Back to cycling
Last autumn's trip to Paris got us back to cycling. With a very inexpensive 'Velib' pass for the week we were there we enjoyed the freedom of cycling around the city, going where you want, when you want and brought back the feeling of complete liberation on a bike. So this spring we dug out our bikes, gave them a tune-up and we were off cycling - commuting to work and recreationally.
For some reason I felt a whole lot safer cycling in the city streets of Paris during rush hour than I do on the city streets where I work. Luckily nearby where I live there are a lot of cycling paths and options for recreational cycling. If ever there was a quick way to get into shape it's cycling!
Picture of public bike system in Paris. Amazing that no one wears hardly any biking safety gear like helmets. They're mandatory in Canada.
A Parisienne commuter. I can guarantee I don't look anything this glamorous cycling to work. In 'heels' no less. It's all I can do to deal with 'helmet hair' when I do arrive at the office. I'll spare everyone's eyesight and skip the picture of me in cycling gear. :)
Have to admit it's been a little worrisome going back to cycling as earlier this summer there were a number of fatal cycling accidents in the area. The difference I find between cycling in Paris and here at home is the cyclist seems to be more recognized and accepted as a mode of transportation on the streets and roads. Here most motorists and city buses show little to no consideration for cyclists on the road and would cut you off in a heartbeat. You have to be careful!