Last spring when the pandemic first hit and public transit began to feel like a no-go (a privilege in and of itself), I decided to borrow my mom’s old 1980’s cruiser bike that had been languishing in the garage for years. I needed something for getting around town, and despite my trepidation to start riding around the city, I went for it.
I ended up loving the freedom it gave me, how I was no longer at the mercy of TTC routes, schedules, and frequent delays. The bike itself was less than ideal; it was clunky, difficult to ride up hills and impossible for me to carry upstairs to our apartment, but I loved biking in principle. At the end of last year I invested in a brand new bike and it arrived at the end of May. I’ve been loving my first few weeks with it, and not only is it super cute, but I can actually carry it up the stairs (a feat in itself).
There really is a joy that comes with biking, and riding around downtown isn’t near as scary as I anticipated it would be. It’s opened up a world of childlike fun for me this summer, from exploring new parks in distant neighbourhoods, to the rush of endorphins after an evening ride by the lake. I think there’s also a confidence and independence aspect to biking as well. I used to be so nervous about the concept of riding around, especially downtown where it’s congested and drivers aren’t always paying the best attention. But the confidence that’s come with being able to get myself around using my own two legs has been an unexpected by-product.
The practical transportation aspects aside, I also think there’s something a little romantic about riding a bike, the wind through your hair and the sidewalks whizzing by. Amsterdam is a favourite city of mine because of how bike-friendly it is, and I think Toronto has a long way to go in terms of how car-centric it is. But biking has given me a whole new perspective on the city, and I love all the little pockets I’ve been able to find.
Now that the weather’s really warmed up and patios have returned, I’m envisioning a lot more socializing in my future this summer, and it’s nice to be able to get myself around and do something for the sheer joy of it.
Linen shirt – & Other Stories; Wide-leg jeans – Aritzia (old season, similar linked); Sandals – Vince (old season); Claw clip – Machete; Backpack – Fjällräven Känken (old colour)