Cycling downtown during rush hour feels like a hot knife through butter. As an added bonus you can stop anytime and anywhere to go shopping. green grocer on the Danforth were an amazing find for me when I started cycling home.
> you can stop anytime and anywhere to go shopping.
Why studies have shown that building biking infrastructure can increase spending in neighbourhoods.
Damn, and you probably haven't even tried an EUC (electric unicycle). Those guys you see standing and seemingly floating through air cutting through traffic like its nothing. Yea, it changed my life.
Totally agree! All those green grocers have some great stuff that I would never usually stop at if I was driving by, but on a bike it’s super easy.
Exercise and fresh fruit/veg in one trip. Pretty awesome.
trailers or panniers for larger volumes, but I tend to shop smaller volumes more frequently, and I have a wire basket (the kind that can collapse flat, but I've wired mine permanently open) on one side of my back pannier rack (so that in a pinch I can still hang a pannier off the other side for more capacity.) Leave the house with a backpack in the basket, go home with some groceries in my backpack on my back, and more in a grocery tote stuck in the basket.
I have these but they are discontinued
[https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5028-683/audax-roll-up-28l-pannier](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5028-683/audax-roll-up-28l-pannier)
Try Marsellis - Italian family run grocer for almost 60yrs. North side of Danforth just west of Donlands. They buy fresh from the main vegetable terminal everyday, butcher, deli and fresh breads. Delicious.
I have 3 that go to. one is cash only so depends on how much cash I have and what I need. I like the one by woodmount and Danforth. good fruits and has some nice Korean stuff that I don’t see in grocery stores.
Yeah so many on that stretch, Dragon City near monarch park is a good bet. Good thai/vietnamese and Korean options. Plank road market is small but also some good stuff
There are a bunch between broadview and coxwell. Masellis is a good store but not a green grocer and they’re more expensive.
Edit: someone said the same thing. But yeah, the dragon store is great. I like getting a bag of bell peppers for cheap that are about to go off and making roasted red peppers out of them.
It's days like yesterday that remind me why I love biking to work so much. It's faster than the TTC in a lot of cases and I love the way I feel after a good bike ride
Glad to see another convert. Hopefully as more people realize that cycling is an efficient form of transportation in DT, our biking infrastructure will improve to reflect the increasing demand.
Agreed - and shout out to Bike Share, the ability to bike on way and then not have to carry around a bike after work when you've got multiple stops or things to do before going home is truly fantastic.
It's a great deal I just don't like the bikes, they're so heavy! But happy they're an option and I've definitely taken them when the streetcar failed to come.
Yes! I ride my own bike 95% of the time, but I still have a Bike Share membership. It is so convenient. The other day I was going to pick up four huge sushi platters for a dinner party at our house. I took bike share to the restaurant, saving me a 15 minute walk, and then got the sushi and walked home. Or if you are going to meet someone who doesn't bike and going to walk somewhere with that person.
Thats awesome to hear! The narrative shouldn't be the war on cars. It should be about stories like this where its OK to own a car, its just also sometimes more convenient to bike. Getting choice riders to walk/bike/TTC for some of their commutes is the name of the game here. I will be the first to admit, that if I can help it, I will never take the TTC to beer league hockey that is 20km away. Its not fun for me, those around me on the streetcar/subway/bus, and at this point in time I am not willing to switch to a closer league. But a trip down to Ashbridges, while probably equal or slightly quicker by car, is more pleasant on bike (even with the pedestrian bridge at lakeshore near Corktown commons missing).
That all being said, outside of the MGT, Esplanade and mayyyyyyybe the Bloor bike lanes, there isn't much bike infrastructure that could cater to less experienced riders to help grow cycling culture.......for now. I've worked with the cycling and pedestrian unit at the city, bright people hampered by politics. I think the future is bright as Chow seems very supportive of Active transportation.
I would bike to more places but I would never let me bike out of my sight downtown. More secure and numerous bike parking is the next step on torontos journey
Definitely! Been cycling as a main mode of transport in Toronto for going on 15 years now. For all the (valid) complaints the infrastructure is night and day compared to when I started, and the time differential between transit or driving for my commute is significant. Pretty much only use transit when the weather is really bad, which isn't actually that often. You also feel much better arriving at the office compared to sitting in transit.
I use my own bike in the warmer months and switch to bikeshare for winter to avoid the undue wear from salt. It's a subscription that's totally worth it. Also useful for days when it's bad weather in the morning and clears up enough in the afternoon to just take a bikeshare home. Or biking to a bar and using another mode to get home!
Bikeshare is also so fantastic when you weren't really planning on biking but something changes your plans - the bus didn't show up, a stop-over took longer than expected, you underestimated how far something is, etc.
I try to keep one helmet at work and one at home, so that I always have the option to pick one up and go.
Yes, it's an amazing way to get around town. Some people just don't get it.
My neighbours (east end) complain about the bikes blocking their travels along King to work, they never seem to have reply when I ask - would you sooner have 8 more cars in front of you our 8 bikes passing beside you?
Thanks for this much needed push.
I used to ride to work 15 years ago, but quit because I didn't want to die.
I've watched as the city has become more bike-friendly, and each spring I feel the itch to get back on test horse.
If I get a bike, does Reddit have any advice. I know not to get anything too expensive, and get good lock. Any more tips?
Must haves are good lights. A helmet, if you're in that camp.
I've found it helpful to have work or lab goggles over my glasses when it's snowing or raining.
I used to bike everyday but stopped this past winter oddly enough despite the mild weather..
Anyways! Your post has made me excited to hop back on my bike so thankyou for taking the time to share.
If you aren’t conscientious about clothing, winter biking can be very uncomfortable even with a mild winter. Luckily, it’s mostly a clothing and layering issue so with some planning ahead it’s very doable. Now is a good time to find sales on some winter items you will need to cycle through next years winter…
A big game changer for me in winter was ski goggles. I got a pair of goodr ones (relatively cheap compared to the fancy brands) because my eyes water super easy and it made cold riding much more enjoyable.
For me it was discovering XC ski kit.
XC ski jackets and pants are generally windproof on the front and softshell on the back. It's perfect for cycling and it's not $300 for a jacket.
If I want extra warmth I'll throw a thin thin windbreaker overtop.
Get a thin hi-vis jacket at least a size up from usual. Cheap at construction supply stores. Wear it over your XC (I don't see hi-vis XC gear, but maybe I'm not searching hard enough). If you're overheating with that thin layer just pull the zippers down a bit.
In the summer just wear the hi-vis, the extra sizing gives you air flow to cool off and keeps the sun off your skin.
Biking in the winter is basically like adding more wind chill on top of the existing wind chill and temperature. Hands and face are the places ya gotta protect most in my experience.
For those intimidated by winter riding it really doesn't require much extra gear! Fenders on your bike are very helpful, and as for clothes you can mostly just wear your usual clothing, just also cover any exposed skin. More than likely you'll end up too hot rather than too cold.
My extra winter gear:
* Half ski mask to cover my face (also covers your neck)
* hardware store glasses to keep the wind outta your eyes, ski/mountain biking goggles for really cold days (-5 and lower)
* gloves (dollar store gloves on most days, ski gloves for cold days)
* any windproof shell for a jacket (I use a raincoat).
Once you get in the groove you realize it's not too much more prep than going for a walk in winter.
yup. best part is that 25 minutes is 25 minutes every single time. Cycling is the absolute hack to getting around a major city. saves you so much time and thus gives you more time to be doing the things you WANT to be doing. really opens up the possibilities.
> best part is that 25 minutes is 25 minutes every single time
That's something I'm still reckoning with on the TTC. On a good day, when all the transfers line up and there are no delays, I'm door-to-desk in 45-50 minutes. But if today is the day that the bus now takes 20 minutes to come instead of 1, or there's a slowdown on the subway, that number becomes really unpredictable, and it's really frustrating.
This is my favourite aspect of commuting by bike by far. For me, it's made my commute to and from work incredibly consistent which was one of the biggest negatives commuting using any other method.
I discovered cycling 5 years ago and it was also life changing. The freedom of my commute now compared to TTC was night and day. Fresh air and exercise. Only thing on hot days you get to the office a little sweaty. Gotta clean up a bit on arrival. Anything above 5 degree and dry I will bike .
I started cycling to work during the start of the pandemic (I work in healthcare) and it was life changing. I was so scared to bike, but back then the streets were empty and it was the best time to get comfortable biking in the city. Now with all the improved bike infrastructure I feel very safe.
If my bike is in the shop for a flat or a tune-up, I love using bikeshare, it's super convenient. Downtown if you are going east-west/west-east, it's a relatively flat and easy bike, we are very lucky! I'm a pretty fair-weather cyclist (I don't like biking in snow or rain), so this early spring has been great!
