Commuting by bike

June is Bike Month! To help kick things off, we spoke with Dave Buchanan from Paths for People. (And be sure to read to the end to see what's happening for Bike Month!)

Paths for People is a non-profit organization with an interest in improving the conditions for people walking, cycling and rolling in Edmonton. We asked Dave Buchanan from Paths for People about his views on biking and sustainable transportation in Edmonton.

Who are you and what do you do?

I am Chair of the Board of Paths for People.

What is Paths for People?

Paths for People is nonprofit active-transportation advocacy group that works to make Edmonton a friendlier place for those who walk and cycle. We believe building cities with human-powered transportation in mind makes our city safer, healthier, more fun and more sustainable.

Why do you choose to commute via bicycle over other forms of transportation?

I commute by bicycle because it’s faster, cheaper, and more enjoyable than other forms of transportation. Riding my bike to and from work gives me a boost. It makes me feel alive, happy, and connected to the city around me.

What are some misconceptions about bicycle commuting?

One misconception is that you need to have an expensive bike and a bunch of specialized clothing and gear to be a bike commuter. In fact, almost any bike (given a proper tune up) will work just fine, and you can use the clothes you already have in your closet (with a little experimenting). Don’t worry about buying LycraⓇ or special shoes. Just ride.

What are some of the challenges?

Weather, of course, can be a challenge because you’re exposed. Wind is a factor you have to think about on a bike. A stiff headwind can be a drag. (And, of course, a swift tailwind is a treat.)

Another challenge is dealing with the occasional car driver who doesn’t give enough room for cyclists on the road. This is often unintentional—some car drivers just don’t realize what it’s like for a cyclist to share the road with cars.

What do you think about the new bike lanes?

Love ‘em. Separated bike lanes are a game changer. Lots of people are interested in cycling more but feel a lack of confidence about sharing the road with cars. In a protected bike lane, there’s an extra feeling of safety. Something like the Downtown Bike Network provides that little safety net for a lot of bike-commuting-curious folks. And once they try it, they realize that cycling is such a quick, safe, and easy way to get around downtown.

I’m terrified of riding my bike in the city. What do you say to someone like me?

Find a mentor, someone who is an experienced bike commuter and can show you the ropes—the safest routes, the rules of the road, areas of the city to avoid. It might just be talking to that gal at work who has been riding her bike for years, or it might be asking a cyclist friend for a ride-along. Most bike commuters are happy to share the benefits of their experience.

Do you combine biking with other forms of sustainable transportation?

Like more and more people, I consider myself multi-modal. I cycle to work but I own a car too, and take transit sometimes, and like to walk. I like the idea of car sharing, and I can’t wait for Edmonton to get a bike share. I think this is the way of the future in big cities: people using a combination of forms of transportation to get around. The days of people driving everywhere are gone—there are often more efficient means of getting from A to B.

How do we shift our mindset from car-centric roadways to shared roadways?

That’s the great challenge. It’s going to be toughest for car drivers, who’ve had a pretty good run of basically owning the roads for several generations. They’re the ones who are going to have to give up some space for others—on bicycles, on foot, on scooters. It’s a matter of empathy, really, putting oneself in the position of other road users, comprehending what it feels like to be vulnerable on the road. But with well-designed roads, better education, growing numbers of alternative transportation users, and just time, car drivers and really, everyone, will adjust and realize that a multimodal world has lots of advantages.

This post was written by our 2018 summer students, Stephanie and Graham. If you live in Edmonton and have a climate change story to tell, let us know! Your story could be shared here too.

Join us for a Ride Along

Celebrate Bike Month with the City of Edmonton and give two wheels a whirl and hop on a bike this month. Cycling is good for the body and the soul and is a great way to get outdoors this year to enjoy Edmonton’s beautiful scenery.

Join the Bike Outreach team for a FREE tour of the protected bike routes. Tours depart from the Old Strathcona Farmer Market at 10 am every Saturday this Summer. Tours start June 1 and will be offered throughout the Summer until Sept 28th. Enjoy the outdoors while learning about the protected bike routes and how to get around the city’s core. Register today!

Edmonton Bike Plan

Join the City of Edmonton’s Bike Plan for an interactive workshop in June. You’ll have a chance to share your experience with biking in Edmonton and what you’d like to see in the future. Learn more at edmonton.ca/bikeplan.

Want to learn more about Bike Month and what's happening? Go to edmonton.ca/bikemonth for other great ways to get involved!