Have Your Say In Future Cycling Grand Designs, Toronto & Vancouver!

Hot on the heels of some terrific advancements in Toronto’s cycling infrastructure (like the recent completion of the contra-flow bike lanes on Palmerston Avenue as part of the larger Palmerston-Tecumseth Cycling Connections project, which spans 3.6 km from Dupont St to Niagara St) the City of Toronto wants your recommendations on the future of safe biking in every neighbourhood. This is an opportunity for you to provide your feedback into the development of the expanding Cycling Network plan for 2025-2027!

Fill out a short survey or use the interactive map to provide your personal contribution into the creation, necessary upgrades and study of bikeways and cycling routes throughout the city. Enthusiastic citizens can also participate in several in-person gatherings, online workshops and events geared towards an open discussion and brainstorming about all things cycling!

Of keen interest to Zygg and Zygg’s customers, there is another call for public input: 

The City of Toronto is developing a Micromobility Strategy which will include future rules for our roads, bikeways and trails, which may impact the inclusion and sustainability of e-bikes, e-scooters, cargo bikes and other small vehicles in our urban & suburban realm. Your feedback is very much welcome. The deadline for submitting your contribution to the Micromobility Strategy is December 13th, 2023.

And, cycling keeners in Vancouver are able to access infrastructure updates and ways to contribute to the expanding biking network in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia through the City of Vancouver’s Active Transportation site. Set goals for yourself in the New Year; head out on your bike or ebike and visit all the new and evolving cycling infrastructure your city has on offer.

Out friends at HUB Cycling also have a fantastic Cycling Advocacy division with local committees aimed at:

• Providing feedback on planned infrastructure

• Meeting with politicians, engineers, planners, and other staff

• Holding rides to assess cycling conditions

• Hosting and tabling events in the community

• Building allies in the community

There are regional cycling-advocacy groups in Burnaby, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver and UBC! Join one today!

Have your say #bikeTO and #bikeYVR ! Get involved, get outside, #gobybike! 

Participate in No Vehicle November!

In a world heavily reliant on automobiles, the concept of No Vehicle November might sound radical to some, but to Zygg, an innovative eBike subscription service, it's an opportunity to showcase the transformative power of electric bikes. The month-long initiative is not just about abstaining from traditional cars; it's a celebration of sustainable alternatives. Zygg is supporting No Vehicle November as we believe that electric bikes are one of the best methods out there to replace car trips.

What is No Vehicle November?

 No Vehicle November (NVN for short) is an initiative to encourage people to:

1. Not use their vehicle(s) during the month,

2. Plan activities using alternative and active transportation, and

3. Share their experience with friends and family along the way

When we say “No Vehicles” what do we mean? 

This means you will not plan to use your vehicle, whether owned, leased, rented, or hired during the challenge. Carpooling is the only acceptable use of vehicles during the month, as it reduces the number of cars on the roads. Other methods of transportation accepted as part of the challenge include: walking, public transit, trains, bikes, electric mobility devices (e-bikes, scooters, etc.), and anything else that you need to get around your cities that isn’t a vehicle.

Why is NVN important?

The purpose of the initiative is to drive down greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. After the energy we use to run our buildings, transportation accounts for the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in cities. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a single car emits, on average, about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Although shifting consumer vehicles from combustion to electric engines is critical, even more important is the need to reduce our usage of vehicles altogether. In 2022, according to Tesla’s impact report roughly 30.7 million tons of carbon dioxide were released while manufacturing and selling their vehicles, while Ford reported emitting more than 337 million metric tons of CO2. Reducing emissions requires more than simply replacing all gas vehicles for electric. The transportation transition will require less vehicles to exist in the future for overall emissions to lower. 

How will NVN make an impact? 

To prepare for a future with less urban driving and to impact the hardest of all to change - behaviour - it is important we come together, build community around this required collective action, and challenge ourselves to drive less. By dedicating a month, week or weekend to not driving, it is possible to learn the simple tips and techniques to living without a vehicle. And the impacts are immediate, for every diverted vehicle trip carbon dioxide is not released into the atmosphere.

