The Globe and Mail published an interesting interview today with singer Dan Hill covering his thoughts on urban cycling and bike sharing. BIXI Bikes are coming to Toronto (after having first arrived in Canaada in Montreal). For a $95/year subscription (according to their website) Torontonians will be able to pick up a bike at one of eighty stations to run their errands, and drop it off at another one. Bike sharing is designed for short trips and errands, meeting short term mobility needs in an easy, convenient, and reliable manner. An elegant alternative to the ever enjoyable parking space hunt in dense, busy urban centres.
While we are long behind many European cities when it comes to this concept, it is heartening to see it advancing in Canada. It is an important step forward in making low carbon mobility a first choice for Canadians.
Will it catch on? I think Dan Hill says it best, “You can define success in a lot of ways. Every person that gets on a bike is one less person driving. Every convert you get is a success. I think it will catch on. The perfect timing, the perfect storm of environment and culture.”
Can’t wait until bike sharing comes to Vancouver.
