This Road Continues One Block North

Like most progressive cities, Toronto has been encouraging its residents to leave the car at home on the weekend and for family outings in their neighborhood. In 2011, the bike union (now known as Cycle Toronto) set up valet bike parking events at the Wychwood Barns Farmers’ Markets, where attendants like Christine Bruce would babysit your bike for free while you shop. Every time Christine made the simple comment, “Nice bike!” to participants at the event, a bike story would pop out. Quickly realizing the inspirational value of these stories and their power to encourage others to consider a bicycle as a viable transportation option, she began leaving a simple business card on bikes around the Greater Toronto Area that read, “Hello! I am writing a book on cycling in Toronto and your bike caught my eye. If interested, please contact me for an interview.” She listened to anyone who had a story, as well as to many people who thought they didn’t have one. When it became apparent that virtually every story is a love story, her project became a love letter to the joys of cycling and the power it has to inspire, ignite creativity and engage a community. The result of this project is her new book, This Road Continues One Block North. Through sixty stories—from The Bicycle Ninja to The Theatrical Bike and Riding the Wormhole—This Road Continues One Block North offers all the best reasons why cycling will endure. The book includes a charming Cyclist’s Map to the City of Toronto and terrific photographs.