“They are an ambitious bunch and we wish them well.” ~Andrew Johnson, CTV Talking Head
There is a perception, perhaps valid in some quarters, that police don’t accord bicycles the same kind of respect as motorized vehicles.
Not Const. Mike Russel. Besides being the familiar face of Victoria Police Department media relations, he is a bike booster who moves family freight by Bakfiets. In fact, the family owns two cargo bikes. Outside of the police cruiser, commuting is pedal-powered or bus assisted.
This report from CTV News takes a look at the Russell family’s decision to go car-free in the cycling capital of Canada.
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I’m in awe and admiration. I couldn’t remain car free – tried it for a year and ended up buying one again. I like to get out of town too much to give up my car. Now I’m looking for a good hitch to transport my bike! 🙂
But I certainly could use my bike more for just getting around town, and Mike and Olena certainly are an inspiration for doing so.
Wow! Going without a car??? That’s completely insane! Someone please phone the BC Ministry of Children to have the children rescued!
As you may know, I’ve recently gone over to the dark side.
Like you, Tori, my car is mainly used to get out of town and transport stuff that won’t fit on my bike.
Good story (poor reporting, but not surprising).
After I had a run in with local cops, I have little time for them. I even found out I have a file which indicates I hate cops. Not that I care, but funny how the cop lied about what happened — which is why my trust/respect is zero for them.
This guy does seem decent however.
Just a few things with the video/reporting:
0:46 I hate when the media mentions the “waiting around” for a bus. You only wait around if you arrive quite early. Other then that, the buses are usually on schedule at each stop. Plan ahead to only wait a few minutes. And is it any worse the “waiting” in traffic?
Some cities are trying free WiFi also at stops, so just bring a tablet/phone with you…or if you have your family/friends, talk.
1:50 I’d just love to have that bike! I get by quite well with mine for shopping, but it looks much easier.
2:34 I would assume he would drive at/for work. I knew someone who drove a taxi for quite a few years here locally, but he biked in everyday no matter the weather, and didn’t own a vehicle. Outside of driving a cab, he didn’t drive at all.
2:50 and this is what pissed me off. I realize “cold” is different to people in BC to most of the country, but a) he has no tuque on, b) has no gloves on, c) not the warmest jacket on…How cold can it be?!?!
Plus, you will warm up faster riding a bike, then you would sitting in a car…Of course this is why most let their cars idle for 20-30 minutes when it’s cold :\
Ryan: After all is said and done, they actually reported on this.
Let’s hope it inspires other families.
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