While walking with my two kids today, on a side walk next to a busy road, I heard a shout of "passing on your left!" only to be nearly plowed down by a cyclist going fast enough to move my hair with the breeze he created.
Kudos to him for using green transportation, and for trying to warn me of his approach. And you know what? If there is no bike lane (which there should be everywhere) I really feel that they're better on the sidewalk than on the street with traffic.
BUT NOT AT A BREAK NECK SPEED NEXT TO PEDESTRIANS!
I'm sorry if you've just got some momentum going and now we're inconveniencing you by WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK, but you really really should SLOW DOWN. Slow down, hop off, and WALK YOUR BIKE around the strolling FOUR YEAR OLD, who was on the sidewalk where he was supposed to be next to his mother, who might not have enough life experience to understand "passing on your left", and who might have stepped in front of your madly flying bike and ended up IN THE ER.
Can we please please make bike license plates mandatory so I could have written his plate number down?
Ok I'm done now. Thanks for listening :)
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Showing posts with label walking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label walking. Show all posts
Goodbye Sled
Ok, kids - you choose. Slip sliding away on slush, or sitting in the sled in a pool of rainfall.
In the end I chose for them, and hung the sled up in the garage. My argument in favour of wearing snow pants even though it was(is!!) raining paid off, because they both slipped and ended up on their knees in slush several times. In the end, though, all things considered I think they stayed pretty dry.
Have I mentioned how happy I am that we're only three blocks from school?
Aaaand... what a great time to be "commuting green", too. SO many spinning wheels of stuck cars... if only more people bothered to buy reasonable boots and rain/snow gear. Snow boots don't have to be expensive, and even if they are, for adults who wear the same size year after year, they're a good investment.
I have a pair of Joe brand snow boots (Superstore) that cost $24 and are good to -10C, and they have wonderful tread. So far they seem water resistant as well.
As for my pants, I have a Wetskins rain suit, a jacket and pants, that are wonderful. They are fully water proof, and also trap body heat so they are warm. The cost of the suit was $75.
So, for a mere $100 (plus $3 total for dollar store gloves, scarf and toque), I'm all set for my green commute :-)
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In the end I chose for them, and hung the sled up in the garage. My argument in favour of wearing snow pants even though it was(is!!) raining paid off, because they both slipped and ended up on their knees in slush several times. In the end, though, all things considered I think they stayed pretty dry.
Have I mentioned how happy I am that we're only three blocks from school?
Aaaand... what a great time to be "commuting green", too. SO many spinning wheels of stuck cars... if only more people bothered to buy reasonable boots and rain/snow gear. Snow boots don't have to be expensive, and even if they are, for adults who wear the same size year after year, they're a good investment.
I have a pair of Joe brand snow boots (Superstore) that cost $24 and are good to -10C, and they have wonderful tread. So far they seem water resistant as well.
As for my pants, I have a Wetskins rain suit, a jacket and pants, that are wonderful. They are fully water proof, and also trap body heat so they are warm. The cost of the suit was $75.
So, for a mere $100 (plus $3 total for dollar store gloves, scarf and toque), I'm all set for my green commute :-)
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Return to Blog Scene By Jeanne
Slushhhhh, Part Two
It wasn't so bad! An added bonus is that after pulling the sled with about 80 lbs of kids on it through slippy mucky slush, I feel like I've been to the gym ;-)
Tomorrow should be interesting (not bad!! interesting!! ya, that's it) because it'll be wet, rainy, and all out NASTY (there, I said it ;-)
Good thing we're only three blocks from school!!!
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Return to Blog Scene By Jeanne
Tomorrow should be interesting (not bad!! interesting!! ya, that's it) because it'll be wet, rainy, and all out NASTY (there, I said it ;-)
Good thing we're only three blocks from school!!!
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Return to Blog Scene By Jeanne
Slushhhhhh, With Kids And Their Non-Driving Mom
I don't think the snow is that bad yet, but when I let the dog in this morning from his quick jaunt outside, his back was wet, with no flakes. That means one thing: rain!!
There's quite a bit of snow out there and it's unlikely to clear anytime today (although some of the walks that were shovelled yesterday might get back down to pavement). That means that the sled will be my mode of green transportation, but it looks like we'll be rained on.
