Doug Baer
@douglasbaer.bsky.social
PhD Sociologist + BES env. studies, urbanist, cyclist, statistics expertise, retired but teaches @ stats pgms Calgary-CCRAM & @ICPSRSummer (& previously GSERM(Switz)).
Canada Post is going to replace home delivery with stupidboxes for those 30% of the population lucky enough to still have home delivery, arguing home delivery costs 75% more. Why don't they save all the capital $costs of building stupidboxes & just cut home delivery from daily to every 2nd day?
December 14, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Canada Post is going to replace home delivery with stupidboxes for those 30% of the population lucky enough to still have home delivery, arguing home delivery costs 75% more. Why don't they save all the capital $costs of building stupidboxes & just cut home delivery from daily to every 2nd day?
... and to all of the bozos demanding that bikes be regulated, licensed and taxed, if we taxed on the basis of road wear/damage & danger to human lives, small cars $100, big cars $200-400 SUVs $300-800 pickup trucks $10,000, larger pickup trucks $60,000, bicycles $.10.
“For half a century, a litany of federal policies has favored large SUVs & trucks, pushing automakers & buyers toward larger models. Instead of counteracting #CarBloat thru regulation, policymakers have subtly encouraged it. That has been a boon for car companies but a disaster for everyone else.”
The reckless policies that helped fill our streets with ridiculously large cars
Dangerous, polluting SUVs and pickup trucks took over America. Lawmakers are partly to blame.
www.vox.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:47 PM
... and to all of the bozos demanding that bikes be regulated, licensed and taxed, if we taxed on the basis of road wear/damage & danger to human lives, small cars $100, big cars $200-400 SUVs $300-800 pickup trucks $10,000, larger pickup trucks $60,000, bicycles $.10.
Now if only the BC government could give some thought to rail transit here, especially on the island. It's called the E&N corridor. A few challenges, yes (e.g., 1st Nations concerns), but do-able (can create valuable commuter transit to Langford and past the Malahat). Sadly, NDP doesn't care.
👏 👏 👏 It feels like we’ve turned a corner on rail in this country. 80 years late, but better late than never.
apple.news/Af6Ylb_NVRTW...
apple.news/Af6Ylb_NVRTW...
Ottawa-Montreal chosen as first leg of high-speed rail project — Ottawa Citizen
Construction of the high-speed rail line is expected to start in 2029
apple.news
December 12, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Now if only the BC government could give some thought to rail transit here, especially on the island. It's called the E&N corridor. A few challenges, yes (e.g., 1st Nations concerns), but do-able (can create valuable commuter transit to Langford and past the Malahat). Sadly, NDP doesn't care.
I got a response to my community association's submission to the request for comments on the Saanich Bikeway business.... it's now the case that Saanich is going to push back the next update of the Active Transportation Plan from 2028 to 2029. Not good.
December 11, 2025 at 6:02 PM
I got a response to my community association's submission to the request for comments on the Saanich Bikeway business.... it's now the case that Saanich is going to push back the next update of the Active Transportation Plan from 2028 to 2029. Not good.
Meanwhile, on Vancouver Island, nada. NDP government: a) does not seem to care about transit on the island b) seems opposed to any form of rail transit, especially on the island c) doesn't care if the E&N corridor disappears. My question to myself: "why did I vote for these people?"
Before (2016) / After (2025) the extension of the tramway Boulevard de L'Amiral Buix in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Work was done between 2021 and 2024.
December 11, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Meanwhile, on Vancouver Island, nada. NDP government: a) does not seem to care about transit on the island b) seems opposed to any form of rail transit, especially on the island c) doesn't care if the E&N corridor disappears. My question to myself: "why did I vote for these people?"
thetyee.ca/News/2025/12...
Just when you think Danielle Smith's Alberta can't get much worse.......
Just when you think Danielle Smith's Alberta can't get much worse.......
Jordan Peterson’s School Isn’t Accredited. Smith Offered Alberta’s Help | The Tyee
The premier met with the controversial psychologist and tried to help his business, finds a Tyee investigation.
thetyee.ca
December 10, 2025 at 5:42 PM
thetyee.ca/News/2025/12...
