Scariest places to cycle in Burlington - there's no way to avoid them.

Liftbridge & experienced cyclists

Cycling is good for you and your health but it is risky.  The city is building its cycling infrastructure but too often bike lanes are put where it's easy, NOT where they should be!!!

Burlington and other communities have many scary areas you must cycle through.  From the liftbridge to the overpasses where you face a risk 33 times greater than normal of being involved in a collision.

What's your scariest area to cycle in Burlington?

Check out my pictures of scary, scary cycling areas in Burlington. 

These are the areas that need to be addressed in the cycling master plan!  The sooner, the better!

Slo-pitch player sues field owner after being struck by ball

Justice James R.H. Turnbull of the Ontario Superior Court has allowed a lawsuit against Dofasco to proceed.  “There is a genuine issue of whether Dofasco did take such care in all the circumstances of the case as was reasonable to see that persons playing on the diamond in positions where they may be blinded by the sun from line drives could do so in reasonable safety,” the judge ruled. 

What's this got to do with safe cycling in Burlington?

We have made Public Works Government Services Canada aware of the dangers of cyclists and pedestrians crossing Eastport Drive at the liftbridge.  Its an accident waiting to happen - again!  In 2003 a 58 year old cyclist was killed walking his bike across Eastport to use the narrow bayside crossing. –Several cyclists have been injured (including 1 broken arm), cycling over the slippery bridge grating. 
 
MTO personnel have observed that vehicle traffic on Eastport routinely travels 15-20kph over the posted speed limits.


Does PWGSC need a lawsuit to get them to do the right thing?  Its not a question of whether the lawsuit is justified or frivolous.  Dofasco will probably spend over several hundred thousand dollars to defend it. 



In the long run, a lakeside multipurpose path benefits everyone by promoting active lifestyles, reduces health costs, increases tourism and the quality of life in the area.  Let's get it done!

As the old FRAM commercial said, "Paid me now, or pay me a lot more later!!!"

A million wasted on legals fees or a million invested in a new lakeside multipurpose path.  Its a no-brainer!

Earth Day, schools, active living & cycling

Do as I say, not as I do!

The pictures were taken at a Burlington elementary school.  You can click on the pictures for a larger image.  The school did have some bike racks located on the other side of the school but they were full.

Childhood obesity rates are increasing.  We constantly tell our kids they should be more active.  I believe schools are telling them the same message.

We need our kids to live more active lives.


Let's start practicing what we preach.  Safe bike lanes are a great start but kids need to have secure, visible bike racks at school, too!

Its great to see so many bikes at schools!!

Raising the bar - 30km of new bike path per year for 20 years

Mississauga raises the bar & proposes an ambitious target of adding 30km of bike paths per year over 20 years!


They already have 350km of bike lanes in Mississauga but they are largely in parks and not connected.


With input from 1,000 residents, the ultimate goal is to put 95% of residents within 1km of a major cycling route connected to the network!!!


For comparison purposes, Burlington has 81km of bike lanes and paths & added 4.5km in 2009.


Click on the article to read it.

Weekly Group Bike Rides geared to novice riders - improve skills & comfort levels!

As your ride captain, Coach Nancy Hastings will introduce you to local ride routes, help you improve your cycling skills and comfort level for group riding.

These weekly group rides are geared to novice riders who have an interest in triathlon and road riding.

• Depart 6pm
• Every Thursday from May 13 to August 26,2010- 16 weeks
• Timing of ride from 1 ½ to 2 hrs
• Average speed 24-30km per hour
• Requirements: road bike, sunglasses, helmet ,water bottle, spare tube ,bike pump and cell phone
• Meet location: Longos plaza parking lot at Walkers Line &Hwy #5
• Cost $40 for season( covers insurance)
• Signed wavier is required in advance
• Nobody will get” dropped “from the group ride
• http://secondwindconditioning.ca/  for details & contact info.