I have been cycling for…

I have been cycling for several years now, and have successfully started commuting to work 2-3 days per week. I also participate in gran fondo's around the province. I cycle for several reasons:

1. Supports healthy lifestyle (mental and physical)
2. Allows me to maintain optimal health to be able to support my young family
3. Increases my productivity at work significantly the days I ride
4. I feel good after I ride.
5. I like leaving the car behind (less cost, and lowers carbon foot print)

There are a several deficiencies which need to be addressed that make cycling a challenge:

1. The infrastructure, while growing, remains limited in suburban areas such as the 905 belt
2. People's attitudes and behaviors must change. Twice this year separate pick up trucks have pulled up beside me and sworn and cursed at me to "get off the road" that I didn't belong there.....while in a dedicated cycling lane. While this annoys me, as an intermediate cyclist, I brush this off.

These are both real barriers to entry and must be addressed for the safety of cyclist, drivers, and pedestrians, as well as to encourage the healthy lifestyle cycling can provide.

[Original Comment ID: 209168]