How long have you been riding a bike?

I remember being on the back of my Mom’s bike when I was two or three, so I guess I’ve been riding forever! My dad is Dutch and we all know how much the Dutch like their bikes! I always had a bike growing up and have fond memories of riding with my parents around the military base in Calgary that was our neighbourhood. Later, I remember it was a big thrill when I was allowed to ride with friends to the Fish Creek Provincial Park that was close to home, for a swim in the lake.

At university in Edmonton, my roommate and I decided to ride to classes all winter. It was a long walk to the bus stop, and a slow bus ride. Biking took less time than the bus so I bought a mountain bike and bundled up. It felt like freedom to avoid bus stops and schedules. As a result, we met some guys who were living in residence and tried out trail riding with them.

That mountain bike followed me around the country for many years. It led to various friendships that in turn led to various enjoyable experiences including experiments with triathlons, gravel biking on the Great Trail, and road riding to various small towns. I had a fun summer working for Somersault, the triathlon sponsoring organization in 2006, helping others enjoy the challenge of combining riding with running and swimming.

What do you enjoy most about cycling?

Cycling makes me feel good! I enjoy the fresh air and exercise when I’m commuting, the physical and mental challenge of mountain biking, and the long slow burn of road riding.

I started riding with another woman last summer, and I love how we challenge and inspire each other. There’s nothing like peer pressure to never miss a ride!

Women’s mountain biking has exploded in this city as well, thanks to women led groups such as the Ottawa Mountain Bike Chicks, and female skills instructors. It’s a sport that’s become more and more inclusive thanks to these amazing leaders. I love to see girls on wheels – especially when they are being encouraged by their moms! The atmosphere is collegial and supportive.

What are the biggest changes you have seen in the last 10 years when it comes to cycling in Ottawa?

Infrastructure has grown and it keeps growing, and that makes me happy! I love that many office buildings and retail stores have bike parking and that so many people are using bikes as transportation.

Recreational cycling has exploded and the amount of mountain biking trails keeps growing. The NCC has added many trails in Gatineau Park, and Larose Forest has carved out many kilometers of trails that are highly accessible to newbies and families.

What is your favorite cycling memory?

When I moved back to Ottawa in 2010 from Regina, I joined a dating website. The best response I got was from a keen cyclist so we met up for a bike ride to Aylmer. We were aiming for a grocery store but it was closed, so we sat by the river for a chat and the rest is history. We are still together, planning cycling weekends and vacations, when we can, and enjoying commuting in between.

What was/is your biggest challenge?  And how did you overcome it?

I like the technical challenges of mountain biking. You have to plan strategy for completing major features. When you complete the challenge, the rush is amazing!

Do you have a favorite path or route to bike in Ottawa?

I love that you can ride endlessly in this city without really having to ride in traffic. When I commute, I ride the Canal paths. Getting on my bike at the end of the day is so nice, especially when I see the crowded buses and streets. I have a new job which will be downtown when we return to the office, and I’m looking forward to exploring a new commuting route.

I really like the Watts Creek section of the NCC pathway, from Moodie Drive to March road. It is lovely and tree lined, and we always try include it when we do longer rides. Also, it connects with the Great Trail (formerly Trans Canada Trail). When I want an easy ride in the forest to clear my head, I tend to go east to Larose Forest. When I’m in the mood for some heart pounding climbs, I love the trails in the Gatineau Park.

What inspires you?

The simple form and function of the bicycle has inspired me as an artisan. I have a small screen-printing shop called Dutch Bike Printing Co, which came out of my search for images of bikes on things. It was difficult to find an “anatomically correct” bike tee – most images were either cartoonish or just plain wrong, so I started working with actual bike images and manipulated them for printing on t-shirts and other apparel. One of my first images was a fat bike taken from a photo, so it looked like something a fat biker would actually ride.

I have some silly images of bikes too – like a moose riding a mountain bike, and an elephant balancing on a Penny Farthing. I play with images from nature too – it’s hard not be inspired by the forests I ride in.

I’m currently playing with text and graphical elements for my new spring designs, and I trying to come up with a women’s mountain bike design for the women who inspire me to pedal harder!

You can find my designs on my website at dutchbikeprinting.com

How long have you been riding a bike?

