Commuters

Commuting Off The Gridlock

“Cycling daily has truly transformed my life - the mental and physical health benefits have been enormous. The fact that it also helps the environment, and gets me to and from work is simply the icing on the cake.”
- Mary Ann Neary, Clinical Director, Krembil Neuroscience Program, Critical Care and Hospital Flow, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network

When Mary Ann first began to cycle to work, she had no idea it would have such an impact on her life. Just a few short years earlier, Mary Ann was like most residents in Toronto: commuting by car, bearing the costs of driving alone, and frustrated by the traffic around her.

It was this frustration that led Mary Ann to pursue other means of commuting. Although public transit was better than driving, Mary Ann wondered if there was another, more efficient way to travel. How could she reduce her carbon footprint further?

Mary Ann committed to cycling to work two times a week. At first, she found the 12 kilometre commute a challenge. But, with each passing day, Mary Ann felt stronger. She also invested in a new bike and a pannier (messenger bag) to help transport things to and from work.

Before long, Mary Ann started to love her daily commute – and the way she felt. She was more energized at work, physically fit, and in tune with her environment. Now she spends the same amount of time commuting – but none of it caught in traffic. Cycling is the perfect beginning and end to her day.

Mary Ann is now an avid cyclist, riding to work five days a week. She’s also active in helping to advance cycling at University Health Network. A Smart Commute partner since 2009, UHN is committed to increasing bike ridership to 15% by the end of 2010.