can't help it: from cyclist's perspective/bikeability when visiting new places

[shootingstar]

You know you've crossed the threshold of cycling embedded into your life/lifestyle:

When you visit a new city, region, or country, you can't help but start to casually assess a place for cycling/bikeability. The quality and grades of the roads/paths, traffic patterns, places for cyclists to easily stop to do stuff and whether or not, there any signs of people cycling around or walking casually around with their bikes.

And I'm talking about just walking around a place or being in a car.



*In Toronto, a place I just returned from visiting (and once lived for 25 yrs.), now only visit once a year --it's really noticeable the volume of cyclists has increased. Bike racks usually completely or half full downtown, lots of non-spandex folks on bikes (a real indicator of some culture change).

*And looking at photos of Montreal where dearie was a few days ago: I had forgotten how walkable and bikeable it was in the core of the city. (And how European in ambience/architecture.)

*In a suburban city 30 km. west of Toronto, where I visited a friend, I couldn't help but assess the distance of friend's neighbourhood from lakefront bike-path, commuter train station, stores, etc.

*And even where I live, new neighbourhoods where I've never cycled, my brain can't help but wonder where can cyclists safely bike, can park their bike, etc.

I wonder if I will ever lose that perspective.

[Bike Writer]

It's so true, I find myself doing something similar. Since I've started biking a few years ago I really pay attention and notice other bicis and considering the municipal background I really pay attention to infrastructure.

[emily_in_nc]

Absolutely - we do the same thing everywhere we go!

[shootingstar]

Have also been curious about the city where I grew up.. in terms of local cycling. It may be slightly more representative (sort of). A medium-sized city by now (100,000), with 2 universities and a college.

But still, I was dismayed after they redesigned the downtown core (we lived a 10 min. away from it) in the past decade, to be more pedestrian friendly, etc., it doesn't look like it's encouraging much change in that way nor for cyclists. Aerial shots of huge freakin' parking lots downtown from local advocacy group.

Horrible that I am...but I now judge "progress" of a city/town for its walkability at the very least. (Cycleability is still a stretch for many places in North America.)

[colorisnt]

I usually do this now. I definitely did this in Manchester when I was there this summer. I went to bike shops, looked at cyclists going around in the rain, asked about transportation options. Buses accept bikes no problem. Bike lanes and paths are very common and it's rather flat. If you can handle the weather, it looks awesome. Ottawa was another place I really looked at (mainly because if I moved somewhere, it'd be Canada). Lots and LOTS of paths, tons of cyclists, bike parking, bike share, you name it. I am going up there for work in a week and a half and I'm psyched. Bringing the bike! Also gonna ride in Toronto (less bike-friendly but also fun). Can't wait to do the path around the canal in Ottawa and cross over into QC just to say I've ridden "across" province!

[shootingstar]

Hope you enjoy Ottawa...I've been there twice by bike and also cycled in the Gatineau area. If at all possible, consider Montreal.

Where in Toronto will you be staying, colorisnt?