A response to the e-bike poll of the Bike Union

I was reading through the responses to the bike union's e-bike poll. The bike union has taken the stance against e-bikes, even though the position is vague, as strict regulations already exist. On page 7 of the excel document, I found this eloquent response:

"The questions in this 'survey' were very leading and biased. I have met several disabled people who wish they could be cyclists but are limited by mobility issues. They enjoy cycling for the same reason we do: it's kinder to the environment, more affordable and a more joyful experience. However, they don't get to enjoy the sense of community and camaraderie that we enjoy due to some really nasty prejudice. Many of these cyclists pedal when they are able and use the their battery as a back-up. The power assisted bike provide relief when needed, and helps when climbing inclines.

I met one of these such individuals at the Bells on Bloor ride. She was out riding in support of the implementation of bike lanes, yet was being shouted at left and right by other cyclists and was actually told to leave. Over the course of the ride, she was forced to explain her situation over and over again. She calmly explained that she wanted more than anything to be a cyclist. She cares about the environment - in fact she traded in her car for her power assisted bike -she's doing the best she can, but she is still treated with disrespect from cyclists. I feel like it's pretty silly to turn away a large and growing group of people who support our cause. They're in the same boat as we are, they just want safer less car-monopolized streets.

I'm a cyclists Union member, and a cycling advocate. Can we discuss something more productive now?"

I think that I met the same woman on that ride, and I recall how she wanted to take part in the good that cyclists do, but was unable to do so due to an ailment.

I won't begrudge someone a small electric motor if they want it to do their best to be good to the environment and to their neighbours.

Bells on Bloor - 2009

This years Bells on Bloor ride was a load of fun. The city'll be installing a little over 4 Km of bike lanes on Bloor this year (supposedly), and they are doing a study on doing bike lanes on the whole thing. We're making progress.

If you're interested in really cool things, check out the big version of my stitched image of the large group of cyclists at Queen's Park.