Two weeks ago, I traded the day-to-day for a mildly terrifying but exhilarating new ritual. Seemingly out of nowhere, a bike share kiosk popped up outside my house. The very next day, the streetcar I took on the way back from work reeked with the relentless odour of cat pee. The universe was sending me a message.

I consulted the throngs of colleagues and friends who are cycling commuters and whose motivations had puzzled me for years. I never encountered such support and enthusiasm from any cluster before. Advice on helmets [and actual helmets] came pouring in. Feedback on safest routes, along with the obvious and not so obvious tips — ranging from assurances that most drivers are not homicidal, and always ring your bell before cycling past a parked taxi. So I plotted my route and got a helmet, with the objective to get over the fear of cycling in the city. After the first day, I forget about overcoming fear, and fell in love. Clean, breezy, phone-free, cat-pee free commute that got me to work at a predictable time. A bit of a skeptic, I commuted at varying times, expecting to encounter vehicle traffic, crowds of cyclists, pedestrians at peak travel times, but I found the essence of my commute the same. My commute is a predictable 20–25 minutes each way, perfect for bike-share that allows maximum ride times of 30 minutes. And yes, dedicated bike lanes are a godsend.

More people would turn to cycling if we had in our minds a completely acceptable commuting cycle is, upright and utilitarian, with the baskets and wagons for kids. Forget the visions of inverted handle bars, super skinny wheels and hunched-over velodrome intensity. In that vein, for me, a Dutch cycle, preferably in coral, would be a purchase — but only in my distant future. The annual bike-share service is pennies for a ride, zero maintenance costs and hassles. Although the bike is far from lightweight, my quads will thank me later. I did splurge on a new bike for K this past weekend [20” wheels for my big guy], so an affordable rental is just fine for me.

This renewed interest in cycling began last month when I took the children to New York. We met my parents and I gave my dad the task of teaching my five-year old son, K, to ride a bike. I had tried to do this myself in Toronto but with my two-year old little girl running around, I found it very difficult to focus on K fully. So every morning for an hour in Central Park, grandfather and grandson would practice. The old fashioned way — nana’s hand on K’s back for balance. Nana’s poor back. On day 1, K told me at bedtime, biking was very tricky. On day 4, the sheer glee on his face by being able to ride himself was worth everything for nana. And now, we all have beautiful memories of K’s lessons with nana in Central Park. I couldn’t leave my daughter out. So for a few days, I rented a bike with a baby seat and had her as my co-pilot. She LOVED it.

These days, I get in early to work, serotonin-infused and ready to start work. I love my work environment but now it’s even better. My office is admittedly more scruffy with multiple pairs of shoes, deodorant and other clean-up essentials, but I have just joined the league of folks who live this life. Enhanced peripheral vision, confidence and ability to make quick decisions are ways in which cycling regularly in the city can improve your ability to deliver at your job. Not a far stretch, by any means! So if you are thinking about and are terrified, pony up the $7.91 for a 24 hour pass for bike-share and take the plunge. You have everything to gain.