What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and getting you around the city?

“My ‘home station’ is St. Clair West / Osler St. I frequent many of the stations in Junction and West Toronto, along with those outside Union and and other subway stations, as I use Bike Share to connect to higher order transit quite often.”

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share?

“I particularly like to use Bike Share to connect to the Humber River trail, so that I can spend more of my time walking in nature and less time getting there!”

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

“One of the most valuable aspects about Bike Share for me is the flexibility it offers. Cycling is a very quick way to get around the city compared to other modes of travel, but it’s not always convenient to have a bicycle of one’s own. With Bike Share, I don’t need to worry about where I’m going to lock my bike or having to keep it with me all day. With Bike Share I can bike to my destination, but get home a different way if I so choose. I also like to sometimes grab a bike to get home when I’ve gone out for a long run or walk, and want to get home quickly from a far distance.”

What made you start riding with Bike Share?

“After having my own bicycle stolen from a downtown parking garage, I decided to give Bike Share a try. The peace of mind of not having to worry about finding my bike has been stolen again, along with all the other benefits of riding with Bike Share, has made me stick with it as my primary mode of transportation around the city.”

Are you an Annual 30 or Annual 45 member and how long have you been using the system?

“I was initially an Annual 30 member, but last year I upgraded to Annual 45. The additional 15 minutes has made a big difference – now I always have enough time to comfortably get to where I need to go in one ride without redocking.”

Do you have any tips for the Bike Share Toronto community of riders?

“I think it’s so important to represent safe cycling in the City of Toronto. I believe cyclists have a responsibility to set a good example by following the rules of the road and demonstrating that cycling can be a safe form of travel when done responsibly. I believe that the more we cyclists show that we take safety seriously, the better our reputation will be and more people will give cycling a try, if they are able, and enjoy the benefits of riding.

Also, even if you don’t start your outing on a bike, bring your helmet along in case you want to jump on a bike for the way home or at some point during the day!”

Any other fun facts, please share with us!

“Fun facts: I have completed over 1000 rides with Bike Share and according to the app have burned over 100,000 calories cycling since I started my membership in 2022!”

-Your Friends at Bike Share Toronto

Facebook: @BikeShareToronto

Instagram: @bikeshareto

X: @bikeshareto

Meet Gerry, 

What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and helping you get around the city?

Greenwood and Gerrard is my home station. I also use Gerrard and Coxwell or Gerrard and Highfield a lot.

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share? 

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

I love that I can go for long walks and just grab a bike whenever I want to head home. I’m training for the TO Marathon and have a plan to run out far and ride back. I use it a LOT to walk to get groceries so I can carry potatoes, detergent and other heavy things back. Sometimes I don’t even ride the bike, I use it as a buggy. My favourite hack is riding to get an Auto Share! All shared vehicles means I don’t have to own a car 🙂

What made you start riding with Bike Share Toronto?

I bought a new bike and didn’t want to leave it out for too long. If I’m going downtown, I take Bike Share because a) it’s way faster than the streetcar and b) it takes me closer to where I’m going. I also get lifts to lots of places, this way I can save money (and time) getting back home.

Do you have any tips for the Bike Share community?

I would look ahead to where you are going to see how long it takes from where you dock to your destination. I’ve cut it way too close many times. There are lots of docking stations, but they aren’t always right next to your spot 😉

Meet Jennifer, 

What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and helping you get around the city?

My home station is Swansea Community Centre.  Most days, I use this station to head up to the Durie St/Dundas St W station to do a class at SAOR studio. I’m also regularly using the Simcoe St/Elm St station a lot when I’m at Toronto Rehab to get to and from my appointments and to hop on a bike between appointments to get lunch or explore.

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share? 

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

I am a cyclist who regularly rides with a club – I’ve always loved riding a bike!  I had a stroke earlier this year and couldn’t drive after the stroke.  Fortunately, I can still ride a bike!  However, my own bike isn’t one that I want to use for getting around town and leaving outside.  Bike Share allows me to get to my rehab appointments and move around my neighbourhood without having to worry about my own bike and it gives me flexibility to alternate between different modes of transportation, if necessary. 