I always had a bike when I was a kid. From a trike, to a classic 80s banana seat, to a dusty pink 18 speed Norco mountain bike, my bike was my freedom, up until about age 13. Fast forward to my move from Halifax to Ottawa almost 12 years ago. My one friend in the city told me that I better start riding a bike if I wanted to keep up with him. My Dad gifted me a red Schwinn cruiser he had won at work, and for the first year I lived here, I rode that thing everywhere, including to work!  

What do you enjoy most about cycling?

It’s still the freedom! I can travel on my own schedule, I’m not restricted by traffic, I can take scenic pathways, and it’s far less expensive than owning a car, or taking transit. The sense of camaraderie among the cycling community in Ottawa is also a big part of why I continue to ride a bike, and get involved in my community.

What have you learned about cycling that you wish you knew when you started?

I have learned what to do to make riding more comfortable; to not care what people think of my “gear”; and that I CAN do that ride, climb that hill, explore a new route, on my bike.

What are the biggest changes you have seen in the last 10 years when it comes to cycling in Ottawa?

Acceptance. More and more people are biking, which means more people are becoming aware, and accepting it as a valid mode of transportation. There have been improvements to cycling infrastructure. The Laurier, and O’Connor bike lanes didn’t exist when I moved here. The Flora footbridge is a game-changer for people on foot and wheels. More and more people are getting involved in grassroots support of more sustainable choices.

What is your favorite cycling memory?

It’s hard to choose! The first time I rode to Hogs Back Falls with my friend. The time I thought trying to jump my Schwinn over the curb on Beechwood Ave to avoid a bus was a good idea (spoiler – it was not). Inviting 3 of my favorite friends on an epic 35km birthday bike ride last year, ending at the Tavern on the Falls for snacks and beverages, as it was the only activity I could think of that was enjoyable, and Covid-safe.

What was/is your biggest challenge? And how did you overcome it?

Physically – hills! I just go slow on hills, or find another route! And weather wise the biggest challenge was learning what combo of outerwear needed for year-round riding.

Do you have a favorite path or route to bike in Ottawa?

The Ottawa River pathway. Beautiful views, and most separated from drivers. Plus, Beachconers Ice Cream Shop!

What inspires you?

The #ottbike community I’ve found through social media. I saw women my age (north of 40) biking their kids to school, commuting during winter, going on adventures with friends by bike, bike camping, advocating for safer streets, and generally just offering other representations of the cycling community other than fit men in lycra. Seeing people happily cycling in Ottawa all winter long inspired me to resurrect the old Schwinn (which was replaced with a Raleigh commuter bike after a year!) for my first winter of riding, 2019/2020. This year was my second full winter riding, and I don’t see that changing next winter! I continue to be inspired by this community!

I started commuting with 2 toddlers in our new cargo bike to travel to daycare then on to work a few days per week during Bike to Work Month. Both kids get very excited when they see me pull their helmets out of the closet and it is never a hassle to get out the door when they know we are ”driving the big bike”.

We chat the entire ride and I have to answer an excessive amount of “why questions” based on the many sights and sounds we experience on route. Cycling together is a great start to our day, a nice transition from work to home at the end of the day, and a huge positive influence on our mental health.

I am very grateful for the cycling infrastructure on my route and bike parking facilities at work that make it much easier to ride safely.

Photojournalist with the National Observer, Alex Tétreault is pushing the limits of moving around his photography gear to his photo shoots and assignments – all on his bike. 

Alex started commuting by bike in 2010 during school and continued through his employment at Ecology Ottawa. He gave up bike commuting for a short while after starting photography professionally while he figured out how to carry all of his gear.

Alex has committed to riding his gear-filled bike to and from work and everywhere in between. For the majority of his work he uses two 30L panniers with a combined 50-60 lbs of gear, this holds his “base kit” as he calls it. He uses this setup for everyday assignments (days on Parliament Hill, press events, etc.), and it allows him to be highly mobile while having the necessities of general photojournalism.

When the job calls for a more formal approach – either a portrait shoot or another event that requires more gear – he will bring his flashes and lighting accessories, still on his bike.

Here’s a bit of insight into Alex’s commute:

What is the main reason for biking with your gear?

There are a few reasons actually. The first one is really to step away from the car as much as possible. I was already mostly commuting by bus, but this is even better. The second one, probably equally important for me, is that with my current work life balance, I have very little time for exercising, so the most ideal way to get some of that in is through commuting, and I really need to drop a few pounds. So biking with my gear to my assignments was, and still is, logistically a bit more complicated, but it’s the best way to get that in. I’m happy to be able to reinstate this in my lifestyle. Also, no one else seems to be doing this, so that’s neat!

