A Familiar City Seen Through New Eyes - Toronto, ON

All set for my two days of bike riding
in Toronto!

The Velo Family is currently on holidays, enjoying some quality time with our families in Ontario. It had been wonderful catching up, starting with relaxing on Lake Ontario with my in-laws, and now spending some quality time with my parents at their lake front cottage in the Quebec Laurentians. Every trip back East is special, since our children don't get to see their grandparents, aunt and uncles very often due to the distance and the expense of travel. For my husband and I, however, this trip was extra special for two reasons. We would finally be able to enjoy an extended amount of kid-free time, and we would be doing so in two cities full of memories for us - Toronto and Montreal.

As the opening leg of our trip had us just a short jaunt away from Toronto, that is where we spent our first mini-holiday without our children. Chris and I spent four amazing years in this city while studying at Ryerson University. In that time, however, we were never able to completely appreciate the city and the bike culture it had to offer. Believe it or not, we actually didn't ride all that often, what with Chris not owning a bike and mine sitting comfortably at my parents' home the first three years of school. We tended to stay within our school bubble, as most students do, and my limited experience in the city on my bike didn't leave a very lasting impression.

So when we arrived in Toronto last Saturday, we headed over to rent some bikes from a shop called Set Me Free on Roncesvalles (I still can't pronounce that properly) and experience what the city had to offer two bicyclists from the West Coast. At the shop, we were told they had many a mountain bikes to rent. Instantly, my heart sank. Mountain bikes? In Toronto, a city known for it's vintage bike culture? After some puppy dog eyes, and pointing out I was in a skirt, the guys at the shop had a peak in their older stock and found not one but two beach cruisers! Luck was on our side, and I was grateful. We spent the next two days riding from West to East and back again, taking in the city we had known with a fresh set of eyes and ideals while cruising around at a slow pace.

Chris cruising through Cabbagetown, keeping cool in
extreme the heat with some bare arms!

What we found was actually surprising! In a city currently notorious for being less than bike friendly, at least if you follow the politics, bike culture was thriving. Every where you looked there were people on bikes. On Queen West, there were, of course, the fashionable twenty and thirty somethings riding their upright city bikes, but what amazed us was the sheer number of them. So many that at any time you could see three or more cyclists waiting together at a red light. That many not seem like many, but this was literally happening all day long, not just rush hour, and on a Saturday and Sunday. Outside of the trendy areas, we were surprised and in awe to find riders of all ages hoping on bikes to ride in their city. 

A typical site along Queen West

The biggest eye-opener happened when walking to brunch on Sunday. We saw a man, likely in his mid-to-late sixties, walk out in a nice shirt and pants, hop on his bike, and head to what we can only assume was his weekly Church service (we were in Little Italy, so the assumption seemed fair). In all my six years in Vancouver, I don't think I have ever once seen a sight like that, and with two small children who seem to not sleep past 8:00am, you can bet I've been out and about our city around Church time on a Sunday morning.

Riders of any age were out and about the city on their
bikes, no special equipment needed.

I loved riding through Toronto and seeing so much I had missed during my university years. But I think what has stuck with me most is that even in a city where cyclists are fighting for their own space on the road, rubbing shoulder with cars, trucks, and fast moving steetcars, in face of all this adversity, their bike culture is big and strong. I'm sure every one of those people would love to have the separated lanes we have in Vancouver and for which I am so grateful, but not having them doesn't stop them from riding a bike. It makes me wonder...if Toronto's next city government is as pro-active for bike infrastructure as Vancouver's is, could Toronto become the North American Copenhagen? For all the wonderful bike riders we met last weekend, I will keep my fingers crossed, because they deserve it!

Bike traffic!

One of the many sadly underused Bixi stations.
Don't worry, there's hope to be found in other Canadian cities. Stay tuned to find out!

Just taking a couple of dogs for a walk in Trinity Bellwoods Park

One of our lovely hosts for the day Sunday, Yvonne, with Bonnie the dog
taking in all the sights from the comfort of her basket!

Riding along on of the only cycle tracks in Toronto along Sherbourne Street

I don't know if it's there yet, but with this kind of attitude
and bikes abound, it could be!

