Tuesday, June 28, 2011

It's Hot in Fredericton!

     Wait! Stop right there before you turn on the A/C. Did you know there are better and cheaper (that’s right, cheaper) ways of keeping cool, rather than jacking up the AC? Growing up, I never had air conditioning. We always found inventive ways to keep cool during those hot summer days. My personal favourite was wearing a wet t-shirt and sit in front of a fan! It’s a great way to show off muscles I suppose...

1.   If you’re fortunate enough to have a basement, hang out down there for the afternoon!
2.   Go to a mall that is already air conditioned. Plus, you don’t have to pay for it!
3.   Go to a beach or pool to cool off!
4.   Sit in front of a fan, wearing a wet t-shirt. Evaporating water cools you off.
5.   Put your feet in a bucket of ice cubes.
6.   Wear an ice pack as a hat.
7.   Go to a park with lots of trees. Did you know, a park full of trees is 3-4 degrees cooler compared to         the rest of the city?
8.   Take a short, cold shower.
9.   Eat a popsicle. Maybe it’s all mental, but you feel cooler when you eat one!
10. Close all the curtains. Leaving them open makes your house act like a green house.
11. Don’t use the oven or stove top during the hottest point of the day. Use the BBQ, cook early in the morning or wait until the evening.

     Cycling when it’s hot outside, it’s hard not to sweat. It’s a known fact that we all sweat to cool ourselves. What do I do to keep cool as possible when cycling and after?

1.  I wear a white cotton shirt and cycling shorts. Don’t wear black, because it absorbs the sun and makes you feel warm.
2.  I wear a well ventilated helmet. Most of your body heat is expelled through your head. Trapping it all in with a solid helmet makes you hot and not to mention you could get heat stroke!
3.  If you usually wear a backpack, strap it onto a rack. Heat is also expelled through your back and the added ventilation keeps you cool.
4.  Not everyone has showers at work, so I suggest you buy a pack of travel baby wipes to wipe yourself down. Nothing is worse than feeling dirty and sticky during work!

Can you think of any other tips to keep cool?

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Fredericton Drivers

     2011 seems to be the year of the bicycle revolution in Fredericton. Bike lanes have been added to six city streets, totalling 8.2 kilometres. Including the past system, that's a total of 14.6 kilometres of bike lanes! Five of the six new bike lanes are not official yet- maybe the city is going to make a big announcement? Even if they're not bike lanes, at least it's an extra wide shoulder to be in.
     There is a system of over 85 kilometres of multi-use trails, 15 kilometres of which are paved. That is amazing for a city the size of Fredericton! With the amount of time and money that is being spent upgrading systems, adding bike lanes and paving trails- I do believe the city will find it rewarding. Will Fredericton become the most bicycle friendly city in Canada, next to Victoria, British Columbia? The only way Fredericton could become more bicycle friendly, is if they actually plowed the bike lanes in the winter. Yes, not many of us venture outside to greet a fresh blanket of snow and -22ºC, but it would be nice to get to work safely. Truthfully, I give up cycling in the winter and opt for transit.
     Fredericton does not have a great reputation for motorists. Ten percent are aggressive, eighty percent are reasonably good drivers and the other ten percent make me wonder how they even got their license. Most likely, it is like that with any city. I'm not sure how we compare to major cities like Montréal, Toronto or even Halifax. I do know Fredericton needs to invest in re-education of motorists. Who stops in the middle of a round-a-bout? A merge lane? ... intersection?? When I first moved to Fredericton, I was always white knuckled the entire time on the road. I'm hoping the driver who cut me off in the round-a-bout is reading this, because here is a video for their benefit. There's my rant :)





Picture5.png  <- Not a road

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Parking Issues/Bikes lanes in Fredericton North

     Apparently these stinkers think it's okay to park in a bike lane? I went cycling in the North-Western section of the city to capture these bike lanes that are popping up. Douglas Avenue has been in existence since 2008, but motorists seem oblivious to the parking ban. It's rather frustrating, because cyclists are forced into traffic. Bike lanes are there for a reason, to keep cyclists out of traffic. I am tempted to do a faux-pas and give each car parked in the lane a pamphlet about parking. In consideration of privacy for these motorists, I have blurred out the license plates. In most cases, the driveways are empty, why risk getting a $72 parking ticket? I will forewarn you that my picture quality is a tad low. I am trying out a new camera lens :)






Of course, it's easy to ignore this no parking sign...


     On Brookside Drive, mysterious white lines have appeared out of thin air. I cannot guarantee that this is a bike lane, but it definitely looks like one! Have my wishes been granted? There are naked poles (not Polish people!) on the side of the road, suggesting future signs. I wish I could get some answers for you!

