Last night I went on my first bike ride in #ldnont in probably 20+ years. Here's my experience.
I went after dinner, around 7:30. I figured traffic would be considerably lighter. I live in Merwin/Carling Heights between Oxford and Cheapside Streets. Always traffic.

To get to the closest bike lane, I had to ride about 2 blocks to Cheapside. There are no barriers, just paint. Traffic wasn't bad. There are a lot of 4 ways stops, drivers don't care about you when you arrive. They will pull out in front of you even though it is your turn to go.

Stopped at Adelaide and Cheapside. A car is half way in the bike lane. Not sure why, as he has his own lane but there he is. Remember, no barriers, just paint. Cross Adelaide to discover there is no more bike lane. It's me, a bus route, cars and nowhere to ride safely.

Feeling very unsafe, I am forced onto the empty sidewalk til William Street, where I turn because I wanted to get off the sidewalk and be away from heavy traffic. To my delight, I discovered the TVP. Took a left and headed down the paved path. In a word, it was awesome.

Followed the TVP to the parks and turned around back to William Street and Cheapside. Ventured down Cheapside without the bike lane. Heavy cracks and chunks of missing asphalt with cars at my ankle meant nowhere to go and a very dangerous trip. The bike lane southbound on

Cheapside was even worse. Potholes, sewer grates, patches, crumbled roadway are a blowout waiting to happen. I spent more time riding standing then sitting on my seat. I rode 10km. If I had to score it, the accessibility and safety would get a 3/10. I would love to ride

my bike to work. There are no bike lanes or barriers that could get me downtown without crossing numerous streets and neighbourhoods to find them. There's nothing consistent. Paint on a road isn't a bike lane to drivers. It's something that catches the corner of their eye.

I love riding my bike. It brings me immense joy. There's a freedom to it that it difficult to put into words. It could be a very convenient option for commuting for me if it were safe to do so. Sadly, I don't see this happening any time soon here in #ldnont.

I shouldn't have to work up courage to ride my bike in my own neighbourhood or explore my city. It should be a natural and obvious choice. It's a game of chance for cyclists. Between drivers and poor infrastructure you really do take a significant risk on our streets. #ldnont