People who can’t afford cars or don’t want to use them are also deserving citizens. For example, children should have priority in a city too. They should be able to walk and bike to school and around their neighbourhoodsin safety. Their parents shouldn’t have to fear that their child might get hit by a car while engaging in this normal, healthy, social activity. Teenagers, as well, should be able to get to work or socialize independently of their parents. They shouldn’t have to rely on mom or dad simply because it is too unsafe to reach their destination except by car or too time consuming to reach it by public transit.

The trouble with Guelph is that, like so many cities, it subscribes to zoning laws that are designed around the car. Because the city is divided into sections depending on specific uses, citizens are forced to work in one part of the city, play in another, shop in another, and meet medical needs in yet part of the city. Add unprotected bike lanes on to that, and it seems pretty obvious to me as to why there aren’t a whole lot of people embracing cycling as their primary mode of transportation.

All is not lost, though. Despite the odds, Guelph really isn’t a bad city to cycle in. I find it fairly safe, especially since I figured out how to get around on mostly quiet roads and bike lanes. I find motorists, for the most part, are used to cyclists and give me a wide enough berth. And of course, where I do find it intimidating to ride, such as riding down Edinburgh or Victoria Road (busy streets in my town), there is always the sidewalk—shhhh, don’t tell the police! Furthermore, because of our large, active, and socially aware university student population, I’m not alone cycling on the roads.

And Guelph is working towards becoming more bicycle friendly. Our city council has approved a Cycling Master Plan that should continue to connect Guelph via a broad range of on and off road bicycle lanes throughout the city. It has already installed a separated multi-use path along the busy Woodlawn Road. In order for an 8 year old child or a 70 year old grandmother to take to the bike lanes, however, we will have to have either more protected bike lanes, or slower speed limits for cars. Let’s hope that the city stays on target and proves that it is committed to the idea that cycling is a viable form of public transportation.

Will this happen? I don’t know. But for me, this biking adventure has really opened my eyes to the transportation difficulties of those who don’t drive. It has made me more socially aware. I’m glad to say that bike riding and walking have irrevocably changed my view of how cities should serve their residents. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to run another errand on my bicycle.

(Top photo by Adam Coppola photography)