A part of me is thinking "ugh", but another part is thinking that it won't be too bad. DD's school is three blocks away, and DS's is another 6 after that. They both have rain coats and snow pants, and awesome boots. Besides, I've seen worse. I've seen people out in the rain with umbrella strollers with nothing covering them at all. Maybe I'm a bit obsessive carrying our rain cover everywhere, but really? Some people take their kids out on foot on a cloudy day, with no rain gear at all? Uh-huh.
Anyway, off I go to start packing our gear!
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Return to Blog Scene By Jeanne
There's quite a bit of snow out there and it's unlikely to clear anytime today (although some of the walks that were shovelled yesterday might get back down to pavement). That means that the sled will be my mode of green transportation, but it looks like we'll be rained on.
A part of me is thinking "ugh", but another part is thinking that it won't be too bad. DD's school is three blocks away, and DS's is another 6 after that. They both have rain coats and snow pants, and awesome boots. Besides, I've seen worse. I've seen people out in the rain with umbrella strollers with nothing covering them at all. Maybe I'm a bit obsessive carrying our rain cover everywhere, but really? Some people take their kids out on foot on a cloudy day, with no rain gear at all? Uh-huh.
Anyway, off I go to start packing our gear!
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Return to Blog Scene By Jeanne
I'm Back!
It's been a while since I've posted on this blog - caught up in all the holiday madness I guess :-)
School starts again tomorrow, and I suppose I'll be my green sledding self in getting the kids there and back. It should be fun - ha ha - with all the rain we're supposed to have tonight. That will no doubt wreak havoc on the sidewalks.
When you're transporting kids on foot, you need either all snow (so you can sled) or all bare (so you can stroller or wagon). At the moment we're at the tail end of a surprise snow storm (yippee :-), so that makes the trip very sled friendly. The only fly in the ointment so to speak is that the snow is supposed to turn to rain, which could turn it all into a nasty, slushy, part bare and part slick mess. Oh joy.
Not much I can do I guess, other than dress the kids warm and bring extra mittens & stuff in my back pack. The hardest part will be convincing my daughter to wear her snow pants when she goes out for lunch at school. Lots of fun.
Wish me luck!
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Return to Blog Scene By Jeanne
School starts again tomorrow, and I suppose I'll be my green sledding self in getting the kids there and back. It should be fun - ha ha - with all the rain we're supposed to have tonight. That will no doubt wreak havoc on the sidewalks.
When you're transporting kids on foot, you need either all snow (so you can sled) or all bare (so you can stroller or wagon). At the moment we're at the tail end of a surprise snow storm (yippee :-), so that makes the trip very sled friendly. The only fly in the ointment so to speak is that the snow is supposed to turn to rain, which could turn it all into a nasty, slushy, part bare and part slick mess. Oh joy.
Not much I can do I guess, other than dress the kids warm and bring extra mittens & stuff in my back pack. The hardest part will be convincing my daughter to wear her snow pants when she goes out for lunch at school. Lots of fun.
Wish me luck!
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Return to Blog Scene By Jeanne
My Two Green Deeds For The Day
Green Deed #1: Lil' J and I went to get haircuts while A is in school, and we went on foot, with the toboggan. We arrived early and stopped at a nearby produce store to pick up some bananas and potatoes first.
I had a big backpack, and J was bundled to the hilt, in layers including snow pants. He had fun :-) The only minor glitch was trying to decide what to do with the toboggan once we arrived at the salon, but after I wiped all the snow off, I was able to bring it inside and stash it in a corner.
Green Deed #2: With the weather outside at -6C, we are keeping our heat inside down at 18C. It's quite comfortable, and the furnace only has to turn on occasionally for a few seconds to maintain it.
Do you have any green deeds for today to share?
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I had a big backpack, and J was bundled to the hilt, in layers including snow pants. He had fun :-) The only minor glitch was trying to decide what to do with the toboggan once we arrived at the salon, but after I wiped all the snow off, I was able to bring it inside and stash it in a corner.
Green Deed #2: With the weather outside at -6C, we are keeping our heat inside down at 18C. It's quite comfortable, and the furnace only has to turn on occasionally for a few seconds to maintain it.
Do you have any green deeds for today to share?
____________________
Return to Jeanne's Blog List
I Like Walking! So There.
