If you live in the area, you are likely to work downtown somewhere. Roncesvillians have the 504 to whisk them downtown in the morning and back when the working day is done. We've also got the College streetcar and the Queen streetcar and the subway. We are well served by public transit. Personally, the TTC makes me crazy. I can't stand waiting for a streetcar and it is often crowded.

I ride to my office at King and University. I ride year round, when the roads are clear of snow and ice. This generally means that I don't ride for a month or so in January and/or February at which point I ride the 504. The 504 is always packed and the streetcars are irregularly spaced. Also, the 504 is regularly short-turned at Roncesvalles (often several streetcars in a row.) I digress. Let me sum this up by saying I prefer to take my bike when possible.

I am a proud papa these days, and as such I have to worry about myself. I watch my sodium, wear a lifejacket when on the water and wear a helmet when I ride my bike. I try to keep myself safe so I can come home at the end of the day.

Riding my bike to work is probably one of the most dangerous things I do. Here's why: cars and streetcars. To avoid cars and streetcars as much as possible I have devised a route that takes me downtown with a minimum of contact with Queen Street and Dundas Street which are crazy during rush hours. I can avoid Queen and Dundas until almost Spadina, at which point I'm forced onto Queen. The route zigs and zags a little to stay on the quiet streets.

A map showing the route I use to avoid cars as much as possible (KML)

I don't like the bike lane on College because it takes me too far North, and because I don't like bike lanes. A bike lane leaves you in contact with cars and such. I like my route along quiet residential streets much more. I would prefer the city adopt bike and local traffic only routes instead of bike lanes.

You can do it! The reigning consumer culture has probably convinced you that riding a bike is hard work and unpleasant. Not so! I was/am one of the laziest people I know and I love riding my bike to work. I get to work full of energy and I get home de-stressed. On top of that I have lost many pounds over the years without really trying - regular moderate exercise will do that to you.

And, cycling is faster than the TTC. I am no speed-demon, but it is very easy to beat a streetcar because it stops all the time. Add to that the wait to get on the streetcar and you'll be a winner every time.

Driving to work is a disaster. Parking is $15/day and up. Even if parking was free, fighting through traffic for an hour a day is worse than a toothache. On top of that, it pollutes and sucks in general.

Bike to work. You'll be healthier, happier, sexier, richer and younger (well, you'll look and feel younger.)

Tips for commuting by bike:

• Use a carrier for your bag. A backpack will make a sweat mark on your back. A kid seat is a great cargo carrier.
• Have full rain gear - jacket and pants. Take them with you when there's a chance of rain.
• Use pant-leg straps to keep your pants free of dirt and grease.
• Leave work shoes at work.
• Have a crappy bike. It will work as well as an expensive bike but won't be stolen.
• 20% polyester makes clothing very wrinkle-resistant. You can shove it in your bag and it will come out and be acceptable for work.
• Winter gloves are needed in the fall and spring, too. It's easy to get cold hands.
• When it's hot and sticky, take your work clothes in a bag and change in the washroom.
• Wear sunglasses when the weather is warm. Otherwise gnats will get in your eyes.