Brookside/Oakland Intersection




     Mysterious white lines have also appeared on Royal Road. Again, I cannot guarantee bike lanes. If these are bike lanes, it will be fantastic for cyclists from the North-Western section of the city.

Hawkins/Royal Intersection



Ring Road overpass to City Centre

Typical up-hill terrain in Fredericton

     There is one bike lane that I can guarantee for you. Sunset Drive (as I have posted before) is now a bike lane. All 2.6 kilometres of it! The section from Floral Avenue to Main Street is currently under construction, so I suggest if you are using a road/racing bike to avoid this section. Here are some pictures to prove that it does exist!



Are there any other bike lanes popping up in Fredericton? Let me know!


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Bicycle Segregation

     There is a city wide issue for the need of more bicycle lanes and segregation. The South Side has two excellent East/West routes and a route through the Town Plat to the North Side across the bridge. The only problem is, these routes totally ignore the downtown core. I have talked to people saying they should take away the parking on the North or South side of King Street to have a two way cycling path with a barrier from vehicle traffic. The only problem in this car-dependant city, is the outcry from motorists and shop owners about taking away parking. God forbid you have to walk an extra block.

     I do understand short term parking is limited, but there is also the option of converting a lane on Brunswick Street where there is zero parking. Seen  in Montréal (see picture left), is what I could see on Brunswick Street here in Fredericton. Brunswick Street is a two lane, one way street with the occasional turn left slip lane. Here is a basic idea what the street could look like (see picture below). Ideas like this exist in Ottawa and Montreal, which could work rather well here. The only issue I see is motorists turning left without looking for cyclists- in this case a separate traffic light for cyclists/pedestrians would be necessary. 


     Are there any areas of the city that you think need bike lanes or paths?

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Moncton's New Bike Lane?

We all make mistakes, and I'm not afraid to admit it. Today was a beautiful, sunny day at 23ºC and it was hard to resist not to be outside. I hop on my bike to ride down to the store to pick up a few things and back home again. All within a 30 minute journey, I got a sun burn. Learn from my mistakes, always wear sun screen! Also remember to wear certified UV protection sunglasses to protect your eyes, no matter what time of year. Here in Atlantic Canada, there is always a lot of snow and sunshine- snow blindness is NOT fun!

I would like to congratulate the City of Moncton on their new active transportation planning. They are hoping that a four lane arterial road (Salisbury Road) will be converted into a three lane motorists road and converting a section from each direction for bicycle traffic from city limits to the Wheeler Boulevard round-a-bout. Citizens are afraid of traffic headaches and an increase of accidents. With any change, there are always people who want to oppose and complain about it. The City of Fredericton is experimenting with bike lanes on some streets and found that motorists find the road feels narrower, thus forcing them to slow down. Not so good during rush hour, but definitely better for cyclists for that feeling of safety. Now, it is Moncton's turn to jump into the green life. In some cases, it is actually faster to get to work by bicycle. The new bike lane in Moncton is good news for cyclists, because they feel in danger of motorists not paying attention or not even caring. Keep in mind, it's a several thousand pound vehicle against a cyclist who is not protected by plastic and steel. Cyclists always have the same rights as vehicles.

An update in Fredericton, the Sunset Drive bicycle lane will soon be painted! I actually saw a car driving in it...

I do not live in Moncton, but correct me of any mistakes :)

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Fredericton Bike Lanes

It's been a busy week for me, but here is an updated map of the city's bike lanes. Green routes are bike lanes and the red routes are shared with motorists. Please note, the Sunset Drive bike lane has not been painted or signed yet, but the lines have been spotted. If you have any information about bike lanes or share the road routes, please feel free to let me know and I will update the map asap! :)


View Fredericton Bike Lanes in a larger map

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Fredericton's New Bike Lane

Fredericton is finally getting a new bike lane after almost three years of no growth! The city is building the bike lane on Sunset Drive from Celements Drive to Main Street on the North Side. This area of the city is going to continue to have increased traffic due to the population growth and it is great to have this sense of protection. Now if only the police will do something about motorists illegally parked in the bicycle lanes.

The York Street bicycle lane does not have an issue of motorists parking in the bike lane during weekdays and Saturdays, but there is an exception that parking is allowed on Sundays. You would think if the city spent the time and money to build a bike lane, they would at least make it a law to keep it clear, 24/7.

If you want to see all of the city's bike lanes, click here.

Also the link to the Daily Gleaner article about the new bike lane is here.