The Joy of Conversational Cycling

The ultimate in conversational cycling; riding with
2000 plus people for the annual Bike Rave!

If you've ever ridden a bike with someone, chances are, you already know what conversational cycling is. Quite simply, it's the act of riding alongside someone and having a conversation while you bike to your destination. It doesn't involve any fancy riding techniques, any preparation or pre-planning, and definitely no special equipment. Just a willingness to travel at a comfortable speed and enjoy a conversation with a friend. For me, something so easily done is actually one of my favourite parts about riding a bike, because not only am I out on two wheels, but I get the chance to catch up with my husband, my children, and friends, including those I haven't had a chance to connect with in a while.

The week before school ended for my daughter, I travelled by bicycle to Third Beach to meet with her class for the annual primary beach day. My trip there was so relaxing, riding solo along the seawall with only other bike commuters, runners, and the occasional tourist to share my trip along the water with. When it was time to come home, my ride was equally as pleasant, but I had a nice treat with about a third of the way to go. While waiting at a light, a friend, contributor for Spacing Magazine, and fellow parent came up next to me. As we were both heading back the same way, we subsequently had a great conversation about how the school year had gone, travel plans for the summer, and chatted about work and life. It was such a lovely way to catch up after a busy school year, with our daughters in different classes this year and therefore not having as much time to chat at drop off and pick ups. When we parted ways, we were both left smiling and waving goodbye, and it certainly was a great way to close out a day well spent.

It's almost a little funny that we classify this type of cycling, because it really is no different than having a conversation with someone while walking, taking transit or driving. But I guess there is something about sharing the experience of riding a bike with someone that makes it special, at least to me. I've written before about how much I love late night rides with my husband, because it gives us a chance to have a quite conversation without our children's noise in the background. Even riding with my daughter is such an amazing way to listen to her stories of her day, answer her far-outreaching questions and for me to offer a few life lessons. While my son isn't riding on his own yet, I'm sure you may have seen me riding along the seawall with him in the trailer, sharing a completely illogical but amusing conversation about whatever he is fascinated with at the moment (currently, that revolves around if all the trees died, we would "pop" into outer space and have to share a space suit).

I cherish every moment I spend on my bike, and the times I get to share that with others is truly special. Whether it's a ride to the store, the beach or anywhere in between, being able to have a thoughtful, or even silly, conversation with someone during that trip is definitely a perk. So next time you're out with a friend on a bike, take a moment to appreciate what your doing. Find enjoyment from the fact that not only are you sharing what could be a great conversation with someone you know and care about, but you're also sharing the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle.

The real reason I ride

I always feel happiest when I'm by
the ocean on two-wheels

It's another dreary June day in Vancouver, and I'm having a particularly trying day balancing all the tasks that are waiting to be completed. As I work away the afternoon, my mind wanders, trying to think of something I can do to lift my spirits and keep me going until the weekend and the beginning of summer holidays. I think of relaxing spa days I wish to one day enjoy, of our family vacation mid-July spent with family, but most of all, I think of my bike and the rides I will enjoy on the warm summer days. 

We all have reasons to ride a bike. Some do it as a means of transportation, others to save the environment by reducing their carbon footprint, many do it for exercise. These are excellent reasons to get on a bike, and have helped inspire many bike-curious people to give it a try. I think, though, that all of us who ride bikes are unwittingly keeping secret the real reason we ride because it seems so obvious, at least to me. Aside from the health benefits, the reduction of co2 emissions, and getting around slightly faster than walking, I ride my bike because it's fun!

Riding a bike for me is one of the purest forms of enjoyment. Being exposed to the elements, feeling the sun on my face, and experiencing everything first hand has brought me so much joy throughout my years, from when I started to ride as a small child until today. I have my most inspiring moments on two wheels, and sometimes the best conversations with my husband when we are slowly pedalling along the seawall together.

