‘Yes, it’s feasible’: Calgary author responds to Smith’s winter cycling comments
Calgary author Tom Babin is sending mayoral candidate Bill Smith a bit of reading material on winter cycling.
In a Facebook Live broadcast today, Babin, responded to comments Smith made in a Sprawl interview after being asked how he would make Calgary more bikeable.
Because Calgary is a winter city, Smith had said, “there are times when it’s just not feasible to have 12-month-a-year bike routes. Maybe we could do some sort of a half year on, half year off in certain areas — because we still need to get around in vehicles.”
Babin, who has a blog on cycling called Shifter, said Smith’s question was a fair one. “As somebody who’s ridden for years in Calgary throughout the whole year, I have to say, that’s a reasonable question. I asked this question myself years ago when I first started.”
“I know you’re a busy guy, so you probably don’t have time to really look into this question and research it, but I’m here to help.”
“I’ve done the research for you,” said Babin, holding up his book Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling. “That was the whole point of the book. To ask that question: whether it’s a feasible thing to do in the city.”
“So I’m going to send this over to your campaign HQ and maybe you’ll have time to squeeze in a read.”
“Here’s a sneak preview: Yes. It’s feasible.”
Babin proceeded to give Smith a few tips for winter cycling, including wearing a warm hat.
“Gotta keep that head warm,” Babin said.
You should watch.
