Introduction

• Author: Christopher Waters
• Pages: 1-10

introduction » 1

chapter 1

Introduction

Bicycles have been a feature of Canadian lives and roadways since

the nineteenth century.1 But there is no doubt that we are witnessing

a new cycling boom in the twenty-rst century. Bicycles are widely

used today by Canadians for commuting to work and school, travel,

exercise, leisure, 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 hel-

met laws, and proposals for amendments to existing trac laws to

increase safety for cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Muni-

cipalities are incrementally improving cycling infrastructure and

bicycle routes, while legislatures debate legal reforms to acknow-

ledge the needs and status of cyclists. Manufacturers are enjoying

a boom in the sales and manufacture of bicycles and cycling equip-

ment. The sport of cycling has become not only popular entertain-

ment, but also a common pastime for an increasing number of

amateur cyclists. On top of bike racing and cycling-related sporting

disciplines such as triathlons, organized bicycle tours and rides,

charity rides, and other mass participant rides are popular. The

pandemic hastened the rise in cycling as individuals and progres-

sive communities realized that cities and road hierarchies could be

reimagined in greener, safer, and more equitable ways. It is also true

that more bicycles on the road have led to more conicts between

cyclists and other users. All road users (so, virtually all of us) will