Just when you think Danielle Smith's Alberta can't get much worse.......
Just when you think Danielle Smith's Alberta can't get much worse.......
Yep, you won't see me in the USA for the next 4 years or perhaps forever. Would love to show my wife Chicago, New York, the Colorado scenic RRs but it's just not going to happen. I usually *work* in the US for a week each year: from here on in, it will be online only or nothing.
Why would anyone still want to travel to the United States? Trump seems hell bent on destroying travel to the U.S. like every other aspect of the U.S. economy.
December 10, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Yep, you won't see me in the USA for the next 4 years or perhaps forever. Would love to show my wife Chicago, New York, the Colorado scenic RRs but it's just not going to happen. I usually *work* in the US for a week each year: from here on in, it will be online only or nothing.
The Donald aka the Orange Monster aka Mr. Piggy has called Europe "weak and decaying". This is also an apt description of a) what The Donald has between his ears b) the future state of the USA on the world stage as a function of MAWA [W=weak] actions.
December 10, 2025 at 3:20 AM
The Donald aka the Orange Monster aka Mr. Piggy has called Europe "weak and decaying". This is also an apt description of a) what The Donald has between his ears b) the future state of the USA on the world stage as a function of MAWA [W=weak] actions.
The two Kamloops MLAs are both Conservatives. In one riding, the A-Hole Party of BC got 59% in the other they got 49%. Someone tell me we shouldn't just ignore the interior as a total political, social and intelligence wasteland.
Just what Kamloops needs - more endless, no-transit, anti-bike, car-only sprawl put in the middle of nowhere.
December 6, 2025 at 1:24 AM
The two Kamloops MLAs are both Conservatives. In one riding, the A-Hole Party of BC got 59% in the other they got 49%. Someone tell me we shouldn't just ignore the interior as a total political, social and intelligence wasteland.
OK, OK, but please give some thought to the possibility of making the sign read: "No Turn on Red (Bicycles Excepted)." Yes auto-centric citizens will cry "unfair unfair" but bicycles turning on red after coming to a stop do not constitute a safety problem for pedestrians.
"The City’s own data indicate that conflicts involving right-turning vehicles are among the most common types of pedestrian collisions ... If adopted, these changes would mark one of the most significant intersection-safety reforms in Vancouver in years."
dailyhive.com/vancouver/va...
dailyhive.com/vancouver/va...
Ban right turns on red at intersections, proposes Vancouver city councillor | Urbanized
OneCity councillor Lucy Maloney is pushing for a ban on right turns during the red-light traffic signal at intersections across Vancouver.
dailyhive.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:18 AM
OK, OK, but please give some thought to the possibility of making the sign read: "No Turn on Red (Bicycles Excepted)." Yes auto-centric citizens will cry "unfair unfair" but bicycles turning on red after coming to a stop do not constitute a safety problem for pedestrians.
:-(
One of Victoria's biking success factors has been great support from several business groups for bike lanes. Seems that has come to an end. Wilson is Chamber CEO (and owner of Wilson's Transportation, a bus company)
December 6, 2025 at 1:15 AM
:-(
Reposted by Doug Baer
Hello, Saanich. Please examine this map carefully. Yes, Saanich is more spread out and we can't expect the same density of bike infrastructure as C of Victoria. But we should at least be able to expect the same # of kilometers given that your tax base is roughly the same.
Another great video about the transformation of Victoria into Canada’s cycling capital. #yyjbike
youtu.be/FKMDMekErQ0
youtu.be/FKMDMekErQ0
How to Build a Cycling City
YouTube video by Nic Laporte
youtu.be
December 4, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Hello, Saanich. Please examine this map carefully. Yes, Saanich is more spread out and we can't expect the same density of bike infrastructure as C of Victoria. But we should at least be able to expect the same # of kilometers given that your tax base is roughly the same.
Dear Canadian Taxpayers Federation: 1) I am a taxpayer and you do NOT speak for me 2) please consider renaming yourself to the Canadian Anti-Public-Services A-hole Brigade.
