Bike Commercials

Just in case I haven't mentioned it, the little bike group I've been with for the past two years has produced a series of biking advertisements for Halifax! This has been a project two years in the making, and I'm hoping it will encourage people to get off their behinds and start living more actively. Because hey... when I'm 40 years old and nursing, I really don't want to see a bunch of overweight/obese folks with like 20 comorbidities. It's not something that our healthcare system can afford right now.

I just thought I'd throw a couple photos of our shoot days. The videos themselves should be embedded further down in the post.

{{Just to let you guys know: The videos on this page are cut off on the right, so you're not getting the whole impact factor of each one. Please visit www.cyclehalifax.ca to link to the actual vids!}}

Other than that, nothing new to report. I've been slowly studying for my Canadian RN Exams, but my motivation is not as high as it should be for this. Nice to know that I will have something of a job when I get out though.

Also, next week is Bike Week! This usually goes down at the same place all over the world... so if you live in the UK, look into it! (hint) HRM Bike Week should be pretty phenomenal this year! I can't wait to actually be able to enjoy this years events!

Rough Ride for Halifax Critical Mass

Last month's Critical Mass ride got tangled up with the police last month. I can't say I'm surprised, as police involvement is usually involved in many rides to some capacity. What frustrates me is the borderline split personality disorder of Halifax Police. Some months they are kind and courteous towards the Mass, and even escort us during the ride. Other times they are aggressive and very grabby, which is a scary thing when you are on a medium-paced ride with two wheels. I've even had one officer on a motorcycle come up from behind me while I was stopped and try to push me over. I know enough at this point that if you get nabbed by the cops, you get asked 20 questions, none of which you can really give a good answer to, they get frustrated, ask for your ID, rifle through their little law book in their cars and promptly fine you for something. In response to his push, I steadied myself and busted out of there.

Three people were fined last month however, which lead to a "Critical Mass Meeting". A handful of people including myself showed up. It was nice to see that people care about what happened and want to help out the people who got fined.

On another cycling note, the Halifax Cycling Coalition was contacted by the US Consulate General last month about a city planner that will be in Halifax at the end of the week. Roger Geller has been the Bicycling Planner for the City of Portland, OR for the past 15 years. If you don't know about Portland, it's essentially THE cycling Mecca in the US. It will be nice to see and hear what ideas would be feasible in Halifax. He's also meeting with the HRM Active Transportation Advisory Committee. I hope he inspires them to invest their efforts into getting Halifax a Bicycle planner of it's own. I made a poster for this event that I will try and attach below.

That's about it from me. Keep it real you guys!