Help... I need to vent!!!
Why is it that when people see me walk everywhere, they react with either sympathy or amazement?
In the first place, walking (for those of us blessed with normal health) is NOT difficult.
When it rains, you dress for the rain. If you can't afford new waterproof boots, plastic bags (inside where no one can see ;-) work amazingly well. Small fold up umbrellas can be purchased for under ten dollars. Children love being active, and can be taught to walk with you.
My health is probably better than that of most women my age (except for the dedicated gym goers and health buffs maybe). I save money because we only insure, maintain and fuel one vehicle (and I never have to fight for parking ;-) I save money on groceries because I'm limited as to what I can carry home, so I tend to skip frivolous extras. I can go on and on about the benefits.
I do use a stroller when I shop - I drop off my four year old at preschool and then take the stroller with me to the supermarket. Ironically enough, my son walks most of the time to and from his school, so more often than not the stroller is used to carry stuff, and not him.
I bought one of those wheelie pull behind you "tote and go" things - it's basically a box on wheels with a retractable handle. It can hold up to 70 pounds, which is more that the stroller can hold, although the stroller has more room. Hmmm. I might just continue to use the stroller - the people at the supermarket don't have to know when my son has fully outgrown it ;-)
As for the "good for you!" comments from the non-walkers - although well meaning, let's put it in perspective here folks. It's not like I'm curing cancer (well... maybe in myself!!).
I know there are people out there with schedule and geographic issues that simply don't allow them to walk, but... I've also seen many a "fair weather walker" climb behind the wheel at the first sign of rain. That is completely fine by me - it's all personal choice. I would never dream of saying to those people "Wow, you sure got there faster - AND you stayed dry without a coat!"
(sigh)
Am I really that weird? I stay healthy, save money, help the environment, and set a good example for my kids. Why, then, to people react to me like I'm some kind of oddity?
Aaaaarrrghhhhh!!
LOL, ok I feel better. Thanks for listening :-)
Why is it that when people see me walk everywhere, they react with either sympathy or amazement?
In the first place, walking (for those of us blessed with normal health) is NOT difficult.
When it rains, you dress for the rain. If you can't afford new waterproof boots, plastic bags (inside where no one can see ;-) work amazingly well. Small fold up umbrellas can be purchased for under ten dollars. Children love being active, and can be taught to walk with you.
My health is probably better than that of most women my age (except for the dedicated gym goers and health buffs maybe). I save money because we only insure, maintain and fuel one vehicle (and I never have to fight for parking ;-) I save money on groceries because I'm limited as to what I can carry home, so I tend to skip frivolous extras. I can go on and on about the benefits.
I do use a stroller when I shop - I drop off my four year old at preschool and then take the stroller with me to the supermarket. Ironically enough, my son walks most of the time to and from his school, so more often than not the stroller is used to carry stuff, and not him.
I bought one of those wheelie pull behind you "tote and go" things - it's basically a box on wheels with a retractable handle. It can hold up to 70 pounds, which is more that the stroller can hold, although the stroller has more room. Hmmm. I might just continue to use the stroller - the people at the supermarket don't have to know when my son has fully outgrown it ;-)
As for the "good for you!" comments from the non-walkers - although well meaning, let's put it in perspective here folks. It's not like I'm curing cancer (well... maybe in myself!!).
I know there are people out there with schedule and geographic issues that simply don't allow them to walk, but... I've also seen many a "fair weather walker" climb behind the wheel at the first sign of rain. That is completely fine by me - it's all personal choice. I would never dream of saying to those people "Wow, you sure got there faster - AND you stayed dry without a coat!"
(sigh)
Am I really that weird? I stay healthy, save money, help the environment, and set a good example for my kids. Why, then, to people react to me like I'm some kind of oddity?
Aaaaarrrghhhhh!!
LOL, ok I feel better. Thanks for listening :-)
International Walk To School Week
Translink is letting elementary and secondary school students ride for free from October 6th to 10th in honour of International Walk to School Week. This will be the second year that Translink has shown their support for this green initiative.
Thanks Translink, and here's to many more years to come!
Thanks Translink, and here's to many more years to come!
Catching Flies With Honey
Will the new Carbon Tax that came into effect July 1st really have the desired impact on climate change?