[Ah looks like we've got a newly minted dentist.](https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/socz49/someone_explain_the_dentist_meme_to_me/) In all seriousness, I started taking cycling a tad more seriously over the past few years and absolutely have noticed an improvement to my overall well being and not just physically. I just wish I had a job within cycling distance, maybe I'll take GO and bike the rest of the way for now.
When I started cycling to work, I figured out it saved me 25 minutes round trip compared to taking the TTC.
I also saved $6 per day on TTC fare.
So if I biked to work 200 days out of the year, it saved me $1200 on TTC fare and gave me nearly 80 hours of my time back.
the type of bike/tech you can get for $1200 these days is pretty awesome too. With a $1200 bike you could do all city wide chores on it. I'm talking groceries and shopping among most day to day tasks. The fact that you get such great exercise is just a bonus.
That said, with the amount of theft in this city, it is very important to invest and learn about locking strategies and types of bike locks.
cycling is the absolute best. cycling infrastructure is still lacking but it's improving quickly, i think we've realized it is cheaper to build bike lanes than it is to build transit, and it makes some amount of impact on people's ability to get around the city. it's also an amazing way to discover areas of the city you might not otherwise get to!
I do love the TTC too - I'm definitely an advocate for both over car-dependent infrastructure. It's just awesome to feel like you're getting a workout while going to work.
> Definitely a cycling convert, highly recommend it over basically any other method of moving around the city.
This is it.
Now show that you're *really* converted by starting to acquire rain gear, winter gear, etc.
And make sure you have lights and reflective clothing - I wear a construction vest from Home Depot that cost $20 - for when it's dark!
I got a bike share annual pass for 45 minute rides in November 2023 to commute to work. I haven’t looked back! It’s so much faster and avoids the crazies on the streetcar. It boggles my mind how much street space and public money it takes to support single passenger vehicles. I wholly support Toronto’s plans for more bike lanes and creating completely pedestrian/cycling areas around downtown. The worst part of my commute are drivers.
Once you start you'll keep pushing the boundaries on where you bike to. I now regularly bike from queen to st clair in less than 20 minutes. I couldn't imagine doing that before but your legs get stronger and sometimes you need to get somewhere without spending an hour on the TTC. I also bike all winter... something I would have never imagined 2 years ago.
I'm in the same boat. Live on the west end and by streetcar it takes about 45 mins for me, even driving sometimes can take upwards of 30 minutes in bad traffic.
Biking gets me to work in under 30 minutes guaranteed every time, and it's fun.
I *love* being able to ride my bike almost all year. This winter was ridiculously warm - I think I only lost 2 weeks of riding in total!
The benefits are too numerous to count.
* Fresh(ish) air.
* Getting in a decent workout (I don't ride fast, so I'm not all sweaty when I get off the bike).
* Being able to stop and shop whenever and wherever.
* Being able to keep going on the bike lanes when cars are gridlocked on Dundas or Richmond or Adelaide.
* Being able to take backstreets and explore more of the city any time I want.
* Taking my bike on the subway and getting off and exploring new neighbourhoods.
* Riding my bike to the theatre and NOT getting squished on transit on the way back.
* Carrying home 2 weeks worth of groceries in my backpack and getting in a weighted bike ride.
* Being able to shop at multiple stores even without a car.
* Being able to afford to rent a car when I actually want one to head out of town (affordable *because* I ride a bike the rest of the time!)
During the lockdowns was the best time to ride a bike in the city (no traffic, and the air smelled so much better!), but now that traffic is back to being insane, I'm SO glad I can still ride a bike in relative safety pretty much anywhere!
I ride a beater - it looks so bad no one wants to touch it. So it's perfectly safe to ride it and lock it up even at Yonge/Dundas. A bike thief would much rather grab the shiny bikes near mine. :D
Bike lanes make all the difference. You are so much safer. Try and adjust to any bike lanes on side streets or less trafficked streets, or through park paths. Yes it adds more time, but taking the scenic route and not breathing car exhaust is worth it.
I understand there is a big cost hurdle here, but I got an electric cargo bike last fall and rode my kids around through the winter. Transit sucks for hauling around shopping and kids but I don’t even think about using the car. Costco, IKEA, holiday shopping, etc. I do almost everything on my bike now. Never sitting in traffic, never looking for a parking spot, never feeling like a lazy bum, never sitting on a sticky smelly subway seat. It’s a real mental health boost for sure.
That was my logic. Just dropped 2 grand on an ebike, and as soon as I get it kitted out with a cargo rack and such my old rust bucket is going to the scrap yard. Thing's costing me a little over 200 bucks a month to sit there on the side of the street anyway at this point, and being able to get a good chunk of groceries done in one trip and comfortably get to work will make it even more redundant.
Which cargo bike did you get? Mulling the RadWagon but haven't pulled the trigger yet.
My kids still fit in the double trailer - barely - and I can still schlep them around most places...... as long as the hills aren't very big.
>RadWagon
I think you're going to need to invest a little more here. I think this bike is a little under engineered for a family. Mainly the total weight capacity is 175Kg and the rear rack only supports 55kg. Once you consider that a kid's bike seat, like the Thule Maxi is 5kg... that means your 2 kids will need to combined weigh less than 45kg. Going by average kid sized that means it will only work for kids under 6, maybe 7.
My thinking before buying a bike like this was I would need to haul the kids until I was confident that they had the skills to safely ride themselves and I don't think that will happen until 8-10. (this could go down significantly with better bike infrastructure)
There are a bunch of bikes out there that can handle higher loads: Yubu Kombi 5, Tern GSD, or several models from Reise Muller. However, all of those bikes are at least double the cost of the Radwagon.
So it really depends on what you need to get out of the bike. The Radwagon may suit your needs just fine.
It's expensive but the Hiplok D1000 is supposed to be grinder-resistant. Tests have shown it takes around 20 minutes to cut, and it chews through multiple grinder blades.
Chain locks are much better for this, for real die-hards a combo of one chain, one U-lock is ideal. However angle grinders are SUPER loud, so if you're parked in a public place, the chances that it will happen is very, very low.
Why are chains better? Seems like a lot less metal to cut through.
Angle grinder loudness is irrelevant because nobody physically intervenes when a theft is occurring since the angle grinder is like a weapon. Even if you yell at the guy / take a video, he doesnt care because the cut takes 30 seconds and he’s wearing a mask. There have been countless videos / reports of cut ULocks. Hence my question.
Chains move and are way more difficult to cut through since they aren’t rigid. They’re also usually covered in some kind of tough fabric that is designed to snarl the blades.
It could be. I don’t have to lock it in public overnight or during a workday so that eliminates the major opportunities. Despite being electric and expensive, it’s a pretty specialized bike so there’s a smaller resale market. I also always use at least 2 locks, sometimes 3 and have an alarm. Someone who really wants to can still get around all this security for sure but that professional has to come upon my bike for the max 1-2hrs it’s locked in any place, usually I try to get it right at the high traffic entrance to where I am. If it did get stolen, I have it insured.
If I am ever extra worried I also remove the battery because it weighs 100lbs and takes at least 2 people to lift and can’t be pedalled faster than about 10km/hr without the battery.
Edit: carrying all these locks is inconsequential with all the cargo space and electric assist.
What route do you use to go from east to west? It's not the most straightforward, but I tend to take Dundas -> River -> Shuter -> Sherbourne -> Richmond just to stay on the bike paths. Definitely looking for easier ways to get across the Don to and from downtown.
So on the way to work I brute force it. Dundas all the way west to university to my work. It's mostly bike lanes until parliament area, then I just cycle defensively and keep my eye on traffic.
Home in rush hour is more complicated. I try to stay on bike lanes. University north to college -> College to Bay -> Bay to Gerrard -> Gerrard to Sackville -> Sackville to Dundas -> Dundas to home.
Not the best but its like 95% bike lanes!
Started biking to work in 2017 and I have never looked back. It is hands down the best way to get around downtown! I am so happy that we are expanding our cycling infrastructure.
same! i only used my car when i have a game since i dont wanna get tired going to the venue, but all other errands, i use my beater bike. If I want leisure, I have my roadbike for longer trips :)
I biked to work for years when I lived in Toronto. The thousands I saved was enough back then to hit the 20% down payment mark on my first mortgage, so I didn't need to get mortgage insurance. Those savings have continued to compound as I have invested in a cargo ebike to further avoid getting a car.
Biking to work put me into a virtuous circle financially that is benefitting me to this day.
This is exactly what I tried to impress to others on a recent previous posting. Cycling is the better way. Full stop. All I received was downvotes and backlash comments deriding (pun not intended) my suggestion. Reddit is a weird and fickle space.
