Like many cities around the world, Ottawa recently launched a public bicycle-sharing system, Capital Bixi. The bikes cost $5 for a 24-hour rental period and are available in several stations, including at the Byward Market where I snapped the picture.
Ottawa is pretty big on cycling and bike-related stories made the headlines lately. First, there was a safety concern because apparently, the lack of helmets for rent deterred riders. Seriously. While I understand helmets are strongly recommended for safety reasons, we are talking about cycling people. This city’s (country’s?) obsession with safety sometimes annoys me to no end.
There is also the usual battle between motorists, bikers and pedestrians. Motorists complain cyclists don’t respect basic road rules, pedestrians complain when bikes are on the sidewalk and cyclists complain the city isn’t safe enough for them. On mixed paths by the Canal, pedestrians have to dodge bikes, and bikes have to dodge cars on the road.
Of course, this is only a summer issue. Snow will settle everything, eventually, and cars will be the number one form of transportation.
True – car drivers hate bikers and vice versa! Each thinks they own the road… bikers too often forget that in the event of a mishap they get the short-end of the stick.
I totally agree. I can’t believe the risks some are taking!
Nice photo of the line of bicycles. Tulsa has 3 locations on our long River Park to borrow bicycles. They are free but with a catch. To release the bike from the rack requires a credit card. When the bike is returned the card is swiped again to prove it was returned. If it is not returned the card is charged $100. Helmets are encouraged but not provided. Riders are to supply there own. These bicycles are the old fashioned single speed sidewalk bikes and do not lend themselves to high speed biking.
I haven’t tried the bikes in Ottawa yet because you need a credit card. I have one though, I should. In France, many cities have the same bike renting system. I wanted to use it last time we were there but unfortunately, you need a French debit card to use them.