How do you get to school?

October 22, 2024

Toronto’s streets quietly added many strips of green—those are newly built bike lanes. They wind through the city’s avenues and alleys, like gentle streams, injecting into this busy city a touch of tranquility and vitality. For Upper Canada College (UCC)’s students, these lanes are not just commuting tools, but bridges for them to dialogue with nature and the city.

I sat with UCC Grade 12 student Alex on the campus bench, listening to his thoughts about bike lanes. “I bike almost every day to school,” Alex smiled and said, eyes sparkling with light. “Those newly built designated lanes, like a barrier, separate me from dangerous traffic. I don’t need to worry about vehicles’ threats anymore, just focus on the path under the pedals.”

As bike lanes extend in Toronto’s various places, from Forest Hill’s quiet streets to Avenue’s wide roads, more and more UCC students chose this green travel alternative. Alex told me, this isn’t just for saving time. “Biking makes me feel more active and also makes me feel I’m doing something for Earth. Each pedal press seems to lighten Earth’s burden a bit.”

Toronto’s streets, once filled with cars’ roaring sounds, now because of bike lanes become gentler. Alex said: “We all know, the city’s air needs to be fresher, and streets need to be quieter. Remove one car, adding a bit of peace. For us students who care about the future, this is a silent blessing.”

Woman riding a bicycle on a bike lane by a white iron fence by Nilo Velez is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

Bike lanes not only connect the city’s corners but also connect people’s hearts. They provide different backgrounds people an equal and free travel method. Alex praised: “No matter who, as long as having a bicycle, can freely travel in this city. Like the Toronto Bike Share program. Such projects make this freedom within reach.”

Of course, change always brings some controversy. Some worry bike lanes will occupy parking spaces, and affect traffic. But Alex views it as city growth’s necessary path. “Copenhagen and Amsterdam already showed us bike lanes’ charm. They not only make the city greener but also make life better. Toronto should also take this step.”

Every time Alex rides a bicycle, weaving through this city’s green, he feels his connection with this land closer. “Each ride is a small contribution. It might be tiny, but countless such moments gather together, which is our promise to the future.”

Wind passes by ears, sunlight falls on shoulders, that moment, students feel extremely free. Toronto’s bike lanes, like green bonds, tightly connect the city with nature, and people with people. They’re not just commuting tools, but Toronto’s hope for a better future. On this green forward path, everyone is a participant, and every step is worth cherishing.