These three individuals are all from smaller towns and have never ridden their bikes in Toronto, and are intimidated by hitting the streets.
Once I realized the reason for their hesitation, we made a plan of action.
Two of the three live within a block of each other so this morning I met those two at the closest house and rode with them into work. I explained best practices and showed them the reasons why. I took them along a bit of a longer route but the pay off was a lot less traffic and time to ask and answer questions. Once arriving at work and locking up their bikes properly they realized that they made it in less time than taking transit. I'm meeting them after work to take them home a different way in which they came.
The third individual lives in the exact opposite direction and double the distance. I'm meeting with him at 7am tomorrow at his house and doing the same routine. The cool thing is he lives 2 blocks from the waterfront trail and didn't even know it.
Hopefully investing a few hours over the course of a couple days will help people become safe, healthy and happy cyclists.
If you can help someone overcome intimidation of cycling the streets in your neighbourhood, do what you can because it makes it better for everyone.
9 comments:
That's amazing that you're offering your experience, time and knowledge! I was running on the waterfront trail this morning, would be very cool to live so close by... I'd probably ride more too :) Have a great day!
Melanie- Thanks for the kind words. The trail is one of the best areas in Toronto. Running or riding you have the water right next to you and the sounds of the city seem to be a world away. Maybe we'll cross paths one day on the trail.
Sharing the pleasure of cycling is a Good Deed. Once they enjoy riding to work, the next thing is they might go further afield and you might even get some more riding buddies!
Sproketboy-It would be great if they took it further, I think once they get that feeling of freedom and confidence they'll become regular pleasure riders.
Encouragement and Praise and reinforce that you can ride your bike without looking like a total geek....that is one thing that scares a few people before they even have to dela with traffic and the whole pedalling thing!
Buttsy- You hit the nail on the head! One of the people was afraid of looking like a geek until I showed them all the awesome clothing stores geared towards cycling. It brought out their inner shopoholic!
Awesome! Random acts of kindness are a great way to change people's thinking. I haven't taken it this far but it's such a great idea that I will if/when I have a chance. So far I have been lucky that simply pointing out that someone lived very near the trail was enough to get them over the hump and start to ride.
WheelDancer- Thanks! I had a great time doing it and they had a great time as well. They all discussed at work getting together during the week at a regular time and going for rides. I'm happy I was able to get the tire rolling.
What a great great help... priceless knowledge. Now they're not only going to be healthier, reducing the size of their carbon footprint and saving money... they'll be wise in the ways by learning from the veteran.
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