STU Bike Share Program


I am applauding St. Thomas University's initiative in getting students more active and encouraging a green lifestyle. It is too bad the program only runs from May until October. It is understandable that cyclists here hang up their bikes for the winter and opt to take transit or hop a ride. It's not easy getting around when it's -20ºC and there are five foot snow banks! STU has purchased five bikes, helmets and locks to rent out for the season. There is a catch in order to use this program- you have to be a student, staff or member of faculty in order to use them. The bikes can be found at the J.B. O'Keefe Fitness Centre and it works similar to getting a book from a library. Present your student ID and sign out the bikes for a maximum of six hours. Surprisingly, there is a loop hole! If you sign a bike out before the fitness centre closes, you can use the bike overnight, but it must be returned at the fitness centre by 10:30am. Please note that there is an annual fee of 20$. It's not bad considering one would pay more to rent a bike from a bike shop downtown.

Sunday, June 05, 2011

Fredericton Environment Week

The following is a list of events happening in Fredericton throughout Environment Week, borrowed from the  Green Matters website. I recommend everyone participate! 

Sunday, June 5


On June 5th, at 1:00 pm NB Community Harvest Gardens will officially open its first community garden in Fredericton. Our allotment garden will include 77 individual plots, 5 group plots and an enabled garden.

The parishioners of St. Mary’s' Anglican Church are inviting the members of the newly formed community garden group NBCHG to share a pot luck luncheon with them on Sunday June 5th at 11:30. Immediately after the shared meal, we will proceed with the blessing of the garden, administered by Rev. Ian Wetmore. At that time, we will be recognizing the support and generosity of our many sponsors including TD Friends of the Environment, Wal-Mart Evergreen Fund, Environmental Trust Fund, United Way, City of Fredericton and the Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport.

As well, we will be acknowledging our community partners whose members will be gardening with us this summer including the Boys and Girls Club in Devon, Ability NB, the Deafblind Association, Canadian Mental Health Reach Activity Center and the Multi-Cultural Association of Fredericton. Many volunteer hours have gone into the creation of this organic community garden and the long list of sponsors and partners truly speaks to the efforts undertaken to create a truly accessible, inclusive and sustainable community garden space in Fredericton.

Tuesday, June 7

It’s Easy Being Green Story time

Tuesday, June 7th at 10:30 am at the Fredericton Public Library

Children six and under are invited to the Fredericton Public Library for an eco-friendly story time. Celebrate Canadian Environment Week through stories, songs, puppets and crafts. Children will also paint a mural in the library showing what they love best about our forests! Please call us at 460-2806 to register.

Plant Swap

Tuesday June 7 at 5pm

Tis the season for having too many of some plants and not enough of others. Not to worry, join us for a plant swap and we’ll all walk away with great variety! Bring all of the plants you wish to trade to CCNB Action on Tuesday, June 7th, beginning at 5pm and swap till ya drop ;)

No plants? Bring cash, I’m sure a great deal can be arranged. Contact Leah at 458-8747 orhomegrown@conservationcouncil.ca with any questions you might have.

Wednesday, June 8 - Clean Air Day

Green Commuter Fair

Wednesday, June 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at City Hall

Come and get some information on active and alternative transportation in Fredericton. The Radical Edge will be on hand doing bike tune-ups, and SNC Lavalin, in charge of the Princess Margaret Bridge repairs, will be there with information and giveaways.

Join the NB Lung Association who will be on hand with information on the National Commuter Challenge, and other community groups involved with the promotion of safe, healthy, and alternative commuiting in the City.

Thursday, June 9

Please join Mayor Brad Woodside and the Green Matters Team, as we announce the next step in Fredericton’s Environmental Journey: Green Matters Certified.

Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., on the Centre Mezzanine, Fredericton Convention Centre.

A new program is part of the Green Matters portfolio, which includes the Green Shops program for businesses. Green Matters Certified is a program for Fredericton’s non-commercial sector, including: schools, colleges and universities; faith-based institutions; not-for-profit and community organizations; government, government agencies, crown corporations and large institutions; and, festivals, events and conferences.

Green Matters Certified picks up where Green Shops leaves off. With community support, this program has the potential to change the face of Fredericton and continue to push forward with renewed environmental stewardship, commitment and action. Creating a liveable and sustainable Fredericton is a journey. How can you come along?

RSVP to greenmatters@fredericton.ca, or call 460-2777.