As the effects of climate change have already started to impact cities, our underserved communities are the first to bear the costs of too much carbon in our atmosphere. As a result, this behaviour changing challenge seeks to support those most in need and is raising funds for the Parkdale Community Food Bank in Toronto for our 2023 campaign.

How do I get involved?

If you are interested in participating, please let us know you’re up for the challenge by following and sharing on Instagram @NoVehicleNovember and by joining our Strava club. You will receive  tips and stories from others in the community in your feed, and share kudos with fellow NVNers on Strava. If you like the idea and want to show your support, still follow along on Instagram or donate to help the most impacted individuals from climate change in our cities.  

Engage with like-minded organizations and individuals, help encourage the usage of alternative and active, low carbon methods of transportation, such as walking, biking, public transit, and other micro-mobility options.

Cold Weather Biking Tips From Super-Cool Toronto Cyclists

Zygg Ebikes gathered a team of top biking enthusiasts to inspire you to stay in the saddle and keep on rolling through the autumn and winter months. We asked three simple questions:

• What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?

• What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?

• What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?

And wow, they were so generous in sharing their experience and advice! Thank you, all.

Colin Campbell

Associate Director of Partnerships at the University of Toronto’s Climate Positive Energy Initiative, Colin works to bring expertise from across the university to help solve the technical and social challenges of decarbonization. 

“I love the control and impact I can have from deciding to bike, walk or take public transit over driving a vehicle. I used to pack the bike in the fall, residing in the comforts of home to settle in to exercise off the bike trainer. It wasn't until the 2022/2023 season when I decided to challenge my family (wife, three daughters and our dog, Bob) to a No Vehicle November, which quickly led to a winter of active transportation for myself through the winter.” 

What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling in the winter?

“ Keep your feet warm - a good pair of winter boots and wool socks are critical, more important than the efficiency of clipping in and booty covers. Cycling in my Sorel 1964 Pac Winter Boots and Smartwool socks was extremely comfortable.

“Keep your hands warm - a good pair of mittens is key. I find it’s warmer when all your fingers can touch :) I've yet to try those covers that stay on the bike, but I really like the ability to keep my hands warm from the moment I leave the house to arriving wherever the destination may be. I'm open to trying alternatives that don't restrict braking and gear shifting.”

“Choose the right bike - something with a little more weight than your road cyclist is typically after and a wider tire, both to help with improved stability. Last year, I rode on the Velec Citi 350 Step Through, and this year I'll be giving the Yuba FastTrack e-cargo bike a go, which should make doing grocery store visits and volunteering with the Parkdale Community Food Bank a little easier.”

What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?

“The crisp and cool air. As a recently converted cooler month cyclist, I now want to show others that riding into the new year is possible and can be enjoyable.”

What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?

“Knowing that I'm not contributing to the release of carbon emissions. Being outside - if I’m not going to be out cross country skiing, the opportunity to spend more time outdoors on a bike keeps the darker time of the year more uplifting.”

Lanrick Bennett Jr.

As Toronto’s First Bicycle Mayor, Lanrick is one of the most visible, vocal (and nicest!) community organizers, who strives to enliven the city’s public realm. He is presently the Executive Director for a not-for-profit in Toronto called Charlie’s Free Wheels.

What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?

“ I'm all about layers. On Top: My baselayer is a t-shirt that wicks away sweat. I have a sweatshirt or sweater and a light or heavy jacket as my top layer. I wear a balaclava for temps under -15C, above, a regular scarf does fine. On Bottom: Windproof Thermal Pants, wool socks, winter riding gloves and hiking boots.”

What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?

“I enjoy riding through parks and trails that are used a little less in the winter. My favorite spot is heading out to Tommy Thompson Park, which I probably ride more in the winter than in the summer.” 

What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?

“This will be my third winter riding with The Bike Brigade so that is my motivation to push through. People are still in need of food. If I can help, I will.”

Robin Richardson

An advocate for safe, active transportation, Robin is the founder of Happy Fiets Canada, a rental service for electric city, family, and cargo bikes. She is the co-lead of Kidical Mass Toronto, and is the spokesperson for Yonge4All, a grassroots organization working towards a complete street design for Yonge Street. Robin is also a volunteer with The Bike Brigade.

What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?