December 3, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Dear Canadian Taxpayers Federation: 1) I am a taxpayer and you do NOT speak for me 2) please consider renaming yourself to the Canadian Anti-Public-Services A-hole Brigade.
Donald Trump renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. Trump's USA reneges on trade agreements, dismantles support for Ukraine, uses extortion on allies, deprives its own people of health insurance... I propose the USA be renamed United Snakes of America.
December 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Donald Trump renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. Trump's USA reneges on trade agreements, dismantles support for Ukraine, uses extortion on allies, deprives its own people of health insurance... I propose the USA be renamed United Snakes of America.
ah! a fellow exile from Fake London! I lived in FL for 15 years prior to moving west. What I remember about FL: stroads, no bike lanes, poor transit made worse by cancellation of bus rapid transit (nearby K-W, same ~pop, now has a tram!), Greg Curnoe's death (cyclist killed by pickup)
Yes, this is very smart. I've felt this, too. When I moved from Calgary AB to Cambridge, MA, I suddenly felt like I wasn't trying to fit my round peg life into a square hole. Same for moving from Fake London to Victoria, BC. I feel 'normal' here and it's absolutely great.
This is actually quite brilliant, up to and including the final sentence 🔥
December 1, 2025 at 8:38 PM
ah! a fellow exile from Fake London! I lived in FL for 15 years prior to moving west. What I remember about FL: stroads, no bike lanes, poor transit made worse by cancellation of bus rapid transit (nearby K-W, same ~pop, now has a tram!), Greg Curnoe's death (cyclist killed by pickup)
BC Liberal MPs trying to soft-peddle Alberta MOU: "what the MOU does not do: It does not approve a pipeline.
There is no proposed route.
There is no company or project before regulators.
Nothing is moving forward without extensive review, public process, and full Indigenous partnership. "
There is no proposed route.
There is no company or project before regulators.
Nothing is moving forward without extensive review, public process, and full Indigenous partnership. "
December 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM
BC Liberal MPs trying to soft-peddle Alberta MOU: "what the MOU does not do: It does not approve a pipeline.
There is no proposed route.
There is no company or project before regulators.
Nothing is moving forward without extensive review, public process, and full Indigenous partnership. "
There is no proposed route.
There is no company or project before regulators.
Nothing is moving forward without extensive review, public process, and full Indigenous partnership. "
Trump has halted asylum applications and immigration from 3rd world countries. I do not think Canada should do the same thing: after all, I would not want to prevent Americans trying to flee the U.S. from coming to Canada.
November 29, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Trump has halted asylum applications and immigration from 3rd world countries. I do not think Canada should do the same thing: after all, I would not want to prevent Americans trying to flee the U.S. from coming to Canada.
I have generally been a ABC voter ("anything but Conservative"). Now I probably need to add "L" to that acronym.
Gee, Mark, do you really think this is going to make me more likely to vote Liberal in the next election? Dream on.
Guilbeault Resigns as Smith Declares Crushing Victory www.theenergymix.com/guilbeault-r...
November 29, 2025 at 1:16 AM
I have generally been a ABC voter ("anything but Conservative"). Now I probably need to add "L" to that acronym.
In 2007, I lived in the Netherlands for a few months. Cycling wise, thought I had died and gone to heaven.
Meanwhile I can't do this because 15% of the kids I teach literally have ever ridden a bike before.
Dozens of Dutch school kids gliding past on bikes, headed to a field trip with their teacher. This is what safe cycling infrastructure enables.
November 28, 2025 at 7:37 PM
In 2007, I lived in the Netherlands for a few months. Cycling wise, thought I had died and gone to heaven.
I live in the burbs (Saanich). I used to be in favour of amalgamation so a) we pay our fair share of downtown policing costs b) ditto homeless (mostly in city not burbs), c) we get a taste of progressive bike lane policies. But now I must agree: save city from the burbs.
This. Bike and roll lanes are a political problem, not a money problem. Amalgamation means the end of policies that favour walking, cycling and transit, and more investment in cars and parking.