I had to drive from The beaches to Yonge and Bloor to return a rental yesterday and it took me 45 minutes at 11 am. I was able to bike home in half that time. I hate driving in the city yet biking just makes me feel free and notice all the good little shops and people that made me want to come to this city in the first place.
Ya as a person who started biking more to commute around 2018, I love how not only quicker it is but also there’s a sense of just feeling kinda free? I was going to say serene but the drivers in the city who are obsessed with their sedentary lives and want everyone else to be too to benefit them a few seconds/mins, a bit less serene.
But I wish everyone who is able to, could try out cycling as a way to get around.
It does feel free!! It's crazy how good it feels not to spend 3.30 or whatever to get to and from work. I'm also serious about how I feel... good? Basically all the time now.
Same! I live near Victoria Park and Danforth (well, closer to Dawes/Crescent Town) and if you don’t want to drive, cycling is the most convenient option!
This area is generally walkable, but it can be a good long walk just to get down to the Danforth where I am specifically. Less than 10 minutes to get down to the Danforth, but going to Shoppers World where Metro and Dollarama are can be add a lot a hassle given you gotta walk through the parking lot. Probably the worst “place” on the Danforth given it mostly accommodates cars. You definitely still have a lot of people driving in the area. Personally, driving in this city, while the most convenient in many scenarios, is just downright scary. I love driving and just got my G last October, but I don’t like the idea of driving just to do errands nearby, I only like driving on road trips and doing errands that may require going outside of the city.
Transit wise, the area is pretty good, except, going from my place to Shoppers World or the FreshCo is not practical. I think this speaks more to the geography of the neighbourhood given Dentonia Park is there, and so, transit is counter intuitive if you want to get to VP and Danforth where the grocery stores of the area are. For me, transit is a no go unless I’m heading further west on Danforth/closer to downtown. Transit in general will probably be the slowest option if you have to use it includes a bus. Granted, it is probably the most convenient to get downtown most of the time from where I am. As the weather gets nicer, I will use my bike to take trips further.
This is where cycling comes along. If you don’t want to drive in the neighbourhood I live in, cycling is probably the most convenient option. It’s usually just as fast as driving. It’s totally doable for daily errands, granted, if you want to do grocery hauls, you may want to get a wagon to connect to your bike.
Let me start with some limitations. Given FreshCo is probably the cheapest grocery store in the neighbourhood, it’s kind of a pain in the ass to get to given Victoria Park doesn’t have bike lanes. That section of VP is one of the few stroads in the area that still has a 50km/h speed limit. While I do see people cycling on it, I’m not risking my life, so, I go through Shoppers World, then when I get to VP, if there’s a lot of people walking, then I get off my bike and walk it down to Munsgrave where FreshCo is. If there’s little to no one on the sidewalk, I will ride as it is quicker down under the train tracks, but I’ll go relatively slow. Unfortunately, Victoria Park abuts a ward whose new councillor is anti-bike lane, so, it is possible that section won’t be getting protected cycle lanes for a long time (although it doesn’t have a study taking place between Gerrard and Lawrence, so, you never know). Also, definitely don’t feel comfortable cycling when it’s storming out.
Now, other than that, cycling is probably the most convenient way to get around in this area. The bike lanes on Danforth are phenomenal! Of the many things that have gone downhill in Toronto, Danforth is not one of them, and in fact, it’s one of the areas that seemed to have improved since they added the protected cycle lanes and post CafeTO. Added to that, there’s trails in Dentonia Park and the side streets also being a grid system connects the area making cycling effective. I (M21) still live at home, so I’m not doing big grocery hauls, but I do a bit of grocery shopping mostly on my bike, and it works great! Even with the limitation going to FreshCo, I can still get there within 10 minutes, and I know I’m not the only one cycling there given the bike rack always has quite a few bikes parked. When the weather is really nice, I LOVE riding on Danforth. I’ve gone to appointments at Woodbine and Danforth, and I’ve ridden down to Greenwood and Danforth to hang with a friend. Will definitely be doing more of that in the coming months! Cycling is just as fast as driving in many scenarios, and when it’s slower, it’s not like it takes forever in comparison. That’s one less car on the road, and you’re doing something sustainable while having your own personal transportation. In many ways, cycling takes the best of driving, transit, and walking.
One thing to keep in my living either car free in Toronto or simply trying to reduce your dependency on the car is understanding which mode is best for what and when. In OP’s case, cycling clearly is the best as driving and taking transit downtown can be a pain in the ass. In my case, it all depends on what I’m doing and when I’m doing something. Some days, I just walk to Shoppers World to grab a few items, other days, I’ll cycle if the weather is nice (not raining/storming) and I need to either go a Bit further or get a few more items, and other days/other situations like going downtown or further in the city, I’ll take transit. I do drive if I’m heading more in the outer city/suburbs. With that said, I do enjoy the lifestyle of not having to rely on the car all the time. It’s a breeze to see your neighbourhood and city and having the freedom to choose a few different transportation modes. Toronto desperately needs more protected cycle lanes and dedicated bus lanes with single priority if we want to become a more sustainable city!
Edit: TLDR: I live near Vic Park and Danforth, and cycling is usually the most convenient option if you don’t want to drive. There’s limitations for sure, and you should think of all alternatives to driving depending on when/where you’re going. However, if your neighbourhood has major roads with strong protected bike lanes, trails through parks, and an overall compact built form, cycling is doable!
Over 14 years of cycling in Toronto, I have accumulated 3 bikes that are each worth less than $150 for this very reason. A bike that rides well and looks worthless is the way to go.
I have had bikes stolen in Toronto; two were using extremely flimsy locks and one I almost certainly forgot to lock.
I've had no issue riding my commuter beater and leaving it locked up for hours outside at various locations. Buy the highest quality lock you can afford; and don't get a super fancy bike. You'll be fine.
A good kryptonite bike lock is the way to go. My work also has an underground parking lot w bike racks, so no anxiety there. It is always a risk though, but not one that I think rates super highly as long as you're taking precautions.
I spent roughly 20 years commuting daily through the city by bicycle. And I'd say the first 15 were really great. It was just a joy to be moving, seeing everything at eye level, getting some physical activity in, not paying for transit or a car.
But those last few years it really started to wear on me. I would get into altercations with motorists several times a week. Not because drivers got worse or anything, but because I started yelling at them every time they did something stupid that risked my safety, or broke the law to prioritize their convenience over mine. Previously to this, I would just let it go. But for whatever reason, over time I lost my patience. Which isn't good for anyone.
Yes, motorists constantly do stupid shit (as do cyclists and pedestrians), but that's a known quantity. I think you have to take the attitude, before you even leave your house, that people are *going* to be idiots and there's nothing you can do about it, so you can't let it get to you. You can't fix people's bad behaviours, and no amount of screaming at them will accomplish anything other than stressing *you* out. The solutions to these kinds of altercations should be infrastructural -- i.e. designing roads and bike lanes and sidewalks to minimize the effects of our inherent stupidity.
Long story short, I don't think I have the mindset to be able to enjoy bicycle commuting anymore. If this country decides to ever stop being batshit car-crazy, and builds real cycling infrastructure and develops a legitimate cycling culture, then that may change. Here's hoping.
I like this comment. I'm glad you understand that road design plays a huge role in driver (and cycling/walking) behavior. So many people just blame bad drivers for being bad drivers yet ignore the outside factors as a potential cause.
Nice, welcome to the club!
My commute is 45-55 mins by transit (assuming no TTC issues) but only 25 mins by bike. Even a car is about 20-30 mins on average.
I managed to bike every month this year and am saving money by not taking transit.
Faster commute, cheaper commute, healthier commute.
🚲 🚲 🚲
Compared to year's past, a lot more people [Bike Share](https://old.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/18ar8xa/some_graphs_i_made_showing_the_growth_of_bike/) in the winter weather. Factors include warmer/milder winters and more safe bike infrastructure. However, winter biking has a smaller bike usage than the summer and that's perfectly normal.
Biking is amazing but there’s not enough enforcement of stupid drivers, always someone blocking the bike lane or cutting you off, I haven’t commuted by bike in years which is unfortunate because my only reasoning is that there’s too many aggressive and straight up mentally challenged drivers on the road. TTC is getting better so hopefully bike infrastructure improves too
Been cycling in the city for 15 years now and it's my favourite way to get around! Lots of flexibility in planning your routes so you don't get too bored of the same path
This was basically me 8 years ago. Found cycling to be, by far, the best option for getting to work downtown. I never think about traffic. I don't need to schedule extra time in case the TTC is delayed and I don't have to go exercise when I get home.