Perhaps it's time we start letting the average person in on our secret. Instead of putting the focus on the divisive reasons that turn people away for fear that they may be lumped into a political agenda, next time somebody asks you why it is you like to ride a bike, be honest! Tell them how much fun it is! How no matter what age you are, riding a bike is like being a kid all over again, and feeling the freedom of being able to go pretty much anywhere you would like, in almost any direction you choose. Stripping away the political, environmental or health reasons for riding is the best way to get more people to try getting on a bike. When the only reason left is the sheer exhilaration of the wind in your hair and the smile on your face, there's no better sales pitch for bicycles, and you'll be sure to inspire many!

"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race."

-H.G. Wells-

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing, quite so worthwhile as simply messing about on a bicycle"

-Tom Kunich-

The Changing View of Cycling in Vancouver

For the past couple of months, my husband, along with the rest of the Vancouver Cycle Chic crew, have been working on four debut films that feature Vancouverites going about their every day on a bike in style. The goal is to show the act of riding a bike as a normal way to get around, requiring nothing more than a bicycle and a desire to ride. It has been a lot of work, and has meant many a days and nights without my husband around while they've been filming and editing. But from the sneak peaks I've had along the way, it has been well worth every second of dedication from all the people who have given up their free time to make these videos happen.

One of the great things about the videos is that each of the subjects are completely unique. From a fine artist and dad, to a librarian, a local DJ and an emerging fashionista, each person brings their own sense of style to the videos, and show a different view of Vancouver. It is a true reflection of the diversity of this city and it's people.

I am very excited for this film series to launch this weekend at Whoa! Nellie. Not only because I am proud of my husband and our friends for all their hard work, but also because these videos are exactly what is needed to start changing perceptions around cycling in Vancouver and other cities. The Cycle Chic Republic has spent the last seven years sharing images of every day, citizen cyclists. People that ride just because it is slightly faster than walking and more convenient that driving and/or public transit in many cases. Some critics have said that many images just depict young stylish people, and is not representative of everyone.

The Cycle Chic videos are not just about the style of the subjects. They follow them as they go about their daily tasks, whether it is shopping for art supplies, heading to work, or travelling to a gig. Each person in the videos is of a different demographic, and they're not all young twenty-somethings. In my opinion, they are the start of a great series of films that will feature many Vancouverites from all ages and demographics, all depicting cycling in it's purest form, as a means to get around town. The perception of cycling in Vancouver is slowly changing from the image of "Road Warriors" to average people, from spandex and specialized gear to just whatever you have in your closet. Hopefully these videos will help speed the process, and get more people normally intimidated by bike travel to realize how easy it is, and make the image of cycling accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, or gender.

The Cycle Chic films will launch this weekend with their premiere being held at Whoa! Nellie bikes on Main Street. Join me and Vancouver Cycle Chic for a great night and be one of the first to check out this excellent video series!

It may take a village, but they're still my kids

A few weeks ago I wrote about the people that feel it necessary to comment on the way in which I choose to ride a bike, and that it's really none of their business. Well, if you're a parent, like me, you may find you've been in similar situations when it comes to childrearing. A friend through Twitter once said "Riding a bike and being a parent are very similar: there's always someone who thinks you're doing it wrong", and it's amazing how true that is. Since the birth of our daughter, nearly seven years ago, my husband and I have had people around us, family, friends or complete strangers, offering comments or advice on how to be successful parents. Many times, that advice is warranted, even requested, and has been quite helpful to get us through trying times. I am aware that I'm not an expert, and every day is another potential challenge or learning experience. Raising children truly does take a village.

What I take issue with is the people that comment on my parenting because they think I'm doing it wrong. That, somehow, they know better how to deal with my children. With some of the "advice" we've endured over the past seven years, if I didn't know better I would think it's a miracle our children have survived each day. From our vegetarian lifestyle, how we travel by bicycle, babysitting, and even the way in which we walk with each other when out in the city, other adults have felt that we could be doing it better, and have been vocal about it.

Let's face it, we, as a society, do hold some very strong opinions about how others should behave. It's what makes us human, our ability to look at certain situations and actions and decide how we would best deal with them, and it is what forms our personalities and guides our actions. But another human trait that I feel is being lost, is having the social grace and understanding to know when perhaps you should keep your opinions to yourself. As someone who lives car-free, sure I have strong personal convictions about the level of car dependence in our society, but I am not about to chastise people, family, friends or otherwise, simply because they have chosen to live differently from me.