Saturday, June 11 - World Environment Day

Freddy Commuter Challenge

     Growing up, I had the mentality that when I turned 16, I would get a car. In my family, my parents always taught me that if I wanted something, I have to work for it. AKA, I was never spoiled. Every week, I'd get 5$ allowance when I did my chores and I would save up to buy an accessory for my bike- whether it be a new light, chain, decal or a hockey card clipped to my fork to make it sound like a motorbike. I grew up in a small town where biking was more feasible and I could easily get to a friend's house in five minutes. We would always brag about what we did to our bikes, try out home made bike jumps in our back yards, go out to a park, or go to the ice cream parlour. It was our way of feeling like adults.
     The day I turned 16 and got my drivers license, I was on cloud nine! I still couldn't afford a car, so I forced to use my parent's car until I saved up the money to buy my own. I gave up on this, and bought a new bike. My friends would scoff and ask where my real car was when I showed up to parties. I would just laugh and say, "but this one gets great mileage and the parking is free!" It was at the tender age of 16 that I began to realize the importance of the environment and the ever imminent climate change. At this point in my life, I made it my goal to never own a car. (So far, so good.)
     Now that I am in university and moved to Fredericton, I depend on my bike as a mode of transportation more than ever. I will admit that campus is not that easy going up, but great going down! I use my bike to get groceries, shop around town, visit friends, go to parties,  and of course just cruising around. Maybe you can challenge yourself to use green transportation, or at least only drive when necessary :)
     Sitting in a car, you often miss the sights, smells and sounds of a city. On a bike, you experience everything! Plus, you are guaranteed to meet new people and almost always get a hello from someone! Also, don't forget that tomorrow (Sunday, June 5), is the NB Community Harvest Gardens Official Opening! It is located at 780 McEvoy Street at 1pm. I won't be able to make it, but it's worth a look!

PS. check out www.commuterchallenge.ca and sign up today! Running from June 5-11. I will keep posting throughout the week and I would love to meet people during events :)

Friday, June 03, 2011

Angry Motorist in Fredericton

Today was an interesting cycling in downtown traffic. It was bumper to bumper traffic and I was waiting behind a car and a van with an Ontario license plate sped up behind me, honking and swearing at me. He screamed, “GET ON THE F****ING SIDEWALK WHERE YOU BELONG, YOU ECO TW*T”. I just sat there and laughed at his ignorance. Maybe I should install a go-pro on my helmet and record some of the impatient drivers... I am not saying all Ontario motorists are like this. When I stayed in Toronto for three months, most were courteous and aware of cyclists. :)

Another issue is motorists running red lights. There are zero cameras at intersections in Fredericton and motorists know that they can get away with it. If there were consequences, I imagine we would see an end to this. You know you’re a Frederictonian when you look to make sure no one is running a red before entering an intersection, even though you have a green light.

City council often overlooks the cycling culture in Fredericton, but over the past 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cyclists. Dare I say that it’s becoming mainstream? Let’s hope it continues to grow, or to at least impress Congress 2011! Fredericton is growing to be a reputable and green innovative city and I am excited to see what it will look like in the future.

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Mystery Bike Lane in Fredericton

It is awesome to see so many cyclists taking advantage of the city’s infrastructure this summer. In an hour, I counted thirty cyclists wizzing down York Street’s bicycle lane. Thirty may not sound like a lot, but in a car-centred city, this is a great number for a city trying to encourage better green habits. I noticed that Montgomery Street has a bicycle lane, but it is only from Smythe to York Street. I’m guessing it has existed for a while as the lines are slightly faded. I've even heard that Goodine Street in Lincoln has one? (Correct me if I'm wrong.) I found an article from 2009 stating a future bike lane on Smythe Street, but two years have passed since then and I have not seen any advancements other than "take care for cyclists/Attention aux cyclists" sign. I wonder if there are any other unnoticed bike lanes in Freddy Beach?
The city has taken another step of being green by using water soluble latex based paint for the road markings. The only down side is that the lines wear down faster than the previous oil based paint. Luckily, bicycles and pedestrians take little effect on the trail markings and they still look fresh from last year. As you have seen from previous pictures of the trail system, the following is a picture of a bridge crossing the Brunswick/Waterloo/University intersection. I will admit, this intersection on road level is quite confusing to anyone who has never used it before. Thankfully, you ignore that as you ride above cars stuck in rush hour!


For many of us who use the many bike racks downtown,  here is an updated map featuring the parking locations. Please let me know if you would like to see other areas of the city that have such facilities!



Sorry my blogs haven't been very eventful lately, but I still have a flu and I am bed ridden until it is gone! I plan on going out tomorrow and discovering anything new that is happening that I have missed. Stay tuned!