Introduction

• Author: Craig Forcese; Nicole LaViolette
• Pages: 1-7

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Chapter 1

Introduction

Bicycles and cycling have been a feature of Canadian lives and roadways

since the 19th century.1 But there is no doubt that we are witnessing a new

cycling boom in the 21st century. For example, commentators have repeat-

edly called cycling the “new golf,” a comparison emphasizing the extent to

which bicycle riding has become a preferred activity for movers and shakers

who traditionally populate the greens.2 For many people, however, cycling is

much more than business networking in lycra. Bicycles are widely used today

by Canadians for leisure, work, commuting, travel, exercise, and athletic

competition. They are not only a source of recreation, but for an increasing

number, a chief source of mobility.

Seemingly in direct proportion, news items regularly report on accidents

involving cyclists, the value (or not) of mandatory helmet laws, doping

scandals in professional cycling, and proposals for amendments to existing

traff‌ic laws to increase safety for cyclists. Municipalities are incrementally

improving cycling infrastructure and bicycle routes, while legislatures de-

bate legal reforms to acknowledge the needs and status of cyclists. Manu-

facturers are enjoying a boom in the sales and manufacture of bicycles and

cycling equipment. The sport of cycling, with events like the Tour de France,

has become not only popular entertainment, but also a common pastime

for an increasing number of amateur cyclists. On top of actual bike racing,

organized bicycle tours and rides, charity rides, and the latest European

import, the “Grand Fondo” or “big ride,” are now extremely popular. And

cycling-related sporting disciplines, like triathlon, have witnessed a partici-

pation explosion over the last decade.