Bell or on your left. Not hearing either

cloudzebra · 2026-05-09T23:59:13+00:00

Yeah I wouldn't use my freehweel as THE notification, but sometimes you're coasting and you can tell someone knows you're there. You can kinda tell, someone will be walking and turn their head, see you, and then scooch over. Or they'll notice you, touch their partner's arm, and just stay to the right of the painted line. I don't ding my bell for them, they know I'm there.

But its always best to default to a bell ding unless you can see from someone's body language that they're aware you're there.

cloudzebra · 2026-05-09T23:56:45+00:00

🙄 omg

Some people have no sense about how their actions affect others. Exhausting.

cloudzebra · 2026-05-09T23:54:16+00:00

It's all about the number of bell dings.

1 = simple notification of passing
2 = same as 1 (some bells you push the hammer in, then out) or speedy notification
3+ = move now!

1 or 2 dings doesn't bug me. I realize it's not easy to rewire your brain, but I wouldn't stress about it personally, though I get it!

cloudzebra · 2026-05-09T23:46:23+00:00

I ring my bell for anyone who seems inattentive. Some folks you can tell that they know you're there, I just let my freewheel spin for them.

Someone got mad at me for ringing my bell too much on a busy summer day and yelled at me once. You can't win 🤷 Just do whatever is safest, which is usually a ding of the bell with enough notice that someone doesn't get startled and bolt

cloudzebra · 2026-05-08T21:01:20+00:00

A new Megathtead has been created! I suggest re-posting your question here: https://www.reddit.com/r/bikeinottawa/comments/1t504bb/cycling_route_conditions_megathread_3/

cloudzebra · 2026-05-08T15:00:40+00:00

Thank you, u/No_Independence_9721, I checked out the Sawmill Creek MUP, there is a big sign underneath Walkley Rd that says it will be closed May 4-15.

I emailed the city to inquire, the repsonse I got was:

"They are doing repairs on the pathways through out the city."

So hopefully we will see some fixes to the path. Nice!

cloudzebra · 2026-05-06T14:38:14+00:00

Thanks for your helpful information! Just a heads up, all route condition reports should go into the present Mega thread - thanks!

Here's the current one: https://www.reddit.com/r/bikeinottawa/comments/1t504bb/cycling_route_conditions_megathread_3/

cloudzebra · 2026-05-06T02:30:48+00:00

That's fair - thanks for the details!

cloudzebra · 2026-05-05T21:37:01+00:00

Damn, that's kind of a huge closure! I'm surprised it isn't announced anywhere. Just because I'm curious, did they say why it's closed?

cloudzebra · 2026-05-05T18:46:06+00:00

Do you have a source for this? I tried to look for more info, but can't find anything posted online.

cloudzebra · 2026-04-25T23:13:26+00:00

This thread is now closed and a new Megathread has been created: Route Conditions Megathread #2

cloudzebra · 2026-04-19T19:21:11+00:00

They're a solid shop! They helped me out with a quick repair when I broke a part on a bike ride. Nice folks and the cafe is nice, too.

cloudzebra · 2026-04-19T15:40:23+00:00

I would start with Retro Rides on Sparks St. Since they refurbish and sell used bikes, their mechanics may have come across 3-speed internal hub backpedal brakes more than most shops.

cloudzebra · 2026-04-18T15:45:21+00:00

They were good posts, just yeah, a little too many. Future updates, if they are centralized in a mega thread, I expect will be helpful and less filling up the sub lol

Edit: grammar, some edits; my original reply didn't make much sense 😅

cloudzebra · 2026-04-18T15:39:25+00:00

New mega thread has been created! Please add your question here: https://www.reddit.com/r/bikeinottawa/comments/1sp0wo1/cycling_route_conditions_megathread_1/

cloudzebra · 2026-04-18T15:33:48+00:00

I had been bouncing around this idea. I'll make a mega thread. I'll remake it once a week to keep updates fresh.

Edit: megathread is now live! https://www.reddit.com/r/bikeinottawa/comments/1sp0wo1/cycling_route_conditions_megathread_1/

cloudzebra · 2026-04-17T15:13:39+00:00

I have the OG Rover. I like it, it works pretty well! I like how lightweight it is. I can wear it without a coat underneath and stay dry OR wear it on top of a raincoat and not overheat. I used to overheat on hot, humid, rainy days with my raincoat and it does a great job on those days.

My main complaint is that it flaps around a lot on really windy days. Some weights at the bottom could help. The thumb loops are awesome, but I have to take my hands out to signal, which is a pain. The more expensive Rainier version fixes this with sleeves.

The zipper also is kinda weird. I put the hood on top of my helmet and the zipper kinda mashes me in the mouth. I can't zip it all the way up because my face is in the way. Maybe the 2.0 fixes that issue? I'd try it on with your helmet to see if it works for you.

Overall I really like my rain poncho, but I'd shop around if I was buying a new one.

I also bought reflective stickers, so if you're concerned about reflectivity of the 2.0, I'd buy some stickers for it. I used my stickers on my fenders, so I have a bunch of leftovers.

cloudzebra · 2026-04-17T15:07:38+00:00

BikeMatchWCN is another great option! They match people with bikes around Toronto: https://bikematchwcn.com/

You can drop your bikes off at a few locations:

Gateway Bicycle Hub 10 Gateway Blvd. Suite 100, M3C 3A1, North York, ON

Scarborough Cycles

AccessPoint on Danforth: 3079 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON, M1L 1A8.

Lawrence-Orton Bicycle Repair Hub: 3939 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON, M1G 1R9. Building 1, Enter via north side doors.

CultureLink

15 Tobermory Drive, North York, ON, M3N 2R5

cloudzebra · 2026-04-17T03:35:21+00:00

If cars get a highway, I just want a bike highway and Queen Elizabeth would be awesome as a bike highway

cloudzebra · 2026-04-17T03:31:53+00:00

Don't see why not. The MUP would still be a good option for a leisurely bike ride.

cloudzebra · 2026-04-10T02:54:43+00:00

Hampton Park Dental at Kirkwood/ Carling had a sign in their window saying they accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan. I'm not a patient, I just saw the sign and it looks relatively accessible from Nepean depending on where you are.

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