I live in Victoria. Parking fees are used to fund the youth bus pass, not for infrastructure. Bike lanes are a rounding error and are part of broader efforts in C of Victoria to update and upgrade streets. The benefit of being a small muni is being able to ignore suburban political culture.
November 28, 2025 at 7:28 PM
I live in the burbs (Saanich). I used to be in favour of amalgamation so a) we pay our fair share of downtown policing costs b) ditto homeless (mostly in city not burbs), c) we get a taste of progressive bike lane policies. But now I must agree: save city from the burbs.
Reposted by Doug Baer
Gee, Mark, do you really think this is going to make me more likely to vote Liberal in the next election? Dream on.
Guilbeault Resigns as Smith Declares Crushing Victory www.theenergymix.com/guilbeault-r...
Guilbeault Resigns as Smith Declares Crushing Victory
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith declared victory Thursday with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) on energy development with the federal government, saying she had achieved seven of...
www.theenergymix.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Gee, Mark, do you really think this is going to make me more likely to vote Liberal in the next election? Dream on.
Today, I emailed all BC Liberal MPs, telling them that, while I'm an Anything But Conservative voter and might otherwise at least consider voting for Liberals (and have indeed donated in the past half decade [albeit to others too]), my chances of voting Liberal are now zero and no future donations.
I’ll vote for BC secession rather than take this kind of backwards thing.
November 27, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Today, I emailed all BC Liberal MPs, telling them that, while I'm an Anything But Conservative voter and might otherwise at least consider voting for Liberals (and have indeed donated in the past half decade [albeit to others too]), my chances of voting Liberal are now zero and no future donations.
2019 CNR proposed a "puck" system for transporting bitumen safely via rail. Inert pucks don't damage envir if spills occur; easy to clean up. Slightly more expensive operating cost than a pipeline (albeit much lower capital cost). Why no interest? Libs totally abandon env. concerns.
Sigh.
November 27, 2025 at 7:03 PM
2019 CNR proposed a "puck" system for transporting bitumen safely via rail. Inert pucks don't damage envir if spills occur; easy to clean up. Slightly more expensive operating cost than a pipeline (albeit much lower capital cost). Why no interest? Libs totally abandon env. concerns.
I saw this video earlier today. I am proud of the City of Victoria, its transportation planners and its politicians. Maybe not perfect but pretty darned good. Then I thought of Saanich, where I live. "Utter disappointment" doesn't even begin to describe.
I'm not just saying this because I'm biased towards Victoria - I genuinely think this is one of their best videos yet. Very polished, a good number of interviews with relevant voices, a good visual diversity of what you explored.
Worth a watch. #yyjbike
Worth a watch. #yyjbike
The Best Cycling City No One Talks About
with (among many others) @burgundavia.bsky.social and @ryanjabs.bsky.social
with (among many others) @burgundavia.bsky.social and @ryanjabs.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 5:05 AM
I saw this video earlier today. I am proud of the City of Victoria, its transportation planners and its politicians. Maybe not perfect but pretty darned good. Then I thought of Saanich, where I live. "Utter disappointment" doesn't even begin to describe.
BC NDP's excuse is "the Active Transportation Grants were funded by the carbon tax so now we don't have money for ATG's" Me: accepting this excuse assumes I buy into the "we needed to kill the carbon tax" logic.. just because Carney did it doesn't mean BC had to follow.
What do premiers Doug Ford (Ontario) and David Eby (BC) have in common? 'Bikelash' - political attacks on walking, rolling and cycling! (I understand Ford's motivations, but Eby's are a mystery.)
Support @velocanadabikes.bsky.social! Click here to donate: mailchi.mp/velocanadabi... #bcpoli
Support @velocanadabikes.bsky.social! Click here to donate: mailchi.mp/velocanadabi... #bcpoli
November 26, 2025 at 12:03 AM
BC NDP's excuse is "the Active Transportation Grants were funded by the carbon tax so now we don't have money for ATG's" Me: accepting this excuse assumes I buy into the "we needed to kill the carbon tax" logic.. just because Carney did it doesn't mean BC had to follow.