I suppose it is one solution. There will be people forced to park their cars more because of the financial impact. Unfortunately human nature is such that sometimes people will only change when they have no alternative.
However, rather than alienating so many good people by tying their hands, from what was meant to be environmentally beneficial, could they not have tried to make our cities more "alternative transportation friendly" first?
Where are all the viable bike lanes? What about improving transit? What about more attention to road maintenance for things such as making curbs more stroller and wagon friendly? Couldn't we take some of that parking lot space at rec centres and other public gathering places and create a secure stroller and wagon parking area instead? What about government remuneration for employers who support telecommuting? There are so many things that can be done to encourage individuals to drive less. For those who have to drive, what about some kind of carpool tax credit?
Instead, our government imposes a tax that increases hardship for so many people, creating a negative attitude towards the best of green intentions. If attitude is a precursor to change, then a different approach might reap better results.
I suppose it is one solution. There will be people forced to park their cars more because of the financial impact. Unfortunately human nature is such that sometimes people will only change when they have no alternative.
However, rather than alienating so many good people by tying their hands, from what was meant to be environmentally beneficial, could they not have tried to make our cities more "alternative transportation friendly" first?
Where are all the viable bike lanes? What about improving transit? What about more attention to road maintenance for things such as making curbs more stroller and wagon friendly? Couldn't we take some of that parking lot space at rec centres and other public gathering places and create a secure stroller and wagon parking area instead? What about government remuneration for employers who support telecommuting? There are so many things that can be done to encourage individuals to drive less. For those who have to drive, what about some kind of carpool tax credit?
Instead, our government imposes a tax that increases hardship for so many people, creating a negative attitude towards the best of green intentions. If attitude is a precursor to change, then a different approach might reap better results.
Gas, Gas, and more $$$ Gas
I have an advantage here. I am afraid to drive.
It all started back in the late 80's when my Honda Prelude was rear-ended, and effectively converted to a hatchback (oops). There were several other accidents, all but one being the fault of the other driver. I started getting a little leery of being behind the wheel.
Now I walk everywhere. It adds to my husband's "chore" list in that he has to do the grocery shopping, but it saves us in gas and auto insurance because we only operate one vehicle. (Have you ever wanted to do the right thing but weren't motivated enough? Well my fear of driving solves that problem for me and makes it easy for me to "go green on foot".)
There are many, many additional upsides, health and environmental consciousness being two. I'm a lot fitter than many 41 year old Moms I know, all without paying for a gym membership. I honestly don't think about the environmental impact that often, unless I'm standing at a busy intersection at rush hour, noticing the unpleasant fumes.
I'm happy to report that many of my daughter's classmates also come to school on foot... until it rains. I wonder, with the current fuel price trends, if my "walk at all costs mentality", will have more in common with the mainstream.
I'm constantly hearing such (well meaning, of course) comments as "you're such a trouper", "I don't know how you do it" and "poor you, out in that rain". Meanwhile as I feel the health benefits and watch the fuel crisis unfold, I'm secretly grateful for those car accidents all those years ago.
It all started back in the late 80's when my Honda Prelude was rear-ended, and effectively converted to a hatchback (oops). There were several other accidents, all but one being the fault of the other driver. I started getting a little leery of being behind the wheel.
Now I walk everywhere. It adds to my husband's "chore" list in that he has to do the grocery shopping, but it saves us in gas and auto insurance because we only operate one vehicle. (Have you ever wanted to do the right thing but weren't motivated enough? Well my fear of driving solves that problem for me and makes it easy for me to "go green on foot".)
There are many, many additional upsides, health and environmental consciousness being two. I'm a lot fitter than many 41 year old Moms I know, all without paying for a gym membership. I honestly don't think about the environmental impact that often, unless I'm standing at a busy intersection at rush hour, noticing the unpleasant fumes.
I'm happy to report that many of my daughter's classmates also come to school on foot... until it rains. I wonder, with the current fuel price trends, if my "walk at all costs mentality", will have more in common with the mainstream.
I'm constantly hearing such (well meaning, of course) comments as "you're such a trouper", "I don't know how you do it" and "poor you, out in that rain". Meanwhile as I feel the health benefits and watch the fuel crisis unfold, I'm secretly grateful for those car accidents all those years ago.
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