Most days, riding Bike Share has been faster than taking public transit – especially if I use an e-bike!  When I make the choice to use a Bike Share, I’m outside, moving my body, and experiencing Toronto in a more present way – all of which is beneficial for my stroke healing at the moment!

What made you start riding with Bike Share Toronto?

I started riding with Bike Share after my stroke to get around my neighbourhood in a way that is faster than walking!  I noticed a station very close to my home and gave it a try one day and was thrilled with the ease of unlocking a bike and loved not having any worry about my own bike being locked up outside!  I’m still new (so I’m looking for tips!) but I’ve learned to be flexible with my ride and be grateful for the option – the extra few minutes that a ride might take when compared to driving or transport have so many added benefits!

Do you have any tips for the Bike Share community?

Bike Share Toronto is easy to use and it can open up the city to its users.  When I get on a bike, I don’t think about how fast I’m going or what I could do on my bike with my club – I think about how great Bike Share is for a practical way to move around the city.  The e-bikes allow me to get around without getting sweaty but still be outside in the fresh air – especially helpful for meeting up with friends or getting to Toronto Rehab.  If you’re new, take your time and have fun!

Meet Princess, 

What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and helping you get around the city?

My home station for heading east is Jean Sibilus Square (Kendal Ave/Bernard Ave), and for going west, it’s Vermont Square Park (Palmerston Ave/Vermont Ave). I am grateful to have quite a few Bike Share stations within close walking distance, including at Bathurst Station, which also serves as my gateway to the rest of the city.

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share? 

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

When I first started using Bike Share, I really envisioned it primarily for recreational use or an “emergency” alternative to public transit.  I never expected it to become my preferred method of transportation for commuting, even during the wintertime!

I have saved considerable time and money since using Bike Share. Beyond its environmental benefits, I value the ease of use and not having to worry about maintenance. As someone who commutes to and from work via Bike Share, it has been a great way to integrate more exercise into my routine, and has improved my mental health. Bike Share Toronto is truly one of the city’s most valuable services, and I am thankful to be a member.

What made you start riding with Bike Share Toronto?

I initially began using Bike Share for recreational use or as an emergency last-mile mode of transportation. However, with frequent delays on public transit, I started searching for better alternatives for moving around the city. My best friend (coincidentally Bike Share’s Member of the Month for December 2022) became an avid user and encouraged his family and friends to use it more frequently as a commuting option.

Like many, I was initially nervous about biking in Toronto. However, the ongoing expansion of bike lanes has made cycling around the city much more comfortable and safe. For anyone interested in using Bike Share, I recommend starting slowly. Perhaps begin by riding at times of the day when it’s less busy and stick to protected bike lanes. The more I biked around the city, the less nervous I became!

Do you have any tips for the Bike Share community?

The new Bike Share Toronto app has been wonderful for planning out my routes. With the app, it’s much easier to plan ahead and be aware of alternate stations in case your intended station is full. The app has saved me a lot of time and hassle!

Meet Queen Erin, 

What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and helping you get around the city?

My home stations are either Dundonald and Church, or Church and Alexander. Those stations help me get to and from my shows in Toronto’s gay village.

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share? 

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

I love using Bike Share Toronto for its convenience and cost! You never know when there’s going to be a subway closure, and calling a cab is super expensive, but I can rely on a bike to get me moving without breaking the bank.

What made you start riding with Bike Share Toronto?

My close friends are all cyclists and I wanted to overcome my fear of biking on city roads. I would recommend newcomers test out the Bike Share system with one-way passes before committing to an annual pass, just to get a feel for the bikes and if the docks are convenient for their travel habits.

Do you have any tips for the Bike Share community?

If you see a drag queen barreling down Yonge St on a Bike Share Toronto bike, just smile at her! She’s probably rushing to a show and doesn’t want the wind to rip off her fake eyelashes.

Meet Queen Zi, 

What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and helping you get around the city?

My home station is by Bay and Wellesley, however because I am also a student at UofT I find myself frequently accessing the other stations on campus.

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share? 

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

I love how it is accessible, every few streets I can hop on and put a bike back. I also love how easy it is to get a bike, I just enter the code and go!

