Oh The Urbanity!
@ohtheurbanity.bsky.social
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The Best Cycling City No One Talks About
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
youtu.be
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
Someone posted a Montreal bike map from 2004 and it is *amazingly* sparse.
Just one full north-south route in the central city (Berri→Brébeuf→Boyer→Christophe-Colomb).
No east-west routes through downtown (full De Maisonneuve was 2007).
But a few areas (like Saint-Leonard) have barely improved!
Just one full north-south route in the central city (Berri→Brébeuf→Boyer→Christophe-Colomb).
No east-west routes through downtown (full De Maisonneuve was 2007).
But a few areas (like Saint-Leonard) have barely improved!
December 15, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Someone posted a Montreal bike map from 2004 and it is *amazingly* sparse.
Just one full north-south route in the central city (Berri→Brébeuf→Boyer→Christophe-Colomb).
No east-west routes through downtown (full De Maisonneuve was 2007).
But a few areas (like Saint-Leonard) have barely improved!
Just one full north-south route in the central city (Berri→Brébeuf→Boyer→Christophe-Colomb).
No east-west routes through downtown (full De Maisonneuve was 2007).
But a few areas (like Saint-Leonard) have barely improved!
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
this was a super satisfying watch.
"people aren't just interested in ranking cities and declaring which ones are 'great'… people who are invested in their city… also want to see examples, models, and stories that are useful to them in advocating for and proving the place they call home."
"people aren't just interested in ranking cities and declaring which ones are 'great'… people who are invested in their city… also want to see examples, models, and stories that are useful to them in advocating for and proving the place they call home."
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
youtu.be
December 15, 2025 at 7:12 PM
this was a super satisfying watch.
"people aren't just interested in ranking cities and declaring which ones are 'great'… people who are invested in their city… also want to see examples, models, and stories that are useful to them in advocating for and proving the place they call home."
"people aren't just interested in ranking cities and declaring which ones are 'great'… people who are invested in their city… also want to see examples, models, and stories that are useful to them in advocating for and proving the place they call home."
Lots of people saying: “why do you hate trams?”.
They’re fine. I don’t hate them. Nicer ride than buses.
I just wasn’t wowed by Dutch trams in the way that I was for the cycling (or intercity trains).
I mainly took them when I didn’t have access to a bike.
They’re fine. I don’t hate them. Nicer ride than buses.
I just wasn’t wowed by Dutch trams in the way that I was for the cycling (or intercity trains).
I mainly took them when I didn’t have access to a bike.
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
youtu.be
December 15, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Lots of people saying: “why do you hate trams?”.
They’re fine. I don’t hate them. Nicer ride than buses.
I just wasn’t wowed by Dutch trams in the way that I was for the cycling (or intercity trains).
I mainly took them when I didn’t have access to a bike.
They’re fine. I don’t hate them. Nicer ride than buses.
I just wasn’t wowed by Dutch trams in the way that I was for the cycling (or intercity trains).
I mainly took them when I didn’t have access to a bike.
People talk a lot about the Nordic model but it’s cool that there’s already an example of a welfare state right here in North America.
It’s not quite Nordic. But Quebec has cheap tuition, subsidized daycare, strong parental leave. Healthcare, obviously.
Would be cool to make a video about.
It’s not quite Nordic. But Quebec has cheap tuition, subsidized daycare, strong parental leave. Healthcare, obviously.
Would be cool to make a video about.
"Quebec has the lowest university tuition in North America.
And the province’s affordable daycare system and the employment insurance it offers new parents sends the message that the government supports them, said Forest.
'If people want to be happy, I think they should copy Quebec'"
And the province’s affordable daycare system and the employment insurance it offers new parents sends the message that the government supports them, said Forest.
'If people want to be happy, I think they should copy Quebec'"
There’s a happiness gap between young people in Quebec and in the rest of Canada - Joshua Bujold, an upbeat psychology student in his first semester at Montreal’s Dawson College, was taken aback to find out that happiness among young Canadians has plunged.