I'd argue they've gotten slightly better. Although it's easier to notice a bad driver because bike lanes tend to expose their nasty driving habits with more prominence than a stroad. In a 60 km/h 4 lane Scarberian stroad, you generally won't notice bad driving habits until you see them entering slower speed zones like strip malls. It also doesn't help that bike lanes are too new to our society so they're not used to driving properly around cyclists. In the past, the only cyclists they have to look out for are recreational (fast-moving MAMIL-types) or sidewalk utlity bikers. Now they have to watch for cyclists on the right side of them way more frequently.
Hopefully with more bike lanes, these drivers will be more adaptive to driving under these conditions and not be in a hurry like they were driving a highway.
>we have more bike lanes now, but the drivers are now much worse
I've been commuting for over 20 years from the East End to the financial district and I think the drivers are getting better. It used to be normal to get honked and yelled at but now it's rarer.
drivers in this city are unhinged. i was biking up avenue road just north of bloor yesterday (not somewhere i usually bike but i needed to get somewhere on... avenue road) and took the middle lane because the right was completely taken by parked cars with no room in the lane, and after not 5 seconds of being in it some psychotic woman started honking at me, pulled around and started yelling "THERE'S A BIKE LANE FOR A REASON!" at me (there's no bike lane). she then cut me off and sped about 200 metres directly to a red light. i wish this was an isolated occurrence but it's like, every fucking time anymore
> and after not 5 seconds of being in it some psychotic woman started honking at me, pulled around and started yelling "THERE'S A BIKE LANE FOR A REASON!" at me (there's no bike lane).
I'm willing to bet $100 that she attended one of the Bloor bike lane consultations and supported a guy who yelled death threats to cyclists lol
Luckily bike lanes on Avenue between Bloor and Davenport are coming (hopefully) this year: [https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/public-consultations/infrastructure-projects/avenue-road-study/](https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/public-consultations/infrastructure-projects/avenue-road-study/)
Then to St. Clair at some point when there is a full road reconstruction.
People in that neighbourhood are a different kind of entitled. The city's looking to extend the University cycle track up to Davenport - which would kick ass imo - and local feedback to the proposal has been... mixed. "Can't lose a lane, might slow me down by a minute and I have a res at Nervosa" get a grip.
Not only bad drivers, but also so many delivery guys on bikes who make it so much more dangerous than it should be. Not all of them obviously, but so many stop in the middle of the bike lane without any warning! Or ride while looking at their phones. It’s stressful to have one riding in front and behind you.
That's exactly why I dislike Uber Eats as a company a lot more than those delivery guys. Their practices are very explotative, lack safety standards, endanger the general public, lack proper job training, and most importantly underpays workers.
You know, there was a cyclist who ended up in the hospital in critical condition after riding onto a DVP ramp in the dark. It's very likely she got routed by Uber Eats. That was the moment I got really pissed off and rage deleted Uber Eats app.
It is very life changing... Sadly that being fades the further north of Danforth you go. North of Eglinton it can be life changing for the worse.
In either case, glad you're enjoying it. Welcome to the bike commute club.. And watch out for deranged professional air haulers.
Indeed it is! Wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road and it's great!! Zip across the city especially the new commissioners street bike path with hardly any lights.
Protip: use a bixie so you have ultimate flexibility. Rode to work in the morning but friend invites you out to happy hour? No problem, I don't have to worry about my bike and can ttc or uber home after a few drinks
Yep! I used to ride for many years from south Etobicoke to The Junction (30 minutes) to go to work. Then when the work location changed i rode to Yonge and Eglinton (1 hour). I loved it and did it year round. Only drove when there was going to be ice. A few inches of snow was OK. The only thing more fun? Roller blading to work! But Yonge and Eg was too far for that.
TTC to work isn't bad but coming home the time is like double or more and sometimes that not even counting waiting for a streetcar.
I ride an ebike and fastest time was just over 14 mins each way.
So glad to see this burst of positivity after being met with heaps of scorn and can’t do attitude for suggesting that using a bike for transportation is feasible.
As someone who first got her bike when she lived in South Vaughan and now lives in Barrie, I have elevation envy. I swear to God, it seems like *every* road in this city is built in a valley; it's all uphill.
Currently in Markham, no commute, just go to the gym which is not far. Every time I think about biking there I decide to drive instead… tried it once, drivers are mostly good but bike and 60kph just don’t mix…
Which bike is recommended to use ? I mean if you are planning to make it long use, go to work, to gym, etc. I was thinking of a mountain bike but not sure if that is too much?
Also, For those who don't live near downtown is it safe to go in the street even if there is no bike lanes? do car/bus people respect your space? I'm asking because I'm new in town and just want to get the inputs from other cyclists around town.
I would honestly bike if we could get more bike lanes permanently placed in the roads. I just feel so afraid to ride a bicycle on the road.
What about an electric scooter? Those are allowed on the sidewalks, right?
I bike on the road pretty consistently and it's mostly completely fine but definitely prefer bike lanes. Please DO NOT use a scooter or bike on the sidewalk. Stick to the road or bike lanes for everyone's sake.
I used to ride 25k a day to and from work, and I loved it! Enjoy the results. One thing I should caution on - please be extra careful when it comes to drivers. Be vigilant at all times, do not listen to music with headphones, and follow rules. Some drivers get really angry about it, and their behaviour on the roads is aggressive. Use sidewalks when you can, or when you don't feel safe.
Enjoy!!!
Cycling downtown during rush hour feels like a hot knife through butter. As an added bonus you can stop anytime and anywhere to go shopping. green grocer on the Danforth were an amazing find for me when I started cycling home.
> you can stop anytime and anywhere to go shopping. Why studies have shown that building biking infrastructure can increase spending in neighbourhoods.
Gotta spend all those car and commute savings somewhere.
There are few things in life more satisfying than being able to fly past a line of gridlocked cars during rush hour
I have a cargo ebike that I use to carry both of my kids on, and I taught them to shout "so long, slowpokes!" when we sail past a traffic jam.
Yeah but but but didn’t you know it’s gridlock because of bike lanes. C’mon keep up. Hahaha
“C’mon folks, be reeznable, folks.”
Damn, and you probably haven't even tried an EUC (electric unicycle). Those guys you see standing and seemingly floating through air cutting through traffic like its nothing. Yea, it changed my life.
Biking past a line of shuttle buses because line 1 was shut down for the umpteenth time.
Avid Walker here, I agree 100% (albeit at a much slower pace lol)
I prefer walking for the exact reason it’s slow…. Everyone is always manic so it’s nice to rebel a bit a properly take ya time.
Yeah, 100%: there's this winding rhythm to it, and you just discover so much stuff on the way by sliding into a slightly different route.
Totally agree! All those green grocers have some great stuff that I would never usually stop at if I was driving by, but on a bike it’s super easy. Exercise and fresh fruit/veg in one trip. Pretty awesome.
What kind of attachment do you recommend to carry groceries on your bike?
trailers or panniers for larger volumes, but I tend to shop smaller volumes more frequently, and I have a wire basket (the kind that can collapse flat, but I've wired mine permanently open) on one side of my back pannier rack (so that in a pinch I can still hang a pannier off the other side for more capacity.) Leave the house with a backpack in the basket, go home with some groceries in my backpack on my back, and more in a grocery tote stuck in the basket.
I have these but they are discontinued [https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5028-683/audax-roll-up-28l-pannier](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5028-683/audax-roll-up-28l-pannier)
I use a Burley Travoy. https://burley.com/products/travoy
Which one is green grocer? The Greenwood Market or a different one?
Try Marsellis - Italian family run grocer for almost 60yrs. North side of Danforth just west of Donlands. They buy fresh from the main vegetable terminal everyday, butcher, deli and fresh breads. Delicious.
There are a bunch between greenwood and woodbine on the north side.
yeah good point, wasn't sure if you found one gem to rule them all
I have 3 that go to. one is cash only so depends on how much cash I have and what I need. I like the one by woodmount and Danforth. good fruits and has some nice Korean stuff that I don’t see in grocery stores.
Yeah so many on that stretch, Dragon City near monarch park is a good bet. Good thai/vietnamese and Korean options. Plank road market is small but also some good stuff
There are a bunch between broadview and coxwell. Masellis is a good store but not a green grocer and they’re more expensive. Edit: someone said the same thing. But yeah, the dragon store is great. I like getting a bag of bell peppers for cheap that are about to go off and making roasted red peppers out of them.
It's days like yesterday that remind me why I love biking to work so much. It's faster than the TTC in a lot of cases and I love the way I feel after a good bike ride
TTC is crazy bad downtown. I typically walk lmfao. I don’t own a bike tho
Get annual pass for bikeshare. So worth it!
