Take The Lane

Turning our faces to the river

I've always been interested in why some people in the Waterloo Region turn their faces to the river, while others turn their backs to it.

I'm a "face-to-the-river" person. So I was happy to be among a dozen or so others who participated in Water Cycle on Thursday night, riding along the Grand River from Bridgeport to Breslau.

We opened with introductions and a smudging ceremony by Mary Anne Caibaiosai, an Ojibwe Anishnaabe artist living in Kitchener, who is among the Water Walkers taking part in this year's All Nations Grand River Water Walk. 

Organized by Philip Martin of Cycling Into The Future, the evening ride was a chance to talk about and think about the Grand River, the wildlife that call it home and the role it plays in our community. Along the way, the group made offerings of tobacco to some of the streamlets that feed into the Grand, and talked about the trees and wildlife along the river: flora and fauna that Caibaiosai says that First Nations elders speak of as relatives.

It was a mindful evening. 

Waterloo cyclist counter just the beginning of bike data collection

Today's story in The Record about the new bicycle counter on King Street in Waterloo could be just the beginning of cycling infrastructure data collection in the region.

One has to look no further than this article in the European Cyclists' Federation newsletter, which discusses the first year of a cycling congestion alert system in Copenhagen.

Yes, my two-wheeler friends, cycling congestion is a thing. It was a thing back in 2011, when this article appeared in The Guardian newspaper,  about how the explosion of Copenhagen cyclists, both tourists/visitors and cycle-enthusiastic residents, was threatening to overwhelm that city's widely lauded cycling infrastructure.

The North American response to traffic congestion is pretty much always to build more lanes for cars, and we know how well that has worked out. The Danes, wisely, looked for other options, and last year, tested an electronic updating system that provides real-time bicycle traffic updates, alerting commuting cyclists (and other riders) to upcoming cycle congestion and suggesting alternate routes.

The ECF article concludes that cyclists want the same kind of infrastructure commitment that motorists get. As planners on this side of the Atlantic absorb this, expect to see more cycling information signs on your favourite routes.

A Grand cycling opportunity

It is surprising how many people in Waterloo Region under-value the Grand River.

I have heard people refer rather mockingly to "the mighty" Grand, or complain about the inconvenience it poses in getting around the region.

But the 280-kilometre-long Grand River is a grand river. It's the backdrop for cultural events, a corridor for wildlife, a spot for fishing, photography, walking and watercraft, and a major water source in a watershed that is home to one million people. Oh, and it features some great cycling trails.

The All Nations Grand River Water Walk is an annual event that celebrates the practical and spiritual role of the river in our lives. 

This year, Philip Martin, founder of Cycling Into the Future, is sponsoring Water Cycle, a fundraising bicycle ride to support the Water Walk. Because the protocols established by the First Nations organizers of the Water Walk preclude cyclists from accompanying the Water Walk directly, this event was created to show support for the river and the walkers.

Water Cycle will be held Thursday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. in Kitchener. The opening ceremonies will be on the Walter Bean Grand River Trail behind the Tim Horton's near Lancaster and Bridge streets. Riders are asked to bring a donation to help provide food and lodgings for the water walkers. 

The ride will be along the Grand River, through Bingeman Park to the J.A. Pollock Family Trailway, with the closing ceremonies to he held at the canoe launch near the Victoria Street bridge. Martin advises to be prepared for some hilly sections on the trail.

To register, contact Philip Martin at 226-789-8615 or by email to [email protected]