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Channeling your inner cyclist PDF Print E-mail
Written by AMY THAI   
Tuesday, 08 June 2010 11:43

Strength in numbers leads to better biking

Three years ago, when I moved from Vancouver to Calgary, the cyclist in me died a little. I had been spoiled by Vancouver’s extensive cycling network, so adjusting to biking in Calgary was a challenge.

As a cyclist, I felt unwelcome in Calgary. Drivers were confused when they saw me on the street.  Some would stop for me even when they had the right of way, prompting honks from the drivers behind them. Bike racks were hard to come by and I’d often resort to locking my bike to a signpost. And I was perplexed with how the only modifications on some bike routes were small blue and white bike signs placed at the side of the road, while the road itself was still quite unaccommodating to cyclists. I became discouraged and found myself walking or taking transit to run errands, while in Vancouver I was cycling at least six days a week.

 

Thai_bike_rack
Photo: Sean-Paul Boynton/Calgary Journal
However, as I became more acquainted with Calgary, I learned that a community of cyclists did exist in this car-centric city. Each time I met another cyclist, I felt an instant connection because of our passion for our two-wheeled steeds. There is no doubt that cyclists certainly love their bikes, which is evident in regular events to celebrate cycling, such as the annual Bike to Work Day and Commuter Challenge, and the monthly Critical Mass rides. Being surrounded by passionate cyclists and opportunities that encouraged cycling thankfully rekindled my love affair with bikes that had nearly been extinguished, and my inner cyclist was thrilled to be back in the saddle.

My experience is just one example of the importance of promoting cycling through high profile events. Drivers already dominate the roads so they don’t need a Drive to Work Day to encourage them to do so. They’ll drive come hell or high water (or snow). However, cyclists are a more finicky bunch. Even though the environmental and health benefits of cycling are plentiful, biking to school or work requires more effort and planning, which could deter beginner bike commuters. Showing beginner cyclists that a circle of like-minded individuals supports them could be the extra nudge that they need to adopt cycling as their preferred mode of transportation.

Furthermore, these events are a great way to provide resources to novice cyclists. I have been on the organizing side of several bike-themed events, and all my hard work is worth it when someone approaches us to snag a new bike map and, clutching it to their heart, vows to start biking to school.

Expanding the cycling community also benefits current cyclists. Studies have shown that the more cyclists there are, the safer it is, because motorists’ behavior changes when they see more cyclists on the streets. Increased numbers of cyclists can also send a message to the city that we’re here, there are lots of us, and we need improved facilities. In turn, better cycling infrastructure can encourage amateur cyclists, increasing the number of cyclists, which can create the need for more bike routes, and the cycle (no pun intended) continues.

So, what starts as a small gathering of bike lovers can grow into a force to be reckoned with.  Soon, no cyclist will ever feel unwelcome, cars will be the minority, and we’ll have more bike lanes than car lanes!

Okay, so maybe my imagination is getting a bit carried away, but I do believe that as cyclists grow in number, and as cycling gains a reputation as a viable mode of transportation, cities will become more bike-friendly. We just need to work on making our numbers grow, and ensuring that everyone’s inner cyclist will have a chance to shine and a chance to ride.


Amy Thai works with Parking & Transportation Services at Mount Royal University, and was the organizer of last month’s Bike to Campus Day.
 
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