Will check it out thanks, although I live up in Markham. Next times I’m in Toronto for sure tho
My commute from roncesvalles to king east was taking 1.5 hours. Cycling I’m there in 25 minutes and feel great
NGL i bought one of those e-scooters and i hate myself but also can cross the city in 20 minutes without sweating.
Yes, but do wear a helmet
Glad to see another convert. Hopefully as more people realize that cycling is an efficient form of transportation in DT, our biking infrastructure will improve to reflect the increasing demand.
I daydream about protected bike lanes now
Lol it happens fast eh? Glad you are enjoying cycling, just keep your head on a swivel put there.
Agreed - and shout out to Bike Share, the ability to bike on way and then not have to carry around a bike after work when you've got multiple stops or things to do before going home is truly fantastic.
the yearly membership is such insane value. $120 for unlimited 45 minute rides, that's like... less than a month of TTC fares?
The electric assist ones are fucking great too, I use them all the time to go up past Davenport.
It's a great deal I just don't like the bikes, they're so heavy! But happy they're an option and I've definitely taken them when the streetcar failed to come.
Yes! I ride my own bike 95% of the time, but I still have a Bike Share membership. It is so convenient. The other day I was going to pick up four huge sushi platters for a dinner party at our house. I took bike share to the restaurant, saving me a 15 minute walk, and then got the sushi and walked home. Or if you are going to meet someone who doesn't bike and going to walk somewhere with that person.
Thats awesome to hear! The narrative shouldn't be the war on cars. It should be about stories like this where its OK to own a car, its just also sometimes more convenient to bike. Getting choice riders to walk/bike/TTC for some of their commutes is the name of the game here. I will be the first to admit, that if I can help it, I will never take the TTC to beer league hockey that is 20km away. Its not fun for me, those around me on the streetcar/subway/bus, and at this point in time I am not willing to switch to a closer league. But a trip down to Ashbridges, while probably equal or slightly quicker by car, is more pleasant on bike (even with the pedestrian bridge at lakeshore near Corktown commons missing). That all being said, outside of the MGT, Esplanade and mayyyyyyybe the Bloor bike lanes, there isn't much bike infrastructure that could cater to less experienced riders to help grow cycling culture.......for now. I've worked with the cycling and pedestrian unit at the city, bright people hampered by politics. I think the future is bright as Chow seems very supportive of Active transportation.
I own a car as well and I'll choose the bike 10/10 now. I feel good after a bike ride, I feel... not so good, after driving in TO.
I would bike to more places but I would never let me bike out of my sight downtown. More secure and numerous bike parking is the next step on torontos journey
Definitely! Been cycling as a main mode of transport in Toronto for going on 15 years now. For all the (valid) complaints the infrastructure is night and day compared to when I started, and the time differential between transit or driving for my commute is significant. Pretty much only use transit when the weather is really bad, which isn't actually that often. You also feel much better arriving at the office compared to sitting in transit. I use my own bike in the warmer months and switch to bikeshare for winter to avoid the undue wear from salt. It's a subscription that's totally worth it. Also useful for days when it's bad weather in the morning and clears up enough in the afternoon to just take a bikeshare home. Or biking to a bar and using another mode to get home!
Yep, bike share rocks for the option of doing 1 way riding. Faster than TTC 9/10 times too!
Bikeshare is also so fantastic when you weren't really planning on biking but something changes your plans - the bus didn't show up, a stop-over took longer than expected, you underestimated how far something is, etc. I try to keep one helmet at work and one at home, so that I always have the option to pick one up and go.
Welcome to the better way! Make sure to get good, bright ass lights. Red in back, white in front.
Oh absolute necessity, it's great for night or drivers who are checking their side mirrors!
Bike shaaaaaaaaaare
When I am driving I feel like I am driving through the city. When I am biking I feel I am a part of the city.
What a great way to put it!
Yes, it's an amazing way to get around town. Some people just don't get it. My neighbours (east end) complain about the bikes blocking their travels along King to work, they never seem to have reply when I ask - would you sooner have 8 more cars in front of you our 8 bikes passing beside you?
Lmao that's brilliant
Thanks for this much needed push. I used to ride to work 15 years ago, but quit because I didn't want to die. I've watched as the city has become more bike-friendly, and each spring I feel the itch to get back on test horse. If I get a bike, does Reddit have any advice. I know not to get anything too expensive, and get good lock. Any more tips?
Try getting a Bikeshare membership first. $120, don’t have to store it, can’t get stolen. Best thing I’ve ever bought!
Must haves are good lights. A helmet, if you're in that camp. I've found it helpful to have work or lab goggles over my glasses when it's snowing or raining.
Been moving people since before the automobile. The classics never die.
bikes rule so hard dude
I am realizing this and it's such an amazing experience!
More bike lanes and more transit are needed in Toronto! It improves the quality of life for everyone.
100% agree!
I rode my bike to work today, forgot how much it improves my mood. I’ll have an even bigger smile on face biking home :)
Shout out to the College bike lane west of Spadina. So much room for activities!
I used to bike everyday but stopped this past winter oddly enough despite the mild weather.. Anyways! Your post has made me excited to hop back on my bike so thankyou for taking the time to share.
If you aren’t conscientious about clothing, winter biking can be very uncomfortable even with a mild winter. Luckily, it’s mostly a clothing and layering issue so with some planning ahead it’s very doable. Now is a good time to find sales on some winter items you will need to cycle through next years winter…
A big game changer for me in winter was ski goggles. I got a pair of goodr ones (relatively cheap compared to the fancy brands) because my eyes water super easy and it made cold riding much more enjoyable.
For me it was discovering XC ski kit. XC ski jackets and pants are generally windproof on the front and softshell on the back. It's perfect for cycling and it's not $300 for a jacket. If I want extra warmth I'll throw a thin thin windbreaker overtop.
Get a thin hi-vis jacket at least a size up from usual. Cheap at construction supply stores. Wear it over your XC (I don't see hi-vis XC gear, but maybe I'm not searching hard enough). If you're overheating with that thin layer just pull the zippers down a bit. In the summer just wear the hi-vis, the extra sizing gives you air flow to cool off and keeps the sun off your skin.
I tried biking with ski goggles on that bitterly cold windy day last week or the week before. Total game changer!
Ski helmet and balaclava also make it so much more comfortable when it's really cold.
There is no bad weather just bad clothing choices.
Biking in the winter is basically like adding more wind chill on top of the existing wind chill and temperature. Hands and face are the places ya gotta protect most in my experience.
For those intimidated by winter riding it really doesn't require much extra gear! Fenders on your bike are very helpful, and as for clothes you can mostly just wear your usual clothing, just also cover any exposed skin. More than likely you'll end up too hot rather than too cold. My extra winter gear: * Half ski mask to cover my face (also covers your neck) * hardware store glasses to keep the wind outta your eyes, ski/mountain biking goggles for really cold days (-5 and lower) * gloves (dollar store gloves on most days, ski gloves for cold days) * any windproof shell for a jacket (I use a raincoat). Once you get in the groove you realize it's not too much more prep than going for a walk in winter.
No problem! I've also bought a big poncho so not even rain will stop me now!
Oh yeah. The weather doesn't bother me. Just gotta get back on it! Rode all through last winter no problem.
yup. best part is that 25 minutes is 25 minutes every single time. Cycling is the absolute hack to getting around a major city. saves you so much time and thus gives you more time to be doing the things you WANT to be doing. really opens up the possibilities.
> best part is that 25 minutes is 25 minutes every single time That's something I'm still reckoning with on the TTC. On a good day, when all the transfers line up and there are no delays, I'm door-to-desk in 45-50 minutes. But if today is the day that the bus now takes 20 minutes to come instead of 1, or there's a slowdown on the subway, that number becomes really unpredictable, and it's really frustrating.
This is my favourite aspect of commuting by bike by far. For me, it's made my commute to and from work incredibly consistent which was one of the biggest negatives commuting using any other method.
Buying a city bike annual pass last year was one of the best decisions I've made as an adult. I'm 100% with you
I discovered cycling 5 years ago and it was also life changing. The freedom of my commute now compared to TTC was night and day. Fresh air and exercise. Only thing on hot days you get to the office a little sweaty. Gotta clean up a bit on arrival. Anything above 5 degree and dry I will bike .
I started cycling to work during the start of the pandemic (I work in healthcare) and it was life changing. I was so scared to bike, but back then the streets were empty and it was the best time to get comfortable biking in the city. Now with all the improved bike infrastructure I feel very safe. If my bike is in the shop for a flat or a tune-up, I love using bikeshare, it's super convenient. Downtown if you are going east-west/west-east, it's a relatively flat and easy bike, we are very lucky! I'm a pretty fair-weather cyclist (I don't like biking in snow or rain), so this early spring has been great!