December 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
People talk a lot about the Nordic model but it’s cool that there’s already an example of a welfare state right here in North America.
It’s not quite Nordic. But Quebec has cheap tuition, subsidized daycare, strong parental leave. Healthcare, obviously.
Would be cool to make a video about.
It’s not quite Nordic. But Quebec has cheap tuition, subsidized daycare, strong parental leave. Healthcare, obviously.
Would be cool to make a video about.
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
I found the anti-Twitter stuff a little overdone when BlueSky started out, but over time my feed over there evolved into being genuinely quite disturbing.
Last time I logged in to take a screenshot of an example (few weeks ago), I immediately saw this said to someone I know.
Last time I logged in to take a screenshot of an example (few weeks ago), I immediately saw this said to someone I know.
December 15, 2025 at 2:54 AM
I found the anti-Twitter stuff a little overdone when BlueSky started out, but over time my feed over there evolved into being genuinely quite disturbing.
Last time I logged in to take a screenshot of an example (few weeks ago), I immediately saw this said to someone I know.
Last time I logged in to take a screenshot of an example (few weeks ago), I immediately saw this said to someone I know.
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
People support him because he reflects their values and character. He reflects their souls.
December 15, 2025 at 2:58 PM
People support him because he reflects their values and character. He reflects their souls.
I have *zero* personal criticism of NJB (or anyone else) for moving to a different country. It’s a perfectly valid thing to do.
But it’s also a relatively rare/difficult thing to do.
His channel grew big on “here’s how the Netherlands changed” rather than “here’s how to get a Dutch work visa”.
But it’s also a relatively rare/difficult thing to do.
His channel grew big on “here’s how the Netherlands changed” rather than “here’s how to get a Dutch work visa”.
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
youtu.be
December 15, 2025 at 1:20 PM
I have *zero* personal criticism of NJB (or anyone else) for moving to a different country. It’s a perfectly valid thing to do.
But it’s also a relatively rare/difficult thing to do.
His channel grew big on “here’s how the Netherlands changed” rather than “here’s how to get a Dutch work visa”.
But it’s also a relatively rare/difficult thing to do.
His channel grew big on “here’s how the Netherlands changed” rather than “here’s how to get a Dutch work visa”.
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
Reading a bunch of books this year has really solidified for me how awful the internet is in comparison nowadays. Obviously in terms of general hostility but more generally in terms of lack of depth, insight, reading comprehension, base of knowledge, etc
December 15, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Reading a bunch of books this year has really solidified for me how awful the internet is in comparison nowadays. Obviously in terms of general hostility but more generally in terms of lack of depth, insight, reading comprehension, base of knowledge, etc
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
For most of the world, the U.S. is now a malign actor
For most of the world, the U.S. is now a malign actor
While many may be tempted to cut the U.S. off as an ally and partner, I hope our friends don’t give up on us so easily.
www.politico.eu
December 15, 2025 at 3:56 AM
For most of the world, the U.S. is now a malign actor
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
It looks like Canada might actually do it this time — my confidence that we might be getting high-speed rail is over 50%. Read my latest article now:
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
High Speed Rail in Canada Really Might Happen.
Some hope at the end of a long week.
open.substack.com
December 14, 2025 at 2:27 PM
It looks like Canada might actually do it this time — my confidence that we might be getting high-speed rail is over 50%. Read my latest article now:
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
I honestly didn't expect so many pain points to be addressed in just two years; maybe one or two. It usually seems like it takes decades to notice any change in a city
December 15, 2025 at 12:58 AM
I honestly didn't expect so many pain points to be addressed in just two years; maybe one or two. It usually seems like it takes decades to notice any change in a city
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
Incredibly fucked up how there are masked federal agents roaming around the American heartland, randomly attacking American citizens.
ICE pepper-sprayed this 1-year-old girl.
