Two wheeled heaven

Vespa love affair

In 2009 there was a huge surge in the number of scooters and electric bikes we saw cruising around Toronto streets. You may have detected that quite a few of the drivers are fifty-plus – not only young people – and there’s a good reason for that. It’s more efficient. It’s also a lot more fun than steaming in a hot car in traffic.

Our streets are choked with cars, we just love the automobile don’t we? It takes a ridiculous amount of time to navigate Toronto streets now, so much so that I avoid taking the car out unless I have to transport large amounts of stuff, or heavy items. Despite the criticism it draws, TTC is – in my humble opinion – a great, inexpensive option. Having lived in London, England for 10 years, even though the London Underground has a staggeringly extensive reach to north, south east and west, a trip ticket costs you big time. You couldn’t travel the entire system for $2.50 (using tokens), as we have the great fortune to do in Toronto.

And for times when the TTC routes are too cumbersome to be efficient, you’ll see me and many other two-wheeled motorists passing you as you sit in traffic, cutting our journey times in half, at least. You’ll also see us parking free anywhere on Toronto city streets that parking is allowed. You just pull in to a space, give the parking wardens a cheery wave, and stroll into the cafe or store that happens to be your destination. It gets better. Filling the tank costs about $7, and my Vespa merely sips gas, making it a truly economical ride.

Though many ride through the winter, I’m too old and too much of a wimp to brave these chilly days. However, I am wishing away the few short weeks between now and March, so the red machine can join the growing number of Toronto people who are choosing the faster, cheaper and more efficient option to get around this beautiful city of ours.

I haven’t quite mastered the hair style angle yet. Helmet head rules.

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