Meet Jesse, 

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 the one at Wright and Sorauren in Roncesvalles around the corner from my house. I love this neighborhood. Another key station I use is the one at the top of Trinity Bellwoods.

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

So many local gems in the Roncesvalles area. Love having coffee on the Ideal Coffee patio on Sorauren. Gold Standard for breakfast sandwiches. Cameron House for live music. El Ruddy’s on Dundas West is another fav for a drink. Also a huge fan of public amenities like the High Park library and the Gus Ryder Public pool. And I have to of course shout out the restaurant my wife manages: Bar Vendetta on Dundas west.

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

What I love most about using Bike Share is not having to drive in the city. It’s so clear to me that bikes are the best way to get around Toronto. Not only for environmental purposes but I find when I bike to work, or a destination I arrive feeling energized and happy. The exact opposite of how driving and cars makes me feel. I hate the divisiveness between cars and bikes, pedestrians etc. I wish that most car enthusiasts in Toronto realized that more people on bikes, increased bike infrastructure and expanding the Bike Share program also benefits them in so many ways, even if they never plan on getting on a bike themselves. 

What made you start riding with Bike Share?

How awful it feels to drive! My tips are to spend some time looking up the safest bike routes on Google Maps. I’ve found that I pretty much know a safe way to get to most places in the city by doing this. Right now going east or west in the city south of the bloor lanes is tough! I’ve found ways to do it by trial and error and Google Maps biking setting.