[Ah looks like we've got a newly minted dentist.](https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/socz49/someone_explain_the_dentist_meme_to_me/) In all seriousness, I started taking cycling a tad more seriously over the past few years and absolutely have noticed an improvement to my overall well being and not just physically. I just wish I had a job within cycling distance, maybe I'll take GO and bike the rest of the way for now.
When I started cycling to work, I figured out it saved me 25 minutes round trip compared to taking the TTC. I also saved $6 per day on TTC fare. So if I biked to work 200 days out of the year, it saved me $1200 on TTC fare and gave me nearly 80 hours of my time back.
This is such a great perspective! 1200 bucks back in our pockets is nothing to sneeze at too!
the type of bike/tech you can get for $1200 these days is pretty awesome too. With a $1200 bike you could do all city wide chores on it. I'm talking groceries and shopping among most day to day tasks. The fact that you get such great exercise is just a bonus. That said, with the amount of theft in this city, it is very important to invest and learn about locking strategies and types of bike locks.
cycling is the absolute best. cycling infrastructure is still lacking but it's improving quickly, i think we've realized it is cheaper to build bike lanes than it is to build transit, and it makes some amount of impact on people's ability to get around the city. it's also an amazing way to discover areas of the city you might not otherwise get to!
I do love the TTC too - I'm definitely an advocate for both over car-dependent infrastructure. It's just awesome to feel like you're getting a workout while going to work.
oh I definitely think we should invest more in transit... I hate the TTC in it's current form but we need public transit to stop depending on cars
> Definitely a cycling convert, highly recommend it over basically any other method of moving around the city. This is it. Now show that you're *really* converted by starting to acquire rain gear, winter gear, etc. And make sure you have lights and reflective clothing - I wear a construction vest from Home Depot that cost $20 - for when it's dark!
I have front and back LEDs! That and a helmet are must-haves imo
Right on. Happy cycling.
I got a bike share annual pass for 45 minute rides in November 2023 to commute to work. I haven’t looked back! It’s so much faster and avoids the crazies on the streetcar. It boggles my mind how much street space and public money it takes to support single passenger vehicles. I wholly support Toronto’s plans for more bike lanes and creating completely pedestrian/cycling areas around downtown. The worst part of my commute are drivers.
have you, like myself, discovered the hidden peace sanctuaries accessible by biking in (downtown) T.O. It's a "city within a park".
11 years cycling in the city and I agree. It’s amazing
Welcome to the club, glad to have you!
Once you start you'll keep pushing the boundaries on where you bike to. I now regularly bike from queen to st clair in less than 20 minutes. I couldn't imagine doing that before but your legs get stronger and sometimes you need to get somewhere without spending an hour on the TTC. I also bike all winter... something I would have never imagined 2 years ago.
I'm in the same boat. Live on the west end and by streetcar it takes about 45 mins for me, even driving sometimes can take upwards of 30 minutes in bad traffic. Biking gets me to work in under 30 minutes guaranteed every time, and it's fun.
I *love* being able to ride my bike almost all year. This winter was ridiculously warm - I think I only lost 2 weeks of riding in total! The benefits are too numerous to count. * Fresh(ish) air. * Getting in a decent workout (I don't ride fast, so I'm not all sweaty when I get off the bike). * Being able to stop and shop whenever and wherever. * Being able to keep going on the bike lanes when cars are gridlocked on Dundas or Richmond or Adelaide. * Being able to take backstreets and explore more of the city any time I want. * Taking my bike on the subway and getting off and exploring new neighbourhoods. * Riding my bike to the theatre and NOT getting squished on transit on the way back. * Carrying home 2 weeks worth of groceries in my backpack and getting in a weighted bike ride. * Being able to shop at multiple stores even without a car. * Being able to afford to rent a car when I actually want one to head out of town (affordable *because* I ride a bike the rest of the time!) During the lockdowns was the best time to ride a bike in the city (no traffic, and the air smelled so much better!), but now that traffic is back to being insane, I'm SO glad I can still ride a bike in relative safety pretty much anywhere! I ride a beater - it looks so bad no one wants to touch it. So it's perfectly safe to ride it and lock it up even at Yonge/Dundas. A bike thief would much rather grab the shiny bikes near mine. :D
Bike lanes make all the difference. You are so much safer. Try and adjust to any bike lanes on side streets or less trafficked streets, or through park paths. Yes it adds more time, but taking the scenic route and not breathing car exhaust is worth it.
I see space for protected bike lanes everywhere, it's crazy how much space we waste on cars.
I understand there is a big cost hurdle here, but I got an electric cargo bike last fall and rode my kids around through the winter. Transit sucks for hauling around shopping and kids but I don’t even think about using the car. Costco, IKEA, holiday shopping, etc. I do almost everything on my bike now. Never sitting in traffic, never looking for a parking spot, never feeling like a lazy bum, never sitting on a sticky smelly subway seat. It’s a real mental health boost for sure.
The cost barrier is not much if it actually lets you either get rid of your car, or avoid getting a car in the first place.
That was my logic. Just dropped 2 grand on an ebike, and as soon as I get it kitted out with a cargo rack and such my old rust bucket is going to the scrap yard. Thing's costing me a little over 200 bucks a month to sit there on the side of the street anyway at this point, and being able to get a good chunk of groceries done in one trip and comfortably get to work will make it even more redundant.
Which cargo bike did you get? Mulling the RadWagon but haven't pulled the trigger yet. My kids still fit in the double trailer - barely - and I can still schlep them around most places...... as long as the hills aren't very big.
>RadWagon I think you're going to need to invest a little more here. I think this bike is a little under engineered for a family. Mainly the total weight capacity is 175Kg and the rear rack only supports 55kg. Once you consider that a kid's bike seat, like the Thule Maxi is 5kg... that means your 2 kids will need to combined weigh less than 45kg. Going by average kid sized that means it will only work for kids under 6, maybe 7. My thinking before buying a bike like this was I would need to haul the kids until I was confident that they had the skills to safely ride themselves and I don't think that will happen until 8-10. (this could go down significantly with better bike infrastructure) There are a bunch of bikes out there that can handle higher loads: Yubu Kombi 5, Tern GSD, or several models from Reise Muller. However, all of those bikes are at least double the cost of the Radwagon. So it really depends on what you need to get out of the bike. The Radwagon may suit your needs just fine.
Isn’t theft a serious concern given that thieves frequently cut ULocks in 30 seconds with an angle grinder?
It's expensive but the Hiplok D1000 is supposed to be grinder-resistant. Tests have shown it takes around 20 minutes to cut, and it chews through multiple grinder blades.
Chain locks are much better for this, for real die-hards a combo of one chain, one U-lock is ideal. However angle grinders are SUPER loud, so if you're parked in a public place, the chances that it will happen is very, very low.
Why are chains better? Seems like a lot less metal to cut through. Angle grinder loudness is irrelevant because nobody physically intervenes when a theft is occurring since the angle grinder is like a weapon. Even if you yell at the guy / take a video, he doesnt care because the cut takes 30 seconds and he’s wearing a mask. There have been countless videos / reports of cut ULocks. Hence my question.
Chains move and are way more difficult to cut through since they aren’t rigid. They’re also usually covered in some kind of tough fabric that is designed to snarl the blades.
It could be. I don’t have to lock it in public overnight or during a workday so that eliminates the major opportunities. Despite being electric and expensive, it’s a pretty specialized bike so there’s a smaller resale market. I also always use at least 2 locks, sometimes 3 and have an alarm. Someone who really wants to can still get around all this security for sure but that professional has to come upon my bike for the max 1-2hrs it’s locked in any place, usually I try to get it right at the high traffic entrance to where I am. If it did get stolen, I have it insured. If I am ever extra worried I also remove the battery because it weighs 100lbs and takes at least 2 people to lift and can’t be pedalled faster than about 10km/hr without the battery. Edit: carrying all these locks is inconsequential with all the cargo space and electric assist.
What route do you use to go from east to west? It's not the most straightforward, but I tend to take Dundas -> River -> Shuter -> Sherbourne -> Richmond just to stay on the bike paths. Definitely looking for easier ways to get across the Don to and from downtown.
So on the way to work I brute force it. Dundas all the way west to university to my work. It's mostly bike lanes until parliament area, then I just cycle defensively and keep my eye on traffic. Home in rush hour is more complicated. I try to stay on bike lanes. University north to college -> College to Bay -> Bay to Gerrard -> Gerrard to Sackville -> Sackville to Dundas -> Dundas to home. Not the best but its like 95% bike lanes!