Once at the hospital, the doctor had to call in a poison control specialist.
They had never seen anyone that young pepper sprayed.
Another horrific story.
More details below.
Once at the hospital, the doctor had to call in a poison control specialist.
They had never seen anyone that young pepper sprayed.
Another horrific story.
More details below.
December 15, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Incredibly fucked up how there are masked federal agents roaming around the American heartland, randomly attacking American citizens.
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
@ohtheurbanity.bsky.social Shows us the importance of showcasing how much our cities are regularly changing for the better. 🚲🚶🚌
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eDq...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eDq...
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
www.youtube.com
December 14, 2025 at 11:49 PM
@ohtheurbanity.bsky.social Shows us the importance of showcasing how much our cities are regularly changing for the better. 🚲🚶🚌
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eDq...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eDq...
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
Canada needs to ban US media. For our own sanity.
December 14, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Canada needs to ban US media. For our own sanity.
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
Sometimes I wonder if Canadian politicians realize that they don’t have to do things the way the US does
December 14, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Sometimes I wonder if Canadian politicians realize that they don’t have to do things the way the US does
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
youtu.be
December 14, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
More people should provide updates on the winter condition of major bike routes on their commute like this.
I’ve always thought this was a cool community service.
I’ve always thought this was a cool community service.
Winter Cycling Network Conditions 1-2pm
Trillium Path: Slush patches*
PoW: Slush patches (50% width)
Rideau Canal Eastern Path: Thin packed snow
Hog's Back: Slush patches (below 50% width)
Brookfield: Slush patches
*Carling Ave intersection not clear
#ottbiketraffic
Trillium Path: Slush patches*
PoW: Slush patches (50% width)
Rideau Canal Eastern Path: Thin packed snow
Hog's Back: Slush patches (below 50% width)
Brookfield: Slush patches
*Carling Ave intersection not clear
#ottbiketraffic
December 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM
More people should provide updates on the winter condition of major bike routes on their commute like this.
I’ve always thought this was a cool community service.
I’ve always thought this was a cool community service.
I will never not be fascinated by snow management in Montreal and many other parts of Quebec.
In addition to plowing the roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes, cities will actually collect snow from streets and truck it out to snow dumps half a dozen times a year.
It makes a massive difference.
In addition to plowing the roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes, cities will actually collect snow from streets and truck it out to snow dumps half a dozen times a year.
It makes a massive difference.
The Snow Sirens of Montreal (Fascinating but Frustrating)
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
www.youtube.com
December 14, 2025 at 2:21 AM
I will never not be fascinated by snow management in Montreal and many other parts of Quebec.
In addition to plowing the roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes, cities will actually collect snow from streets and truck it out to snow dumps half a dozen times a year.
It makes a massive difference.
In addition to plowing the roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes, cities will actually collect snow from streets and truck it out to snow dumps half a dozen times a year.
It makes a massive difference.
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
Still always in awe of how many apartments Canada builds compared to the US
In the most recent data, the US permitted 35k multifamily housing units and Canada permitted 24k despite being only 12% of the US population! If California built 5x as many apartments, it still would trail Canada!
In the most recent data, the US permitted 35k multifamily housing units and Canada permitted 24k despite being only 12% of the US population! If California built 5x as many apartments, it still would trail Canada!
December 12, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Still always in awe of how many apartments Canada builds compared to the US
In the most recent data, the US permitted 35k multifamily housing units and Canada permitted 24k despite being only 12% of the US population! If California built 5x as many apartments, it still would trail Canada!
In the most recent data, the US permitted 35k multifamily housing units and Canada permitted 24k despite being only 12% of the US population! If California built 5x as many apartments, it still would trail Canada!
Having to pay a lot of money for an Uber during a transit outage sucks!
However, surge pricing (higher prices during a demand spike) also incentivizes more drivers to come take trips.
Banning it might just replace “my Uber was expensive” with “I can’t even get an Uber”.