What is your biggest challenge and what did you do to overcome it?

I’d say the logistics of fitting it all on a bike, so finding the right gear to make it happen. It helps when you have really knowledgeable people helping you out, but for the inserts I’m using in the panniers, for example, it was a lot of trial and error, and ordering some equipment I then had to send back because it wasn’t the right fit, and I couldn’t just shop it out in a store to try. Right now, though, the biggest challenge is less about how to fit it all on a bike, but what to do with it once on location and the bike is locked away. I’m actually still working on that last part, carrying 50-60lbs of gear in panniers up Parliament Hill every day isn’t ideal. I’m trying using a camera bag instead of an insert in one of the panniers, so I can then be work ready once I lock the bike away. Not sure about leaving panniers with inserts on the bike as I lock the bike away though.

An added challenge I’d like to touch here, and I’ve not read or seen a lot about it, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who has to deal with this, are allergies. And very specifically, allergies that manifest with post-nasal drip, not necessarily the sneezing side of things. Often in the morning I have to cope with post nasal drip that is so bad that it causes me to straight up choke on my commute, forcing me to stop, take a breather, some water, blow my nose. On bad mornings it can be debilitating enough to make me throw up, and that’s such a legit factor to make someone want to stop. I want to stop it all every time it happens to me. I know I’m not alone in this, so my struggle to get to where I need to be is often not physical in nature, I don’t get too tired, I’m never not strong enough, nor do I get too winded to make it happen, but the struggle against the allergies is my biggest challenge still. Prescription allergy medication, nasal spray and daily nasal saline washes are the only things that have helped me up to now, making things much more bearable, but this time of year is just particularly horrid. Don’t give up. Take your time, plan an extra 10 minutes in your commute to just stop, breathe, drink, let it pass, and get back on that saddle. If you have the same medical issue I do, that will be your biggest hurdle.

What advice would you give to others who need to commute with a good amount of gear?

Take it slowly. Try things out. Keep at it. Things won’t work right away, and it’ll be a work in progress with a lot of trial and error to see what works for you. Also plan your day, play out the scenario of what you need to bring, where and how. Where are the bike racks, where do you leave the bike at? Is the issue weight? Length? Both? At first, you might not see time savings right away as you’ll be spending more time packing and figuring things out but keep at it. Your commute will definitely be fast, but not necessarily easier right away. That will come in time. Also, as I hinted above earlier, the most complicated part of it all might not be loading the bike and riding it, but what you do with the panniers once you get where you need to be, especially if the bike rack isn’t super close to the work place.

What inspires you?

That’s a tough one. I’m not sure really. Generally, my family, wife, daughter, doggo. For work, stories of people, humans, beyond the story at hand. For biking, the environment, doing my part, hating the car culture, #autowa, health.

Here’s how he did it:

This is his “base kit”; note how well protected the gear is before he packs it into his larger panniers!

Nice and compact – the basics fit perfectly into his two 30L MEC panniers and he’s updated to a heavy duty rack

He adds this gear for portraits and more formal jobs

Even with all of his gear it doesn’t seem like much to pull around!

With a little thought it’s easy to pack this stuff up!

His ultimate goal is to become entirely free from using his car for work,  a light trailer will solve this problem.

THE RIDE – Moving. Research. Forward

It’s time to get moving for research at The Ottawa Hospital. THE RIDE, powered by Mattamy Homes, returns on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 at Tunney’s Pasture. This is The Ottawa Hospital’s premier cycling fundraiser, which attracts hundreds of cyclists, of all levels, each year.

The Ottawa Hospital’s RIDE for research will once again inject significant funding into key research projects such as cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s, and more.

With a fundraising minimum of $750, THE RIDE will offer three options for cyclists including a 50KM closed route, 117KM open road route, and the Virtual Ride. The Virtual Ride is an ideal option for anyone wanting to participate in THE RIDE but perhaps is not available on September 9. Those cyclists can track their kilometers through THE RIDE app, while out cycling on weekends or spin classes at the gym.

Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, says the funds raised have a significant impact on the work our researchers are doing. “Our cyclists need to know the funds they raise go a long way to support research right here in Ottawa. The Ottawa Hospital leverages every $1 donated to generate up to $10 in external funding.”

Breast cancer survivor Donna Jakowec participated in THE RIDE last year for the first time. She was ready for the 2018 edition as soon as she crossed the finish line. “I felt really well taken care of because of all of the volunteers who were keeping an eye on me. I did THE RIDE on my own and I met some great people. It almost felt like I was on a team.”

