I want to show you something.
Look at this picture.
Really look at it.
See it and what is in it?

Here in Ontario there is, in the press, a lot being published (usually in the comments on the online service provided by newspapers and other news outlets) by people who do not believe that the bicycle can be used as a real means of transport by anyone. They are posted usually in response to any pro-cycling or pro-cycling infrastructure article. The people making these comments insist that the car is the only way to get around and deeply resent any thought to the contrary. Some sound almost violently angry and accuse, wrongly, all cyclists of getting a free ride from the motoring public. (They eroneously believe that it is the gas tax which pays for the roads. It isn't.)

I beg to differ with the notion that the car is the only way.

Read this blog - you will notice that I cycle virtually every day (I don't post every day, but I do ride almost every day.) I ride in all sorts of weather, all winter, in the rain, in the snow, in the sun and heat and cold. I use the bike for work, to shop, to just "go out" and for entertainment.

I also own a car and use it too.
I am not anti-car.
They have their uses.
But so does the bike.
And that use is more than as a simple recreational toy for a few minutes a few times a summer in the evening on bike paths in suburbia which go nowhere.

Here is what you need if you want to give transport cycling a try:

First, forget about any kind of fancy pants race bike. What I suggest is a simple and inexpensive upright bike (like a Kona Dew or any other number of bikes like that) with 700c tires, fenders, a rack, lights, reflectors, a good lock, and a basic tool kit so you can change / patch a flat tire. This is not a sexy bike. No one will accuse you of being a hipster with this one. However, it is very practical. I highly recommend a set of waterproof pannier bags over a knapsack. The weight is lower, and you don't sweat as much.

Second, get the right clothing. Wait, you already have it. The only modification to my normal clothing I wear when cycling for transport is this - I wear cycling shorts under my clothing because for me, it is more comfortable. I use mountain bike short liners. The better mountain bike shorts have removable liners and look good anyways and are very wear resistant. Sometimes, I use pants which are resistant to wear around the crotch and change them out at work for my "work" pants - it depends on how far I am riding and what is expected at any given job site for dress code. Even in the winter, all I add to my normal clothing for cycling is a pair of short liners and if it is really cold, long-johns. Otherwise, I dress as I normally would for a walk in the snow. A two minute trip into the washroom at work swaps out the liners for the usual underbeneaths. I also suggest getting a very good high-vis wind and waterproof jacket. You won't regret it - and get the right one, and it will be useful for more than biking. Good waterproof shoes are a good idea as well (but aren't they always?)

Third, get the right attitude. This is not a negative statement. I am not implying that your attitude stinks if you don't cycle for transport. However: get up a bit earlier, leave a bit earlier, plan your route more as you start, and get ready to enjoy yourself. I have written elsewhere that when I ride to work, the overwhelming majority of people riding look happy, but when I take the car, most don't. It is true. Go out expecting fun, and that is what you will find. Honest.

And lastly, communicate with other road users. This is really important and is, I think, a major reason why some cyclists have trouble riding in traffic and instead ride on the sidewalk where they crowd out pedestrians (who don't like that!!). Riding in traffic is easy even in snow. Be courtious but assertive. Don't blow stop signs and red lights. Signal early. DON'T CUT CARS OFF!! You have a right to be on the road and a right to take the space needed to be safe but just make sure you use common sense and courtesy. Make eye contact. One trick I use when I have to move over to the left in traffic is to signal left, look behind and get eye contact with a driver coming up behind, and make an open palm back push with my hand (kind of like I am asking them to slow/stop) - it is important to do this early and with eye contact. It is truly amazing in a good way how many drivers will see you, see what you want, appreciate your communication, and let you cross in front of them to a turn lane or whatever. It really works. Not every driver will let you over, but most do recognise that you, like they, are just trying to get where you are going and want to be left in peace to do so. It is very important to respond to their courtesy with a big wave, a smile, and a thumbs up. It pays off.

Back to the picture - it is proof that for a growing number of people, the bike is transport that really works. When I took this, some of the bikes in this row of bikes had already moved on, but there are still six there. Incidentally, there is parking for one bike at this location. And all of these machines are jammed in front of one store front on the street. Behind me, are a couple more bikes, and down the block, even more.

So yes, bikes can be used as transport here in North America, and they will be used as such in continued numbers. Go ride your bike.