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A collection of stories, news and information that we thought you might find interesting and relevant.

• The link between exercise and mental health seems especially compelling now, as the combined effects of the pandemic, economic strains and the protests are taking a tool on many people’s well-being.  In a recent study, researchers found that for generally healthy, but sedentary adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, working out lowered depression, hostility and negative feelings.”  The study also finds that the mood benefits of exercise can linger for weeks after people stop working out, offering another compelling reason for us to try to move, whenever and wherever we can. According to another study, this one published in 2019 in JAMA Psychiatry, running for just 15 minutes a day may help ward off depression.  I am sure the same can be said about cycling. So if you’re reading this and don’t want to ride your bike today, go anyway — for at least 15 minutes. And encourage a cycling friend who’s also struggling to give it a go. You may ride longer, you may not. But at least you did something for your health, which feels more important than ever right now.
• Q&A with Dede Barry @ Allied Cycle Works 
• Toronto provides transportation alternatives by expanding the city bike share program into all corners of the city during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
• Coronavirus lockdowns have brought blissfully empty roads, which have been a boon to even the most reluctant pedaller. Residents of big cities have been feverishly reimagining their lives on a saddle, rather than behind the wheel. This is cycling’s moment, and it could have profound long-term implications for transport policy.  Cycling ticks a lot of good policy boxes, but cars are not over and speed bumps lie ahead.  Read the Economist’s analysis of “How the lockdown converted the world to cycling and what implications this may have in the future”.
• GTA Bikeways Coalition needs your support. A broad and growing coalition of community groups from across the city is demanding bikeways to mirror transit routes to the benefit of city residents, particularly essential workers. The coalition is calling for 100km of bikeways for urgent installation. The first step happened at the Council meeting on May 28, 2020 with the approval of 40km of temporary and permanent bikeways. More is needed for the transportation needs of residents.  Please add your community’s group’s voice to the demand for action. Please forward your support for bikeways along TTC routes, including Yonge Street, with name of organization, contact name and email to [email protected]. Learn more: #BikesLoveYonge campaign one-pager and the Yonge bike lanes presentation.
• Read Cynthia Pedraza’s take on Bike Racing, White Privilege and the Cornavirus at The Radavist
• Leo Rogers lost his leg, then rediscovered the bicycle.  Now he is an unstoppable gravel racing hero.  Read about how Leo is inspiring his community in Tampa.
• More than two weeks after George Floyd’s death at the hands—or, more accurately, the knee—of a U.S. police officer in Minneapolis, American cities are witnessing a further night of protests. Despite widespread curfews people are still spilling on to the streets. Many of these protests against police brutality have been met with police brutality. Videos of unprovoked attacks on peaceful protesters and members of the media by police are going viral on social media. Shockingly, police motor vehicles were used as weapons, as well as bicycles. The supposedly “humble” bicycle—usually a symbol of non-motorized meekness— has been used by America’s over-militarized law enforcement as a mix between a riot shield and a baton. Photographs of police officers wielding Trek-branded bicycles would not be the sort of images the family-owned firm would have hoped for on the eve of the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day, June 3.   On June 6, Fuji Bicycles announced that in the past week, they had seen their bikes used by policeman to deploy violent tactics. Fuji stated that they did not design or intend the bikes to be used in that way.  In an effort to work change, they have now suspended the sale of police bikes. 

Places to ride

Col de Braus is a mountain pass in the French Alps, in the Alpes-Maritimes region. It connects Sospel and L’Escarène. A railway tunnel has been dug under the pass. Photo by Michael Blann.  Build your bucket list of rides with the new edition book by Michael Blann,  Mountains:  Epic Cycling Climbs

What to cook this week

Tomato, Feta and Basil salad

Tomatoes are in season in most of the Northern Hemisphere and there is nothing better than fresh, sweet juicy tomatoes with Greek Feta cheese and basil.  Make this your best salad ever by toping it with good olive oil and Maldon sea salt. Enjoy it with fresh baguette.

Ingredients:

• Ripe Organic Tomatoes
• Greek Feta Cheese
• Fresh basil (chopped)
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Maldon sea salt

Slice the tomatoes, feta and basil.  Mix in a bowl and then drizzle with olive oil, balsamic and sea salt to taste.

 

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