However, surge pricing (higher prices during a demand spike) also incentivizes more drivers to come take trips.
Banning it might just replace “my Uber was expensive” with “I can’t even get an Uber”.
Subway is down, and for what a regular ride would have been under $10, they are charging $60 - $75.
Why do governments allow these private companies providing a public service do this?
Charge by demand? So in slow demand they pay me? Or charge $0?
Limit its basic rate to +/- 50%
Why do governments allow these private companies providing a public service do this?
Charge by demand? So in slow demand they pay me? Or charge $0?
Limit its basic rate to +/- 50%
December 13, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Having to pay a lot of money for an Uber during a transit outage sucks!
However, surge pricing (higher prices during a demand spike) also incentivizes more drivers to come take trips.
Banning it might just replace “my Uber was expensive” with “I can’t even get an Uber”.
However, surge pricing (higher prices during a demand spike) also incentivizes more drivers to come take trips.
Banning it might just replace “my Uber was expensive” with “I can’t even get an Uber”.
Bike Share Toronto has seen massive growth.
From 2.4 million rides in 2019 to 8.1 million (projected) in 2025, with a goal of 14 million by 2030.
They plan to add 2,500 regular bikes and another 2,500 e-bikes in that timeframe.
They’re targeting certain station densities too.
From 2.4 million rides in 2019 to 8.1 million (projected) in 2025, with a goal of 14 million by 2030.
They plan to add 2,500 regular bikes and another 2,500 e-bikes in that timeframe.
They’re targeting certain station densities too.
Thousands of new e-bikes, smart docks and digital ads: Bike Share Toronto lays out 5-year plan | CBC News
As Toronto's bike share program continues to see record growth, its leadership plans to massively expand its electric bike network by 2030, with the hopes of enticing riders who are hesitant to try ou...
www.cbc.ca
December 13, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Bike Share Toronto has seen massive growth.
From 2.4 million rides in 2019 to 8.1 million (projected) in 2025, with a goal of 14 million by 2030.
They plan to add 2,500 regular bikes and another 2,500 e-bikes in that timeframe.
They’re targeting certain station densities too.
From 2.4 million rides in 2019 to 8.1 million (projected) in 2025, with a goal of 14 million by 2030.
They plan to add 2,500 regular bikes and another 2,500 e-bikes in that timeframe.
They’re targeting certain station densities too.
Reposted by Oh The Urbanity!
“Men want to work with their hands and provide for their family, not sit at a computer all day, and frankly, not everyone can get a useful 4 year degree”
Yeah, maybe we should allow multifamily construction in our cities with severe housing shortages then?
Yeah, maybe we should allow multifamily construction in our cities with severe housing shortages then?
December 13, 2025 at 6:30 PM
“Men want to work with their hands and provide for their family, not sit at a computer all day, and frankly, not everyone can get a useful 4 year degree”
Yeah, maybe we should allow multifamily construction in our cities with severe housing shortages then?
Yeah, maybe we should allow multifamily construction in our cities with severe housing shortages then?
In Montreal the winter cycling experience depends a lot on where you’re going.
Separated lanes (like this one) in bike-friendly boroughs are typically very usable the day after the storm (often the day of).
Painted lanes typically fare worse, and some boroughs seem to care less in general.
Separated lanes (like this one) in bike-friendly boroughs are typically very usable the day after the storm (often the day of).
Painted lanes typically fare worse, and some boroughs seem to care less in general.
December 13, 2025 at 5:26 PM
In Montreal the winter cycling experience depends a lot on where you’re going.
Separated lanes (like this one) in bike-friendly boroughs are typically very usable the day after the storm (often the day of).
Painted lanes typically fare worse, and some boroughs seem to care less in general.
Separated lanes (like this one) in bike-friendly boroughs are typically very usable the day after the storm (often the day of).
Painted lanes typically fare worse, and some boroughs seem to care less in general.