Think ‘inter-modal’ on Car Free Day with the help of Google Maps, GPS and BikesandTransit.com
Golden Horseshoe, GTA and Toronto // Regional cycling advocate Donald Wiedman is using popular internet technologies in his efforts to entice people out of their cars and into combining bikes and transit. He hopes to boost local tourism and - hopefully this Wednesday - to help people get to work.
BikesandTransit.com promotes cycling on nearby trails, bikeways and safe streets, by combining two-wheel transportation with transit. The website features some 20 transit departure points across Toronto, Durham, Burlington, Hamilton and Grimsby – there’s even a new Niagara Bike Wine Route. In 2010 GPS tracks and Google maps have been added to help people find their way more easily.
“By using the website, cyclists can enjoy safe rides in nature and discover some spectacular scenery just minutes from home,” says Donald. “We so often go to Europe with our bikes by plane, and get around there by combining train and ferry. It’s about time we start to do the same here at home.”
Bike route maps on BikesandTransit.com are shown in ‘satellite view’ so one can be easily attracted to our great local green spaces. Maps can printed-up, or downloaded to your phone or Garmin personal navigator. The site includes many waterfront trails, and a few ravine and rail trail rides. There is also a route mapped out along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment between Grimsby and Hamilton.
Next spring, Donald will add to the site a pilot page promoting the use of Hamilton (HSR) city buses and bike racks for locals to reach and cycle the Hamilton waterfront and greenbelt atop the Escarpment.
"There’s no doubt we have to change our transportation habits, quickly." says Donald. “I see only 10 or 12 bikes on average parked at area transit stations every morning. There could so easily be over 100.” Barriers such as the 401 and QEW however, and hurried and careless rush hour motorists, stop commuter cyclist in their tracks. But the infrastructure is there – thanks to recent investments and upgrades for cycling by transit across the region.
“We need to use these new bike lanes, bike racks and bike shelters to show our governments we appreciate their investment and are willing to change our commuter habits. For starters, people should try an evening or weekend leisurely bike ride on one of our spectacular waterfront trails or ravine bikeways – it’s fast, easy and great for the environment.”
“Here’s hoping,” he concludes, “that someday 100 people show up at every major transit stop across Toronto, the GTA, Hamilton and Niagara looking to park their bike! That would be gridlock of the agreeable kind!”
For more information:
Wiedman Communications - 647 669 0461
