From Guest-blogger Ron: Save Money, Pollution, Time, Environment

This is rather long but maybe your assistants can screen this. I’m writing because you showed some interest in urban transport costs (skimming down, you will be able to see this thread). Recently the bike people have gained access to hydro right of way for bike path. This is interesting because (a) these routes are free of traffic and are straight lines giving rapid access to downtown. They could cheaply be “paved” with limestone screening which compact with use to a cement- like surface.

Bikes are great for transport and fitness BUT when it rains and/or gets cold, I suspect the bikers want a nice dry warm bus. This migration makes life difficult for TTC- be- there -when- I -need -you is costly as empty buses illustrate this fact. That is why I think enclosed private transport- not cars- is the future.

Have a look at some of the detail if you have time. I have solutions now and in the planning stages. ( I submitted my electric trike to Metro for junk poster removal- never heard from them) This is from China.
1. Semi-recumbent trikes are safe with low centre of gravity.
2. Delta trikes are easily configured as serious load carriers.(see photo)
3. Most shopping, doctor appointments, hospital visits, and other
mobility requirements within 15-20 km are practical for trikes.
4. Pedaling is excellent exercise- electric assist allows hills and
headwinds to be overcome. As well there is the sweat avoidance factor and worn out resources
to consider.
5. Parking lots in cities are cost intensive and can be avoided since
trikes are well accepted as movers inside malls and large stores.
6. Grid lock can be avoided because trikes have a small footprint.
They can be configured to be accepted on sidewalks to avoid higher
speed roadways.
7. Trikes handle potholes and sewer grates without serious incidence.
8. Delta recumbent rikes are readily configured with weather protection. The very
fairings and roof components afford space for self adhesive solar
input and also decrease wind resistance.
9. Trikes with 30 AH batteries can be produced with very low weights-
less than 80 pounds including batteries and motors. A 30AH Lithium
battery will create a range in the order of 60 K!
10 Trikes provide personal transport with minimal investment and with
virtually no carbon footprint (breathing increases when pedaling but is a
minor factor and will result in health benefits)
11.Bike carriers on busses are very seldom used so are likely a misuse of
funding. I have never seen a bike on the front of a bus in Toronto.
12. Low cost safe routeways to the city centre could follow rail lines,
hydro rights of way and riverine parkways.
13. Wheeltrans can be relieved of much of its load through the use of
tricycles.With weather protection recumbent three wheelers can be used in all sorts
of conditions.
14. Trikes can be fitted with satellite map devices and cell phones
to prevent getting lost and for accessing help if it is ever required.
15. Our recumbent trikes are light enough they can be picked up in a minivan or even a Honda Fit!

ron mccurdy, toronto ontario

Faster than a car (no stop light-short cut), no parking problem, no shopping cart, zero carbon transport all these benefits accrue from my semi-recumbent electric assist trike. Oh yes, I do have a car but does it make any sense to use precious resources while polluting the air just to accomplish local errands?
My trike has sophisticated monitoring which displays more information than I really need but it does tell me I can travel 20 k for one penny’s worth of electricity and with zero carbon footprint. If everyone shopped, banked, went to hospital and doctor appointments, we would not need the huge expanses of parking lot bitumen wasted on valuable land. Nor would we require shopping carts or 2 cars in the driveway (with some exceptions).
Wait a minute, I do use my trike in the rain when there is a compelling need and ride throughout the winter with parka and lined jeans with no discomfort. I will do even better with my newer fairing which will cover my body and legs while contributing 25 watts to my energy resources. Perhaps I will be able to go 50K on a penny’s worth of electricity. At present my fairing only protects me from cold winter winds and rain on my legs. Don’t misunderstand me, protection from the wind in winter is important.

On Thu, Jun 24, 2010 at 2:31 PM, Ronald wrote:

Hey Rob- know you’re busy but I just read the “towney” thing in the paper.

I note virtually empty buses at times- a terrible waste.
As you know I have worked with special needs folks for years with my tricycles- over 560 riders most of whom could not walk any distance.

To this end , I know as an 80-year old, the TTC is of little value to me since I would not make it to the bus stop so I’m left with 4 choices:
(i) use my electric assist trikes I did this a.m. to go to the mall for my railing assisted exercise and thence to my doctor appointment- about 10 km total round trip.
(ii) call 4 taxis, one for each leg of my travels.
(iii)take my gas guzzler.
(iv) get a wheeltrans to serve me at GREAT public expense.

For my health and that of the environment, the public purse, convenience, and wallet, I choose the trike.

In a few moments, I’ll be doing some banking- again-the trike. I do some pedaling for health benefits as well.

Further, I met a lady at the hospital doctors office. She was waiting with her walker for wheel trans. I asked where she lived, thinking it might be more convenient for her to use an electric assist trike. She lived about 10 miles away so I didn’t pursue the thought but she informed me that it only cost $2 each way because she was a senior. Not all seniors are cash strapped. My clients are supported by service clubs only after a physio note and an income tax form to determine need.

Sorry for the long note Wheel trans must cost the city a fortune and many clients would be better off with a safe trike and they and the city would be better off!