kg);
• with more than three gears;
• with a step-through frame because I ride wearing dresses and skirts.

Oh, and, I wanted it to be pretty. My first choice was a handmade Italian Abici – the loveliest of bicycles. But alas, they are works of art and beyond my budget.

Me and my bike

Once I started test riding bikes, I was a discouraged to discover that the bike of my dreams may not be available here. I found lots bikes with all the things I wanted (disc brakes, internal hub, 8+ gears, fenders, chain guard) but without a step-through frame. Frankly, it felt like there were many more options for sporty (or male) riders.

In the end, I did have to compromise. I traded an internal hub and disc brakes for built in cargo racks and a chain guard for 21 speeds. I chose the Haul by Globe (a line of urban bikes by Specialized) and spent roughly $900. This model also has larger diameter tires, which are good for Toronto’s rough streets.

This one doesn’t have a name, but she is lovely and a dream to ride. Even in the rain.

Things to think about when buying a bike:

• What kind of riding are you doing? There are different kinds of bikes for different kinds of riding. Road bikes are great if you want speed, city/hybrid bikes are great for everyday commuting and folding bikes are great for travelling. Choose a style that meets your needs. I chose a city bike because I ride to work and play most of the year.

• Test ride different styles – always go for a few rides before buying a bike. Most bike shops will allow you to test ride bikes. They should also be able to talk to you about fit and geometry. If your bike doesn’t fit and isn’t comfortable, you won’t want to ride it. I test rode some very nice bikes that just didn’t feel right.

• Think about budget. There are bikes out there for most budgets, but sometimes, you do get what you pay for. And, if you buy a great bike that you will ride, it could save you money in the long run. I spent $900, so if I keep my bike for 10 years, that works out to $90/year. Ten years is reasonable with proper care and maintenance.

• Accessories: get a good quality lock and make sure your new bike has front and rear lights and reflectors.

Rebekah McGurran, Program Coordinator, Smart Commute Services

Toronto