Q: What is your connection to McGill University?
I am the Science Outreach Coordinator of the Redpath Museum.
Q: How long have you been commuting by bicycle?
I've been commuting by bike during the warm months since 1981, and all year round since the ice-storm of 1998. It was the only way to get around! There were no buses, it was nearly impossible to walk anywhere — but I put a pair of studded tires on my bike and I was fine.
Q: How long is your commute?
About 6–8 kilometers. I've never measured it.
Q: Any thoughts on the difference between summer and winter cycling?
One thing I've noticed about winter cycling is that drivers are less aggressive. They drive slower, they're dealing with the same difficult conditions that you are — they're really the least of your worries!
Q: What does it take for you to trade your U-lock for a metro ticket?
A flat tire! My entire bike is so filthy and the work is so unpleasant in the cold — I'll happily pay someone $25 to change my tire in the winter.
Q: What is the best part of commuting by bicycle?
Hmmm. I really love the sensuality of it — the feeling of the wind, the feeling of flying along without really having to work for it. I also love not having to think! I don't worry about parking — I just get on my bike and the next thing I know I've arrived.
Q: The worst part?
The worst part? Hmmm. I can't think of anything! [After much prompting:] I have seen some really hostile exchanges between drivers — people coming right up to someone's window and yelling at them. Those are unforgettable and make me uncomfortable.
Q: If you could put one cycling-related law into effect -- what would it be? Why?
I would like to see easier access to bicycles. Something like the free services that have been put in place in other cities. I would also like to see more protection for bikes with respect to bike theft. Theft in the downtown area seems really high.
Q: Piece of bike gear you can't live without?
Those little lights from MEC! You recommended that I try one back at the Redpath Museum Christmas party, and I ended up receiving one as a gift from every member of my family! So now I've got plenty. That's okay, they're great!
Q: Favourite route on the island of Montreal?
I really like… [Ingrid has a lot of favourites! We agreed to feature one of the more surprising routes available to Montrealers — a dedicated trail that takes you right into Ottawa!]
You can take the commuter train to the Vaudreuil station, putting your bikes in the front car of the train. From there, you ride 15km to town of Rigaud and meet up with the Prescott-Russell trail 500m from the town info centre. The trail is a converted railway and passes through mostly agricultural land. We saw tons of butterflies and frogs — that sort of thing. We left in the morning, rode about 98 kilometers, and rolled in to Ottawa at 10 pm. A very pleasant route.
http://www.canadatrails.ca/tct/on/prescott.html
http://www.prescott-russell.on.ca/sentier-trail/frames_en.html
Q: Any advice for bushy-tailed students new to cycling in the city?
Yes, I do have some advice for bushy-tailed students — I was once one myself! I started out very cautiously, trying to stick to the sidewalk and to quiet side streets. I think I was taught to be shy about being on the roads on a bicycle. Now I know that we need to take our place on the roads! You are a driver operating a vehicle, and you have as much a right to the road as any other driver. My advice is don't be afraid, take your place, and be proud!
