Big Bertha, trailer and Gypsy Rover
Jan, my favourite Sprout Lady with the Serious ShopperSaturday was car-free day in the 'patch', so I took my trike 'Gypsy Rover' and side-by-side tandem 'Big Bertha' to the Farmer's Market. I met Hendrik on the way and he brought along his two self-built recumbent bikes. Sadly, I didn't see any evidence of less cars as I pedalled throught the crush of morning market traffic. China did better than the 'patch' when they had their 'No Car Day'.
Susan Sauve, transportation demand manager for the city was having a car-free display and had invited me to participate. Donald Fraser from Peterborough Green-up was there and also a member of Peterborough's 'finest' with his cop bike. There was free carrot cake too, so many cyclists took the opportunity to 'carb up'! The city was also offering free transit for the day.
They had free valet bicycle parking and Wildrock Outfitters were giving free bike tune-ups.
Spokes N' Pedals put together a 'Serious Shopper' for the event. It was a ladies hybrid all done up for a transportation cyclist; polycarbonate fenders, luggage rack with pillion bag, foldable wire basket and saddlebag attached to rear and a quick-release wicker basket in front. What a beauty!
Maybe next year the city could could close off a block of George St downtown and spring for some advertising to let people know in advance. I'm sure more people would have left their cars at home had they known. Anyway congrats to Susan and Donald for a job well done! Next year it will be bigger and better! Thanks also to Eric and Matt from Wildrock for the tune-ups!
