I’m a member of the Toronto Cyclists Union. At the Toronto International Bicycle Show I volunteered with the Union and had a fantastic time speaking with Bike Show attendees about the issues facing all cyclists on Toronto’s streets. This was the first time I’d met Yvonne and listening to her speak passionately about cycling and cyclists was an inspiration. Advocating for cycling in Toronto can be as simple as using your bicycle as often as possible and, while doing so, setting a positive example for all cyclists.
Learn more about the Toronto Cyclists Union and become a member at http://bikeunion.to
Now, I haven’t seen too many bicycle commercials, but there does seem to be a trend emerging. No hyped-up voice overs. No fancy-font tag lines. Just people on bikes, riding like regular people on bicycles do.
In addition to skeleton and figure skating and snowboard cross and freestyle skiing there’s a lot of cycling happening in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic Games.
Bike Hugger has been blogging from the events and have just posted a short video including footage from the 1st Annual Vancouver Tweed Ride and shots of urban cyclists downtown.
My French is pretty terrible, but the visuals in the video blow are certainly clear enough.
While many could see this as why cycling is dangerous, I believe that this video illustrates the need to re-imagine city streets and change a collective attitude concerning public space. In Toronto, I have noticed that drivers will rarely double-park. They will drive up on sidewalks, block bike lanes and park on the grass, but never will I see someone block in another car. How messed up is that logic? How disrespectful is that behaviour? And how much does this illustrate that a hulking mass of steel and rubber can dominate our public space?
Cycling is not a dangerous activity. Unattentive, selfish and careless individuals make our public spaces dangerous for everyone.
I’m at odds over fixie culture. Sure, it’s great that bicycles are receiving so much attention from young trend setters (or followers, be that as it may). But, laying a big skid mark isn’t really a “trick” or “cool.” Maybe, when I was 5, sure, skids were cool. But now, when I know that skid just significantly reduced the lifespan of a $50 or more tire… well, waste isn’t “cool” in my books.
And, when it comes to racing through traffic and ignoring all rules of the road… give me a break. As someone who has been involved in “extreme” sports for more than 15 years, I can tell you that if what you’re doing poses major risks to people who are not involved with you… then your behaviour is simply reckless and irresponsible. I may have put my life on the line for a stunt or two and been kicked out of more spaces than I can remember, but not once was anyone other than myself at risk of serious injury. When you blow between cars and act like the road is your own personal obstacle course this isn’t “sport,” it’s foolish.
That said, this commercial for Hutchinson tires is really pretty:
This video was created by Streets are for People! in honour of activist group the Urban Repair Squad. Directed by Michael Louis Johnson, the film played on the small screen (a vintage TV set) as part of the Creative Activism exhibit at the Toronto Free Gallery, the Actions exhibit at the Canadian Centre for Architecture, and enjoyed it’s big screen debut in New York City at the 2009 Bicycle Film Festival.
In addition to skeleton and figure skating and snowboard cross and freestyle skiing there’s a lot of cycling happening in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic Games.
Joe T.
Duncan H