THE RIDE is proud to partner with Bike to Work Month to help get residents of our community moving. It’s a wonderful way to connect with those in Ottawa with a passion for cycling and creating a healthier city for everyone.

Be sure to register for THE RIDE. You can register as an individual or create your own team! The EnviroCentre EnviroCycles are looking forward to seeing you out there!

When did you start riding a bike?

I started riding a two wheeler when I was 4 or 5.

Do you ride for pleasure, to commute, for a workout?

Mostly I ride to commute but it’s a triple benefit since I get a workout and a lot of pleasure. It’s nice to see the city at the speed of a bike. I feel more a part of it.

What is your favourite thing about cycling?

Honestly there are a few things that come to mind – pretty bikes, being faster than walking – but over the past few years my favorite thing is the amount of time I get back in my day to spend with my family by being able to leave my office and head straight home, without route transfers, traffic jams, stopping for gas, finding a parking spot. I love the feeling of the weather – the summer heat, the cool spring air. Even the winter, when I’m dressed right.

What is your biggest challenge?

Motivation, some days. It can be hard to be inspired to push up some of those hills, or to get started, until it becomes habit for the season.

What did you do to overcome it?

I remind myself how much I love the fresh air. Sometimes I use the rack-and-ride program in the mornings sometimes, and then ride home. It’s the perfect balance since by the end of the day I really feel like I need some de-stressing.

One winter I bought an electric bike, so that I could bike in assisted, and not have to wait in the cold for a ride. It was like magic. Then when I was pregnant with my last baby, I used it to help me keep cycling up until a few days before I delivered without exhausting myself. It’s awesome to be out there doing SOME of the work, but getting all of the enjoyment of the fresh air, wildlife, the smiles from neighbors. And the thing eats hills for breakfast.

If you could give advice to a brand new cycle commuter, what would it be?

Know yourself – if you want a shiny new bike, buy it. The health benefits will pay off. If you know it’s not in your budget, seek out a more budget friendly used ride- there are tons across the city waiting for homes. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it either. The world is rife with people who will give you reasons why not to. I used to bike from Hampton Park to Canterbury as a 14 year old, because the alternative was a 3-bus combo. It took the same 50 minutes but it was more direct.

I biked from Carlingwood to Place du Portage in Hull while I was pregnant, and so many people asked about my balance and about risks. I told them I mitigate it with bright colours, lights, and the fact that I’ve been cycling (on and off) since I was 5. This is not a new skill. For me, balance didn’t seem like an issue. I take up my space in my lane, and communicate with drivers by looking them in the eyes.

There are many bikes on the road every day that commute uneventfully. People get scared because the hear about the others. And as a driver, and a cyclist, I think you become a better driver around cyclists because you learn to respect that timing and space needs are different for a bike vs a car.

Tell me an interesting fact about you that has nothing to do with cycling.

I was the English tutor for one of the tallest men in the world – Michael Ri from North Korea – during his North American attempt to join the NBA. It was the only time I’ve ever felt really small, since I am 5’10 and he’s 7’10. 2 whole feet of height difference!

What inspires you?

My husband. He took time off with our daughter to raise her, and ended up training for a half-marathon. The two of them would go running together. He’s a great role model.

When did you start riding a bike?

The first time I rode a bike was when I was about 8 years old. We lived on a hobby farm just outside Val Cartier village in Quebec City and I decided to try my Mom’s big bike…it didn’t go very well, as it was way too big for me. We moved to Ottawa when I was 10 and my parents bought me my very own banana seat bike! I was thrilled and was always out on my bike.

Do you ride for pleasure, to commute, for a workout?

I do ride for pleasure, and I also commute to work during the summer months. Every ride is pretty much a workout for me, as I am very competitive. I completed my first Triathlon in 2010 (Esprit Sprint Triathlon, Montreal QC). I have also done a bike tour in Tuscany, Italy with @Duvine

What is your favourite thing about cycling?

I love the freedom I have while cycling, and the healthy lifestyle it brings to my life. When I am commuting, it’s such a joy to get back on the bike at the end of the day.

What is your biggest challenge?

Sometimes the biggest challenge is my deafness. I cannot wear my hearing aids while I cycle as the moisture causes issues and they can sometimes stop working. I don’t always hear cyclists or cars that come up behind me.

