Cyclists

Hello mesdames et messieurs! Before you delve into the world that is my cycling experiences, I`d like to highlight the fact that this entry is just that: My personal experiences and opinions about cycling. I also stress the congregations of cyclists and will indulge you in information because I want YOU, reader, to become a cyclist of Windsor too. Think of all the benefits on your health, the environment and your general well-being!

This is more or less what my steed looks like.
(This isn't she - I found this photo online)

You have likely noticed by now that cycling has become a near-daily affair for me. Whether for the sake of commuting or relaxing, I am often rolling around town on my Nishiki. It is a racing bike which I enjoy very much, not only for its aesthetics but for the sake of its speed. If you aren't sold already, worry not! There exists a bike for everyone. Apart from 10-speeds and mountain bikes, there are cruisers. I owned an old CCM cruiser which I noted did not make my back sore and allowed for effortless cycling, though I could not always keep up with my friends. If you are not interested in the cycling scene for comfort or speed but for blatant buffoonery, a BMX bike would likely be more suited to you. These bikes

Myself posing oddly with my former CCM cruiser, alongside
my friend's Supercycle cruiser.

are identifiable by their tiny frames and wheels, almost resembling a children's bicycle. Now that you are aware of the three primary types of bicycles you'll notice in this city, let us discuss their owners.

BMX bike. The tilted seat allows for landing from tricks
without injuring yourself.

There is definitely a communal feeling that comes with owning a bicycle. When you pass by someone on the street who is also cycling, it is almost customary to check out their ride and nod in approval. I have been on many group cycling excursions down the Ginocchio Trail or around Malden Park. Last year, my friends embarked on a 3-hour bicycle ride to Colchester and slept on the beach. Since, there have been plans discussed to venture to the Pelee Island ferry dock and spend the day doing water-side activities. These communal events are not only organized by the youth, however: The Tweed Ride occurs in the Fall and in the Spring, during which you dress in Tweed and bike in a rather fashionable group around town. During the Summer, there are the Erie Street bike races, ranging from amateur to professional cyclists. Sometimes, when I'm cycling and someone passes me, I will pass them, look their way, and an unspoken race commences between strangers. In a similar way that dog owners connect immediately because of their pets, avid cyclists will definitely confront you enthusiastically if you make your pride known. My bike ego is slightly inflated because of the compliments I receive on my multicolored dream-bike. There are an ample amount of wholesome activities that present themselves to you due to the mere fact that you own a bicycle. Additionally, the Kijiji bicycle trade is a wonderful way to support your local citizens and recycle otherwise neglected bikes.

It is for the growing popularity of this method of transportation that stores such as Courtesy Bicycles found themselves faced with the rival that is City Cyclery. This bike shop has known nothing but success since it opened last year, and have already had to relocate to a larger shop on Lincoln and Wyandotte. They not only restore vintage bicycles, but also offer the service of bicycle maintenance or the option to buy a completely new bike as well as accessories. I believe that their self promotion is spreading cycling awareness throughout the city. The growing bicycle trade has not gone unnoticed by the Windsor City Council. On May 14th of 2001, the Bicycle Use Master Plan (BUMP) was approved in order to promote the use of two-wheel-transport in several different ways: To create a cycling network of bike-lanes, multi-use trails and signed bicycle routes (as well as relocating catch basins to avoid damaging bicycles); to promote cycling awareness through education, enforcement and encouragement; to improve the cycling-transit link, therefore increasing commuter and long-distance cycling trips, and to provide end-of-trip facilities, meeting the needs of countless cyclists. (1)

I remember being pulled over by a Windsor police officer for cycling (though no faster than the surrounding pedestrians) up the broad sidewalk of Ouelette avenue and being warned of the potential fine of $150. The fact that road laws apply to both parties does not seem to be known throughout the city, neither by novice cyclists nor by drivers. I often get honked at or yelled at for following the law and riding on the road, even though I generally signal my moves and remain within the suggested 1m proximity from the curb. Although BUMP seems to be taking a very long time, you can tell that cycling has augmented in the city, especially as of late. Hopefully I have enticed you, dear reader, to join the revolution.



(1) http://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/recreation/cyclewindsor/pages/cycle-windsor.aspx