And that's what it's about; having the freedom to choose. Over the course of my daughter and son's lives, my husband and I have made choices about how we raise our children, the activities we do together, the food we eat and so on. When we need help or advice, we are very willing to ask for it, because sometimes we don't always know the best course of action. We are also there for those who ask our opinions as well, offering advice or counsel without casting judgement.

My babies and I, Mother's Day 2013

Since 2006, I have been lucky enough to raise not one but two pretty amazing children with the help of an amazing partner, and a large support group spread all over the globe. We have had challenges, and at those times we have always been grateful to have help from our friends and family. But through the successes and challenges, I have watched my son and daughter become adventurous, mindful and happy children, and while I know my husband and I can't take all the credit for that, I also am aware that they are my kids. The responsibility for them lies on the shoulders on my husband and I, and as far as I can tell, we are definitely doing something right!

They grow up so fast

Life has been pretty crazy the past four weeks for the Velo Family. Travel to Saskatoon and Edmonton for work left me longing to return home to my city, my routine and my wonderful family who managed to cope without me quite well. Returning home I was launched into even more work in Vancouver, but thankfully I was able to hop back on my bike as the wet Winter weather started to give way to sunnier Spring days. As you have likely noticed, between work and trying to spend time with my family, my writing for this blog has suffered. So now that I have a moment to sit down and put some thoughts on paper, so to speak, I am inspired to talk about my kids and how they keep changing every day, growing more and more aware and responsible, something that I've become increasingly aware of after being away and working. 

Before leaving for Edmonton a couple weeks back, I had a pretty epic weekend with my family (see It doesn't get much better). In all the excitement of the weekend, I didn't get to talk about a pretty big milestone that just kind of happened on the way to meeting up with my husband on the Sunday. On the way, I realized my daughter was attempting to lead us, so I decided to let her, just to see how well she really does know her way. I was amazed with what I experienced!

My little girl just absorbing on the bus
to swimming lessons

As we left our street, I told her where we were going. As children have no concept of street names, save their own, I explained we were going to the store on the bike route that has the candy pop. To us adults, that translates to Cream Soda at Union Market in Strathcona. Once we crossed Commercial Drive on 10th Avenue, I let her get in front of me and take the lead. And lead she did. She knew exactly where and when to turn, and even practiced her hand signals 99% of the time. She slowed to check for oncoming cars and bikes at traffic circles, kept three feet from the parked cars, and only asked me for help once. I was incredibly proud to know that she had been paying attention this whole time, and really is starting to get a real grasp of her surroundings and getting from point A to point B.

Our munchkins walking confidently
in their "hood"

While I was away travelling, my in-laws came for a visit, helping out with the kids while my husband worked during the day. Each day they walked my daughter to school, and then spent the day entertaining my son until pick up. What they found out was that even he, at only four years old, knows his neighbourhood pretty darn well. He took them to Trout Lake, showing them around our nearest park and playground. They walked up Commercial Drive, with Etienne taking them to all his favourite places, including Grandview Park, Fratelli's Bakery, and, of course, a visit to First Ravioli Store to visit with "Auntie Tina", the wonderful Italian lady that works there and is infamous with my children for offering them free cookies. Once again, I am astounded at how much my children truly have been absorbing their surroundings with all the time they spend on foot or on bike travelling throughout the various neighbourhoods of Vancouver.








I think it's so important that children learn how to get around in their neighbourhood by modes other than a private vehicle. Not only do they more readily recognize the way home in case they're lost, but it prepares them for the eventual independence of travelling on their own when they get older. It is no secret that most children in today's society are transported mainly by private automobiles. Whether to school, to their extra curricular activities or to do the weekly shop, these trips all have one thing in common - a child sitting in the back seat of a car with no real perception of where it is they are going. By walking, biking or taking public transit, children are exposed to more of their natural surroundings, and get a truer sense of the distances travelled, the best and/or safest routes, and most importantly, they gain the confidence to travel independently. 

They're a couple of confident little rascals!