Started biking to work in 2017 and I have never looked back. It is hands down the best way to get around downtown! I am so happy that we are expanding our cycling infrastructure.
same! i only used my car when i have a game since i dont wanna get tired going to the venue, but all other errands, i use my beater bike. If I want leisure, I have my roadbike for longer trips :)
my commute is 35 mins by subway and 20 by bike
I biked to work for years when I lived in Toronto. The thousands I saved was enough back then to hit the 20% down payment mark on my first mortgage, so I didn't need to get mortgage insurance. Those savings have continued to compound as I have invested in a cargo ebike to further avoid getting a car. Biking to work put me into a virtuous circle financially that is benefitting me to this day.
This is exactly what I tried to impress to others on a recent previous posting. Cycling is the better way. Full stop. All I received was downvotes and backlash comments deriding (pun not intended) my suggestion. Reddit is a weird and fickle space.
I was prepared for hate, happy to see lots of enthusiastic people here praising cycling and sharing their experiences.
I had to drive from The beaches to Yonge and Bloor to return a rental yesterday and it took me 45 minutes at 11 am. I was able to bike home in half that time. I hate driving in the city yet biking just makes me feel free and notice all the good little shops and people that made me want to come to this city in the first place.
Ya as a person who started biking more to commute around 2018, I love how not only quicker it is but also there’s a sense of just feeling kinda free? I was going to say serene but the drivers in the city who are obsessed with their sedentary lives and want everyone else to be too to benefit them a few seconds/mins, a bit less serene. But I wish everyone who is able to, could try out cycling as a way to get around.
It does feel free!! It's crazy how good it feels not to spend 3.30 or whatever to get to and from work. I'm also serious about how I feel... good? Basically all the time now.
Queen and Bathurst to Front/John. 7 minutes rain or shine 24/7/365 $0.
Slowpoke /s
I took the streetcar from The Beaches to Yonge and Queen once during rush hour and never again. Good on you for finding a better solution.
The construction of the Ontario line is really messing with that route, but the TTC is still awesome if the weather is terrible.
Same! I live near Victoria Park and Danforth (well, closer to Dawes/Crescent Town) and if you don’t want to drive, cycling is the most convenient option! This area is generally walkable, but it can be a good long walk just to get down to the Danforth where I am specifically. Less than 10 minutes to get down to the Danforth, but going to Shoppers World where Metro and Dollarama are can be add a lot a hassle given you gotta walk through the parking lot. Probably the worst “place” on the Danforth given it mostly accommodates cars. You definitely still have a lot of people driving in the area. Personally, driving in this city, while the most convenient in many scenarios, is just downright scary. I love driving and just got my G last October, but I don’t like the idea of driving just to do errands nearby, I only like driving on road trips and doing errands that may require going outside of the city. Transit wise, the area is pretty good, except, going from my place to Shoppers World or the FreshCo is not practical. I think this speaks more to the geography of the neighbourhood given Dentonia Park is there, and so, transit is counter intuitive if you want to get to VP and Danforth where the grocery stores of the area are. For me, transit is a no go unless I’m heading further west on Danforth/closer to downtown. Transit in general will probably be the slowest option if you have to use it includes a bus. Granted, it is probably the most convenient to get downtown most of the time from where I am. As the weather gets nicer, I will use my bike to take trips further. This is where cycling comes along. If you don’t want to drive in the neighbourhood I live in, cycling is probably the most convenient option. It’s usually just as fast as driving. It’s totally doable for daily errands, granted, if you want to do grocery hauls, you may want to get a wagon to connect to your bike. Let me start with some limitations. Given FreshCo is probably the cheapest grocery store in the neighbourhood, it’s kind of a pain in the ass to get to given Victoria Park doesn’t have bike lanes. That section of VP is one of the few stroads in the area that still has a 50km/h speed limit. While I do see people cycling on it, I’m not risking my life, so, I go through Shoppers World, then when I get to VP, if there’s a lot of people walking, then I get off my bike and walk it down to Munsgrave where FreshCo is. If there’s little to no one on the sidewalk, I will ride as it is quicker down under the train tracks, but I’ll go relatively slow. Unfortunately, Victoria Park abuts a ward whose new councillor is anti-bike lane, so, it is possible that section won’t be getting protected cycle lanes for a long time (although it doesn’t have a study taking place between Gerrard and Lawrence, so, you never know). Also, definitely don’t feel comfortable cycling when it’s storming out. Now, other than that, cycling is probably the most convenient way to get around in this area. The bike lanes on Danforth are phenomenal! Of the many things that have gone downhill in Toronto, Danforth is not one of them, and in fact, it’s one of the areas that seemed to have improved since they added the protected cycle lanes and post CafeTO. Added to that, there’s trails in Dentonia Park and the side streets also being a grid system connects the area making cycling effective. I (M21) still live at home, so I’m not doing big grocery hauls, but I do a bit of grocery shopping mostly on my bike, and it works great! Even with the limitation going to FreshCo, I can still get there within 10 minutes, and I know I’m not the only one cycling there given the bike rack always has quite a few bikes parked. When the weather is really nice, I LOVE riding on Danforth. I’ve gone to appointments at Woodbine and Danforth, and I’ve ridden down to Greenwood and Danforth to hang with a friend. Will definitely be doing more of that in the coming months! Cycling is just as fast as driving in many scenarios, and when it’s slower, it’s not like it takes forever in comparison. That’s one less car on the road, and you’re doing something sustainable while having your own personal transportation. In many ways, cycling takes the best of driving, transit, and walking. One thing to keep in my living either car free in Toronto or simply trying to reduce your dependency on the car is understanding which mode is best for what and when. In OP’s case, cycling clearly is the best as driving and taking transit downtown can be a pain in the ass. In my case, it all depends on what I’m doing and when I’m doing something. Some days, I just walk to Shoppers World to grab a few items, other days, I’ll cycle if the weather is nice (not raining/storming) and I need to either go a Bit further or get a few more items, and other days/other situations like going downtown or further in the city, I’ll take transit. I do drive if I’m heading more in the outer city/suburbs. With that said, I do enjoy the lifestyle of not having to rely on the car all the time. It’s a breeze to see your neighbourhood and city and having the freedom to choose a few different transportation modes. Toronto desperately needs more protected cycle lanes and dedicated bus lanes with single priority if we want to become a more sustainable city! Edit: TLDR: I live near Vic Park and Danforth, and cycling is usually the most convenient option if you don’t want to drive. There’s limitations for sure, and you should think of all alternatives to driving depending on when/where you’re going. However, if your neighbourhood has major roads with strong protected bike lanes, trails through parks, and an overall compact built form, cycling is doable!
Good news the bike lanes on Danforth are scheduled to be extended all the way out to Scarborough
🤞 it’s actually implemented this year as it says!
Omg this is incredible now if only they'd extend the bike lanes all the way west along dundas!
Would be good but going through Dundas square would be a nightmare. Going down to Richmond is a decent alternative.
The only issue I have with cycling life is the anxiety you get from having your bike stolen in Toronto
This is why I use Bikeshare almost exclusively. It’s more convenient, and completely eliminates that anxiety.
Over 14 years of cycling in Toronto, I have accumulated 3 bikes that are each worth less than $150 for this very reason. A bike that rides well and looks worthless is the way to go.
Unless I'm riding for fun (MTB or heading out to Midweek) I'm on a bikeshare. Its so worth it.
I have had bikes stolen in Toronto; two were using extremely flimsy locks and one I almost certainly forgot to lock. I've had no issue riding my commuter beater and leaving it locked up for hours outside at various locations. Buy the highest quality lock you can afford; and don't get a super fancy bike. You'll be fine.
A good kryptonite bike lock is the way to go. My work also has an underground parking lot w bike racks, so no anxiety there. It is always a risk though, but not one that I think rates super highly as long as you're taking precautions.
I spent roughly 20 years commuting daily through the city by bicycle. And I'd say the first 15 were really great. It was just a joy to be moving, seeing everything at eye level, getting some physical activity in, not paying for transit or a car. But those last few years it really started to wear on me. I would get into altercations with motorists several times a week. Not because drivers got worse or anything, but because I started yelling at them every time they did something stupid that risked my safety, or broke the law to prioritize their convenience over mine. Previously to this, I would just let it go. But for whatever reason, over time I lost my patience. Which isn't good for anyone. Yes, motorists constantly do stupid shit (as do cyclists and pedestrians), but that's a known quantity. I think you have to take the attitude, before you even leave your house, that people are *going* to be idiots and there's nothing you can do about it, so you can't let it get to you. You can't fix people's bad behaviours, and no amount of screaming at them will accomplish anything other than stressing *you* out. The solutions to these kinds of altercations should be infrastructural -- i.e. designing roads and bike lanes and sidewalks to minimize the effects of our inherent stupidity. Long story short, I don't think I have the mindset to be able to enjoy bicycle commuting anymore. If this country decides to ever stop being batshit car-crazy, and builds real cycling infrastructure and develops a legitimate cycling culture, then that may change. Here's hoping.