What made you start riding with Bike Share Toronto?

Initially, I had my own bike but after it got stolen, I switched to Bikeshare and that fear was eliminated! I didn’t have to worry about people taking my bike anymore, I recommend everyone to just try it out!

Do you have any tips for the Bike Share community?

Biking can be chaotic at times in the city so remember to bike safely and consciously! Happy biking <3

Meet Tahjai, 

What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and helping you get around the city?

I consider Grenoble Drive/Vendome Place to be my “home station”. It’s fairly close to the Lower Don River Trail, which I ride frequently. The stations along Bayview Ave. are great as well! There are a lot of trails that branch off Bayview Ave, and can also bring you directly downtown into the city. 

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share? 

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

I love the accessibility, you can dock your bike at any station once your ride is complete with ease! 

What made you start riding with Bike Share Toronto?

I started riding with Bike Share because I wanted the flexibility of being able to combine a run and a bike in my workout. I can bike and then dock anywhere and run afterwards without having to worry about leaving my bike unattended. 

Do you have any tips for the Bike Share community?

No tips, but I do recommended everyone in the city to try at least once!

Meet Vicki, 

What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and helping you get around the city?

Strachan & Adelaide is my home station.  King / Bay is the station I use most when I go to work.  

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share? 

From my home station at Strachan & Adelaide, I like riding over the two bridges at Garrison Crossing and then through Exhibition Place and the CNE grounds.  The “secret” local gem are the cherry trees near the western end of the CNE (near  Bandshell Park),  beautiful cherry blossoms bloom in the springtime and you can admire them all to yourselves without the crowds at High Park.  

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

I love being able to pick up and drop a bike at different locations. It takes only a few seconds to unlock and dock a bike, much quicker than fiddling with bike locks.  I love that I can dock a bike, run my errands on foot, and then pick up another bike somewhere else without retracing my steps.  It’s great that I don’t have to maintain the bike myself, it’s done for me by Bike Share Toronto!  

What made you start riding with Bike Share Toronto?

I learned to ride a bike with Bikeshare in 2021. I was in my mid-forties and riding the bike for the first time!  I ride Bike Share Toronto almost daily now,  it is my everything – my transportation, my exercise, my stress relief, my joy!  My tip is you are never too old to learn a new skill, and in Toronto, with traffic this bad, you are better off riding Bike Share to get around faster, more so than driving or taking TTC.  

Do you have any tips for the Bike Share community?

There are many hazards to watch out for on the streets of Toronto, even when you’re in the bike lane! But if you take care then riding Bikeshare is the best way to get across town, and it’s fun! 

Meet Lee, 

What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and helping you get around the city?

Until late last year it was Royal York / Lakeshore. Yea!!!!…thanks to the Bike Stare Toronto expansion my home station is now Second Street / Lakeshore. This makes trips a little faster, especially westbound!

There are lots of other station key to my use patters! Because of my work with clients, I am all over the city in somewhat random pattern. I try to go by bike often for work and aim for 90% of errands and leisure visits by bike-sharing, sometimes combined with TTC. Lake Shore/Twenty Fourth (for coffee at Terminal 3 Coffee Roasters). Humber College (the skating rink and community centre) Twelfth St/Thirteenth Street (library), Judson St/Royal York (Mimico GO), Willingdon Blvd/Bloor St W (Royal York subway), Amos Waites park (Birds and Beans Coffee), all the High Park stations, Union Station, St. Andrews Park, St George/Bloor, Danforth Ave/Coxwell, Bay/Bloor.

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share? 

Terminal 3 Coffee in Long Branch! Birds and Beans Coffee in Mimico! Sydney Grind Coffee (Sixth Street/ Lake Shore Blvd W), Libraries. Sam Smith Park (Humber College). Local retail in Mimico both on Royal York and Lake Shore Blvd W.