In the next year or two, I plan on starting to let my daughter walk to school on her own. Eventually, that will also mean walking with her younger brother. What I have learned with these recent revelations regarding my children's navigational skills is that when the time comes, they will be ready. They are already developing the confidence to walk and bike in our neighbourhood, and those that we frequent regularly. It really does put my mind at ease, because, after all, there will come a time when my kids will want to go out with their friends to the mall or to hang out, and won't want us to walk them there. On that day, I will be reassured that we have been doing the very best to prepare them for this moment. And for the time being, maybe it's time I start letting them lead the way for all our escapades... so long as it isn't always to the nearest playground!

A Car-Free Life

A couple weeks back I wrote about my family and I being the subject of a "point-of-view" documentary. We I'm pleased the share the end product - a lovely look into our little family life! 

A Car-Free Life from Brigitte Patenaude on Vimeo.

A short, point-of-view documentary on how a family of four can get from Point A to Point B by foot, bike, or public transit.

Director, Second Camera, Editor: Brigitte Patenaude
Producer, Transportation: Ian Deichen
Camera, Editor: Devon Mussett

Straight girls like bikes, too!

Ok, so the title of this blog seems a bit silly. Lots of people like bikes, regardless of their sexual preference, but let me explain where this phrase came from. We are happy to be hosting our friend, Brenna, again while she is in transition between the West Coast and Central Canada (see: A Girl, a bike and a dream... and Beeyond A Bike). Whenever we get together with Brenna, inevitably we talk a lot about bikes, and yesterday, while discussing Brenna's plans to volunteer with a community bike shop, it came up that because she's a woman, her opportunities are seemingly endless. I then recalled having been to many a bike shops, and noticing that my gender is incredibly under-represented, and I have even been made to feel like I was under-educated about bikes. So I blurted out in our conversation, "What's up with that? Straight girls like bikes, too!"

I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but I am more than capable when it comes to servicing my bicycle. I can clean and oil my chain and cassette, as well as patch up or change a flat tire, and can make small adjustments to my brakes and rear derailer. In fact, some Spring, I'm usually the family bike mechanic, and I'm proud to do it, because I love being handy. However, earlier this year I applied to a bike shop for a sales position, hoping to use the opportunity to learn even more about bikes, and was told that I didn't have enough knowledge about bikes, particular road and racing bikes. I'm not sure if my gender and presumed ignorance about bikes played a role, but I can say that there were no women on site when I went for that interview, and showing up in heels and professional attire likely didn't help.

On those rare occasions that I do see women in bike shops, many times they fit a certain stereotype: t-shirt, baggy pants, short hair cut, tomboyish appearance. I am by no means saying that these women aren't good at what they do, and the certainly deserve respect for being a small minority in the bike shop/maintenance world. Still, why can't you dress in pretty clothes, like to ride bikes AND fix them up, too?

This brings me to a bigger point. There are lots of women on bikes, but there could be more, and I think one of the ways of doing this is making bike look more accessible and appealing for the ladies. Safe infrastructure is definitely an asset for that, but I've already spoken to that a few times, so I won't go on about separated lanes being awesome. I think that goes without saying! It also takes getting the word out, and celebrating women on bikes. I like to think I play a part in that by showing my family and I doing every day things by bike, dressed in our every clothing. Here's a few other groups that try to empower women to get out on their bikes, straight or otherwise, and celebrate our beauty:

Vancouver Cycle Chic (And the worldwide Cycle Chic community)
Let's Go Ride A Bike
Vancouver Velo Vixens
Bicycle Babes

From group rides, charitable events, and general tips on staying fashionable on two wheels,  these groups, and many others, celebrate beautiful people enjoying bicycles and the beautiful act of riding them. Without intending to, they humanize riding a bike, taking it away from the notion that it's an extreme sport, not for the faint of heart. That all you need is a bike and a desire to use it, and an acceptance that you CAN use it without changing the way you look and act. 