 “ A big warm scarf. It doesn't matter how well you dress your body; if the cold air is hitting your face - and your lungs! - you are going to be chilled. I wrap the scarf over my nose, mouth, and neck, then crossover behind and bring the ends back in front to tie at my collar. If I warm up from the exertion of pedaling, it's easy to pull it down or unwrap it and stash it in a bag until it's needed again.”

What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months? 

“ I enjoy the camaraderie with other winter cyclists. It feels like we are in on a secret: winter cycling isn't actually very difficult, but it does make you feel like a superhero! And there's nothing like a warm drink after coming in from a cold ride.”

What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter? 

“ I used to put my bike away when the temperatures dropped, but I found I felt tired and cranky from spending too much time in the car. My mental and physical health have greatly improved since I made the decision to keep riding year-round!”

Dave Edwards

Dave is an entrepreneur and small business owner who captures great visuals of his journeys through Toronto and other awesome cities via bike, ebike, cargo bike….any bike!

What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?

“For me, my standard winter riding kit includes a pair of thick wool socks (I love the JB Fields Super Wool Hiker GX Socks), Pearl Izumi Lobster Gloves to keep my fingers warm, and a balaclava that I can wear under my helmet. Keeping my neck and ears warm is extremely important to me. On days with extreme cold, I'll sometimes throw on some ski goggles to give my face some extra protection. Handlebar mitts,  or "Pogies", to keep your hands protected from the wind can be a life saver.” 

Those are my standard winter cycling items, but last year I discovered Duer All-Weather Denim Jeans and I wore them constantly. They are waterproof and windproof, and easily pass for "regular" jeans. They are perfect for winter riding.”

What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?

“For years I put my bike away in late October or early November. Once I got used to riding year round, I felt like I had been let in on a little secret that not everyone knows about. I almost feel like I am getting away with something. It's something I never thought I would do regularly (ride year round), but now that I do, I can't imagine stopping.”

What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?

“Honestly, what keeps me motivated to ride is the practicality of cycling in general. With all of the construction around Toronto, I can almost always get to my destination faster by bike than by car. The same can be said for most TTC trips. Cycling gives me freedom of movement, and I don't want to lose that just because it is cold. As long as the roads are clear, all I have to do is dress appropriately. 

NOTE: Whenever I speak about winter cycling, I always remind people that it doesn't have to be "all or nothing". You don't have to bike through massive snow storms or any time that you feel uncomfortable. Experiment with short trips on routes you know well and trust. Try out different clothing options. See what works for you and build on that! 

For me, I started winter cycling using Bike Share bikes - that way I didn't feel forced to keep riding if the conditions worsened. “

Valerie

Valerie is an elementary school teacher whose dedication extends into the broader community with her support of Dinner with Dignity, CAMH, and the award winning local paper West End Phoenix. Valerie has been a Zygg ebike rider since September 2020, making her one of the longest Zygg subscribers in Toronto! Of course we had to ask her for her tips!

What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling? 

“Always mitts, down vest, flannel jacket and thin cashmere hat under my helmet. If it's super cold I'll add a Gore-Tex jacket layer and shell pants. I've also gone so far as to wear a ski helmet with goggles. I suppose of these items the essential ones are the mitts and thin hat under my helmet.”

What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?

“Less riders. And the fact that you warm up pretty quick while riding so it's really not so bad at all.”

What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?

“Avoiding my car and the TTC keeps me motivated to ride in the winter.”

Souhail

Originally from Tunisia, Souhaiel first came to Canada as a student. He now holds down an office job in Toronto and is a Zygg ebike subscriber who works part-time as a bike food delivery rider.

What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?

“My go to essential accessory…. no doubt, a good jacket. Any down jacket will work perfectly. Otherwise, if you are looking for a specific brand, I will recommend Canada Goose as it provides quality plus efficiency. It is expensive but it is worth the money you are paying. You could always get something cheaper from Sportchek or Winners as they have a variety of brands that could bring similar results. FYI: You can always layer!”

What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months ?

“Riding in the cold is a great way to clear my mind and it is simply a stress reliever. I just love riding my bike around the city while grabbing a warm coffee and enjoying the scenery.”

What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter ?

“After an office shift, nothing could match a nice ride around the city to relieve stress and earn some extra money. “