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

I love the flexibility that Bike Share Toronto gives me to take the TTC if the weather turns bad or if I just get tired (since I live about 14k from downtown). It’s particularly handy if I have several places to be so I don’t have to keep moving my own bike. I can just walk and take a bike closest to my final destination. Also, I appreciate that there are always working lights on the bikes at night. Cycling is often the fastest way to get around the city so there is great value in bike-sharing now that there are so many stations and the e-bikes (for going uphill and farther). Also, I love the camaraderie which is generally true of biking…I have chatted with so many people while waiting at intersections and I have enjoyed helping people get going on their first bike-share rides as I have been docking/undocking a bike.

What made you start riding with Bike Share Toronto?

I have been using Bike Share Toronto since the moment it landed in Toronto. I have always loved to cycle and the faster speed and ease it allows for getting around the city but I have not always been a huge fan of lugging my own bike around… especially if I have multiple stops or I am uncertain about weather conditions or timing of going home. My best tip is to get an annual pass. It’s the best! Many, many times I have used bike-sharing over taking my car or TTC because of having that membership. Use the app on a phone for convenience and speed of getting bikes in and out from the dock but ALWAYS have your membership card with you in case your phone dies or there is a glitch in cell service.

Are you a winter rider and do you have any tips for the Bike Share community?

I am a dedicated winter rider. Always have a helmet with you as conditions can be more uncertain. I got myself a winter one that has a visor to come down over my face and large enough to put multiple layers underneath. Head, hands, and feet get the coldest. Be prepared for that. Because I live in the west end, I’ll combine more bike/TTC trips if it is really cold. For example, I’ll ride to the GO train or the subway. This is typically faster than using bus or streetcar to get to those transportation nodes.

Meet Rachael, 

What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and helping you get around the city?

Queen and Abell. Queen and Dovercourt, Mill St and Parliament, and Oak St and Sackville are also commonly used stations.

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share? 

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

It’s an efficient way to get around (considering speed as well as cost if you have an annual membership). Also useful to use in combination with transit, and great that you can make one-way trips without worrying about parking a bike. I also like the added fresh air, exercise, and the convenient storage component at the front of the bikes.

What made you start riding with Bike Share Toronto?

I was debating on buying a personal bike and was concerned about theft/storage/upfront cost. I tried it out with a 24h pass using it mainly on the waterfront, and found it to be enjoyable. I would recommend the annual pass if you are going to use it at least once/week. Tips: wear a helmet and, if you are newer to urban cycling, start on bike paths like the Martin Goodman to build up comfort before using other paths/roads.

Are you a winter rider and do you have any tips for the Bike Share community?

Yes, I am a winter rider. The bikes are quite sturdy, so as long as the lanes/road are plowed/salted then it is just a matter of bundling up. Tips would be warm mittens/gloves, and planning to add extra time to the commute to take it slow.

Meet Sarah, 

What station do you consider to be your “home station”? Are there other stations that are key to your use patterns and helping you get around the city?

Donlands and Danforth is my home station.  It’s right next to school and daycare drop off, so I can hop on a bike right away and get to the office at Bay and Gerrard in about 20 minutes.  It’s also really handy for running errands – the Gough and Danforth station is right next to the grocery store, and there’s a handy station in Withrow Park at Carlaw and Strathmore. 

What would you consider to be the “local gems” or spots you love to frequent in your community using Bike Share? 

What do you love the most about using Bike Share and what value do you find in using the system?

I love how spontaneous you can be with Bike Sharing.  I can hop all over the city, and I never have to worry about the weather – if it gets too cold, rainy or snowy, I can switch to the TTC without worrying about getting the bike home.

Bike Sharing is also an absolute lifesaver whenever you’re leaving with a crowd.  Concerts, Jay’s games, parades – it feels so good to rise above the traffic and surge pricing and get on your way.

What made you start riding with Bike Share Toronto?

My own bike was in the shop and I really cherish a cycling commute.  It’s so much quicker than driving, and I love the fresh air and space I have to myself on the ride.  Then I tried an e-bike for the first time, and now I’m absolutely hooked – they’re so much fun!

Are you a winter rider and do you have any tips for the Bike Share community?

I ride all year long, winter included, but not every day.  If it’s raining hard or snowing heavily I stay off the roads.  But I’ll bike in almost any temperature – warm gloves, rubber boots, a wool sweater, coat and hat have never let me down.  As a bonus, you won’t overheat on the way in if you’re on your bike!