The next generation of beautiful ladies on bikes...and I'm proud
to be her mom

So back to the title of this post. Clearly, lots of "straight" girls like bikes. We know which type of bike suits us best, how to fix them, and love riding them in our regular clothes. It's time that the bike community catches up a bit, and there are bike shops who are starting to accept it. Shops like Vancouver's Whoa Nellie don't reinforce the road warrior stereotype, catering more to the average city cyclist who is simply using a bike as a means of mobility. As a woman, I don't walk in shops like these and feel out of place, instead I feel welcome and respected. The North American cycling community is changing, albeit slowly, but I'm happy to be an active part of its renaissance.

Get the Lady a Bike!

No fashionistas here. Just a mom and her little girl,
riding their bikes, making it looks simple and easy.

Last week, my husband wrote a piece for Hush Magazine titled: Towards a Slower, Simpler, More Civilized Bicycle Culture. In it, he discusses the Cycle Chic movement and the concept of dressing for the destination, which I have written about before. Unfortunately, I think the message was lost for a few people, referring to this style of cycling as shallow, or limited to fashionistas, among other comments. I then read a post from Momentum Magazine; How to Sell the Cycling Lifestyle to American Women. In this article, they talk a lot about how current marketing, merchandising and visuals of the cycling culture in North America is focused on men, speeding along, sometimes in highly dangerous situations, and I can't help but think these two articles compliment each other in challenging our pre-existing concept of what "normal" cycling is.

You may have heard it before, that if you want to sell something to the masses, you first have to sell it to women. An article about selling to women, available here, notes that women are responsible for at least 85% of consumer purchases in their household. So it seemingly goes without saying that if you want to increase the modal share in North American cities, like Vancouver, you need to make riding a bike look accessible, affordable and, most of all, safe to women.

Women are visual creatures, much more so then men, so when we're out and about in the city, we're taking everything in, and that includes people on bikes. Just yesterday, while out on our group ride, I recall myself noticing nearly every person we passed on a bike, and you want to know which ones stood out for me? The ones dressed in their everyday clothes, smiling and enjoying a ride along the seawall. Ok, so maybe I'm a bit biased, because I'm noticing people that look like me. But isn't that just the point? 

When I'm out riding my bike, or doing anything for that matter, I don't want to feel like the only one at the party. As a woman riding a bike in my everyday clothes, I see every strange look I get from passersby dressed in cycling specific clothing. I know that a lot of what my family and I do makes us part of a smaller group. From the food we eat, to the way we commute and much more, so it makes me very happy to see people like me on a bike. 

So, back to the point made that Cycle Chic promotes a shallow ideal. What's important is to look past the initial image and understand the idea behind it. No one, not even members of the Cycle Chic worldwide community, wants to stop people that already ride bikes from doing it. What the intention is is to show the average person who maybe only rides occasionally along a waterfront, or has never thought of a bicycle as a viable means of transportation, that all they need is a bike that doesn't have to cost a fortune, and the clothes in their closet. 

Further to that, women, who currently make up a dismal 24% of all cyclists in the US (couldn't find Canadian stats), need some positive imagery to make them consider cycling as a safe, accessible and viable option for commuting. In my opinion, I feel that showing men, women, children and families riding bikes in their everyday attire is one of the best ways to achieve that. There is a huge lack of that in marketing materials, but it is growing, slowly but surely. Until bike and bike accessory companies catch on, though, the best form of advertising is seeing people in your city doing it; people just like you. 

Which was the point my husband was trying to make. We're not telling people to do away with their gear if they don't want to, or to ride slower. Ride however you want in whatever you want. BUT, if you do want to make a quick jaunt to the corner store, maybe leave the bright yellow coat at home. Or, if a female (or male) friend is considering trying out riding a bike to work, try not to intimidate them by telling them they have to buy a sporty, lightweight hybrid or a drop hundreds of dollars on gear at bike shops to do it. It is just as acceptable for them to go buy a used or vintage bike for less, and ride in what they would wear to walk, take transit or drive.

In the end, we all want more people on bikes, no matter what we wear or ride; for health, the environment, or just for the sheer pleasure of doing it. If you want to wear all the specialized gear, buy a lightweight bike, and ride fast, then by all means, do it. Just understand what we're trying to do, too. It's not shallow, and we're not all fashionistas. We're just a family that would rather ride our bikes, and want to encourage more people, especially a cautiously curious lady, to do it, too!