Cycling makes commuting a ‘high point’
We are asking Star readers to share their thoughts about transit in the GTA — every person’s commute experience is unique. Tell us yours by using the form at thestar.com/gta.
“Commuting by bike really allows you to connect with Toronto in ways that cars and public transit simply don’t, any day of the year, in any weather. It’s a great way to kick-start your day that’s also great for the environment.” — Phil Oliva How often do you travel from home to work?
Daily
How long is your average commute?
0:45:00 What mode (s) of transportation do you use?
GO Train, walking, bicycle, other
Where do you live?
Toronto
Where do you work?
Toronto Rate your morning commute (out of 5):
5 Rate your afternoon/ evening commute (out of 5):
5
What is the best part of your trip?
All of it. I bike all year round in all weather. My commute used to be 10 kilometres but it recently changed to 5 km.
Because cycling is an integral part of my fitness regimen, I almost always extend my commute to work to 15 km (total for the day is 20 km). On average, in winter, I will do less. I started biking to work because the TTC got too unreliable and unpleasant. It helps that 99 per cent of Toronto drivers are accommodating, south of Lawrence Ave. anyway.
Seriously, moving from a car and TTC to a bike for commuting has made my commute a high point of my day, not a low point. What are the worst “pinch points” of your trip?
I don’t really have any traffic issues or bottlenecks. If it were really bad somewhere, I’d just walk my bike.
Other significant issues include:
á Aggressive or inattentive users of the road
á Weather (being prepared is key) á Lack of cycling infrastructure
What would make your trip better?
1 - A stronger cycling infrastructure (lanes, bike racks)
2 - Drivers who accept that all users of the road are equally entitled to use that road 3 - More police enforcement 4 - Laws that protect cyclists more 5 - Cleaner air