I like this comment. I'm glad you understand that road design plays a huge role in driver (and cycling/walking) behavior. So many people just blame bad drivers for being bad drivers yet ignore the outside factors as a potential cause.
Well said.
Nice, welcome to the club! My commute is 45-55 mins by transit (assuming no TTC issues) but only 25 mins by bike. Even a car is about 20-30 mins on average. I managed to bike every month this year and am saving money by not taking transit. Faster commute, cheaper commute, healthier commute. 🚲 🚲 🚲
Do you all cycle in the winter time too?
I know many people do and I definitely plan on doing so!
Compared to year's past, a lot more people [Bike Share](https://old.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/18ar8xa/some_graphs_i_made_showing_the_growth_of_bike/) in the winter weather. Factors include warmer/milder winters and more safe bike infrastructure. However, winter biking has a smaller bike usage than the summer and that's perfectly normal.
Yes but only if there is no significant snowfall.
Yes.
Is perfectly doable if it's a joke of a winter like the one we're having, in that there's not many days with snow.
Cycling in Toronto is the absolute best!
I explored every city with bike, is the best!
Biking is amazing but there’s not enough enforcement of stupid drivers, always someone blocking the bike lane or cutting you off, I haven’t commuted by bike in years which is unfortunate because my only reasoning is that there’s too many aggressive and straight up mentally challenged drivers on the road. TTC is getting better so hopefully bike infrastructure improves too
You do get dummies but overall I find it pretty great (and safe) to bike.
Been cycling in the city for 15 years now and it's my favourite way to get around! Lots of flexibility in planning your routes so you don't get too bored of the same path
This was basically me 8 years ago. Found cycling to be, by far, the best option for getting to work downtown. I never think about traffic. I don't need to schedule extra time in case the TTC is delayed and I don't have to go exercise when I get home.
we have more bike lanes now, but the drivers are now much worse. i've had so many close calls and angry drivers
I'd argue they've gotten slightly better. Although it's easier to notice a bad driver because bike lanes tend to expose their nasty driving habits with more prominence than a stroad. In a 60 km/h 4 lane Scarberian stroad, you generally won't notice bad driving habits until you see them entering slower speed zones like strip malls. It also doesn't help that bike lanes are too new to our society so they're not used to driving properly around cyclists. In the past, the only cyclists they have to look out for are recreational (fast-moving MAMIL-types) or sidewalk utlity bikers. Now they have to watch for cyclists on the right side of them way more frequently. Hopefully with more bike lanes, these drivers will be more adaptive to driving under these conditions and not be in a hurry like they were driving a highway.
>we have more bike lanes now, but the drivers are now much worse I've been commuting for over 20 years from the East End to the financial district and I think the drivers are getting better. It used to be normal to get honked and yelled at but now it's rarer.
drivers in this city are unhinged. i was biking up avenue road just north of bloor yesterday (not somewhere i usually bike but i needed to get somewhere on... avenue road) and took the middle lane because the right was completely taken by parked cars with no room in the lane, and after not 5 seconds of being in it some psychotic woman started honking at me, pulled around and started yelling "THERE'S A BIKE LANE FOR A REASON!" at me (there's no bike lane). she then cut me off and sped about 200 metres directly to a red light. i wish this was an isolated occurrence but it's like, every fucking time anymore
> and after not 5 seconds of being in it some psychotic woman started honking at me, pulled around and started yelling "THERE'S A BIKE LANE FOR A REASON!" at me (there's no bike lane). I'm willing to bet $100 that she attended one of the Bloor bike lane consultations and supported a guy who yelled death threats to cyclists lol
Luckily bike lanes on Avenue between Bloor and Davenport are coming (hopefully) this year: [https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/public-consultations/infrastructure-projects/avenue-road-study/](https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/public-consultations/infrastructure-projects/avenue-road-study/) Then to St. Clair at some point when there is a full road reconstruction.
People in that neighbourhood are a different kind of entitled. The city's looking to extend the University cycle track up to Davenport - which would kick ass imo - and local feedback to the proposal has been... mixed. "Can't lose a lane, might slow me down by a minute and I have a res at Nervosa" get a grip.
Not only bad drivers, but also so many delivery guys on bikes who make it so much more dangerous than it should be. Not all of them obviously, but so many stop in the middle of the bike lane without any warning! Or ride while looking at their phones. It’s stressful to have one riding in front and behind you.
That's exactly why I dislike Uber Eats as a company a lot more than those delivery guys. Their practices are very explotative, lack safety standards, endanger the general public, lack proper job training, and most importantly underpays workers.
Agreed. And Uber Eats bike delivery guys have been killed on the job! Where is the response to this?? It’s a total mess.
You know, there was a cyclist who ended up in the hospital in critical condition after riding onto a DVP ramp in the dark. It's very likely she got routed by Uber Eats. That was the moment I got really pissed off and rage deleted Uber Eats app.
may want to try a pool noodle
almost every close call i've had on my bike the driver has been on or holding their phone its really worrying
It is very life changing... Sadly that being fades the further north of Danforth you go. North of Eglinton it can be life changing for the worse. In either case, glad you're enjoying it. Welcome to the bike commute club.. And watch out for deranged professional air haulers.
Just avoid the unhinged car drivers
Indeed it is! Wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road and it's great!! Zip across the city especially the new commissioners street bike path with hardly any lights.
Once the waterfront redevelopment opens up I feel like that's going to be the best route into downtown bar none.
Protip: use a bixie so you have ultimate flexibility. Rode to work in the morning but friend invites you out to happy hour? No problem, I don't have to worry about my bike and can ttc or uber home after a few drinks
Yep! I used to ride for many years from south Etobicoke to The Junction (30 minutes) to go to work. Then when the work location changed i rode to Yonge and Eglinton (1 hour). I loved it and did it year round. Only drove when there was going to be ice. A few inches of snow was OK. The only thing more fun? Roller blading to work! But Yonge and Eg was too far for that.
TTC to work isn't bad but coming home the time is like double or more and sometimes that not even counting waiting for a streetcar. I ride an ebike and fastest time was just over 14 mins each way.
So glad to see this burst of positivity after being met with heaps of scorn and can’t do attitude for suggesting that using a bike for transportation is feasible.
The absolute best. 🙌
It's so nice in the summer / fall but I haven't converted for the winter 🥹
Winter 2024 will be the first time I try it seriously, it seems like ski goggles are a must have!
As someone who first got her bike when she lived in South Vaughan and now lives in Barrie, I have elevation envy. I swear to God, it seems like *every* road in this city is built in a valley; it's all uphill.
Currently in Markham, no commute, just go to the gym which is not far. Every time I think about biking there I decide to drive instead… tried it once, drivers are mostly good but bike and 60kph just don’t mix…
Same with Scarborough. Really sucks you have to use the sidewalk because there are so many stroads.
Why the fuck am I downvoted
It is incredible and would do it way more often if I didn’t sweat like a pig
Escooters rock as well.
Hell yeah they do, I had one but Toronto potholes destroyed it, I like the exercise I get riding better anyways!
Not to mention all the viruses on the TTC
Which bike is recommended to use ? I mean if you are planning to make it long use, go to work, to gym, etc. I was thinking of a mountain bike but not sure if that is too much? Also, For those who don't live near downtown is it safe to go in the street even if there is no bike lanes? do car/bus people respect your space? I'm asking because I'm new in town and just want to get the inputs from other cyclists around town.
Try the bike share, it’s amazing!
Since 2010 the only times I've used the TTC were when my bike was broken or when I had to go to the airport with a suitcase
Walking is best for me. Although I guess I can't really dodge bums and crazies out there as easily
I would honestly bike if we could get more bike lanes permanently placed in the roads. I just feel so afraid to ride a bicycle on the road. What about an electric scooter? Those are allowed on the sidewalks, right?
I bike on the road pretty consistently and it's mostly completely fine but definitely prefer bike lanes. Please DO NOT use a scooter or bike on the sidewalk. Stick to the road or bike lanes for everyone's sake.
I used to ride 25k a day to and from work, and I loved it! Enjoy the results. One thing I should caution on - please be extra careful when it comes to drivers. Be vigilant at all times, do not listen to music with headphones, and follow rules. Some drivers get really angry about it, and their behaviour on the roads is aggressive. Use sidewalks when you can, or when you don't feel safe. Enjoy!!!
Never use sidewalks - they are 3 times as dangerous as riding on the road - you won't be seen at intersections and driveways,,,
Please do not use sidewalks if possible. It is more dangerous + extremely disrespectful to pedestrians.
> Use sidewalks when you can, or when you don't feel safe. And by use you meant dismount and walk, right ? Or are pedestrians lesser than you.