What did you do to overcome it?

I am very alert and aware of my surroundings and I always wear my Safety vest – @safetyvestdeaf. I also try to educate people about deafness @ottawadeafgirl,  www.ottawadeafgirl.ca

Tell us about your vest

If you could give advice to a brand new cycle commuter, what would it be?

Be prepared… for rain, flat tires, and extreme heat. Pace yourself and make sure you hydrate and follow the rules of the road. Bike paths maximum speed is 20km/hour: respect that and other people on the paths and roads.

Tell me an interesting fact about you that has nothing to do with cycling.

I am a Birth Doula training towards certification. I am slowly learning more ASL (American Sign Language) so that one day I can offer my Doula services to the deaf community.

What inspires you?

People who never give up!

The University of Ottawa Institute of the Environment and Sustainable Prosperity have partnered up for May – the City of Ottawa’s bike-to-work month. May is a month focused on alternative transportation and sustainable and healthy lifestyles.

We caught up with bike-to-work team leader Jocelyn Lubczuk; Junior Communications Officer at the Institute of the Environment, and chatted about her team’s inspiration to bike to work.

Tell us a little about your team…

Our team is called the University of Ottawa Institute of the Environment & Sustainable Prosperity.  The Institute of the Environment is a teaching and research institute within the University of Ottawa and Sustainable Prosperity is a national green economy think tank within uOttawa.

The University has a number of research centers and institutes, one of which is the Institute of the Environment. The Institute has a research component that is embodied through Sustainable Prosperity and an academic component as it offers a Master’s in Environmental Sustainability. All of us work together at 1 Stewart Street towards our mutual goal of understanding environmental problems and developing sustainable solutions.

Is this the first year that the Institute of the Environment and Sustainable Prosperity has participated?

Yes, it is the first year that the Institute of the Environment and Sustainable Prosperity has signed up for the initiative, but the passion for sustainable and eco-friendly activities has always been present within our work culture.

How many people make up your team?

Five colleagues are a part of our team. Some are first timers and others have a huge passion for cycling and bike regularly.  For example, our team member Vincent bikes to work all throughout the year, through winter and summer!

How bicycle friendly is the University of Ottawa?

uOttawa is a very sustainable university- in fact it is ranked 25th most sustainable university in the world according to the UI Green Metric World University Ranking. Recently the university has introduced bike repair stations, including pumps for tires and simple maintenance systems through our Office of Campus Sustainability. Also, the University just introduced dedicated bike lanes on campus, which makes biking through campus much easier!

What are some of the motivational techniques your team uses?

Our biggest motivator is our passion to lead by example.  All members of our bike team live a sustainable lifestyle and so this initiative was an opportunity that we were naturally interested in getting involved with. Biking to work is a great way to get exercise, and there is nothing better than combining health and sustainability. Prizes provided by the city and local businesses was a great additional motivator!

What’s your favorite thing about your Bike to Work team?

Ottawa is very eco-friendly and beautiful city to bike around.  The fresh breeze along the Rideau Canal, is a lot better than sitting in inner-city traffic jams!

The Institute of the Environment and Sustainable Prosperity want everyone to know that they are highly motivated to create a greener Canada.  As leaders in sustainability research, the team also enjoys leading by example and are happy to participate in the City of Ottawa’s bike-to-work month.  The team believes Ottawa has a great opportunity to be a leader of sustainable living and commends the city for this initiative.

At 24 members and growing every day, Bike to Work Ottawa wanted to know what was happening over at the bike racks at Mitel.  Mitel had never joined the Bike to Work Month campaign even though there are quite a number of avid cyclists working there.

It started with one woman who came out to an Introduction to Commuter Cycling Workshop and learned about Bike to Work Month. We’ll call her Shirley, because that is her name!   Shirley told her colleagues and soon a small team was formed. As everyone started talking about bikes, an inspiring story surfaced.

One team member, had a serious motorcycle accident back in September 2014; it just happened to be on his birthday. After a number surgeries, the last one being only a year ago, he decided to buy a bicycle and a trainer this past winter and with few weeks of training at home he started to bike to work last month for the very first time. It was with surprise and admiration that colleagues saw John Thompson joining the team for Bike to Work Month.

“Despite freezing temperatures and limitations after the surgeries in his leg, he is a truly inspiration to us all, and made this simple act of creating this team even more meaningful.”

~ says team member Sam

We are so proud of the Mitel Team! Keep filling those bike racks!