I live in a semi-rural area that is really motorcycle heaven but I commute on my bike to downtown Toronto 5 days a week, a trip of about 70 kms (50 miles for the metrically-challenged) each way. Toronto is an absolute nightmare to ride in and it got me thinking about other cities and what they might be like. Here's my breakdown for the two cities I know best.
Toronto. Filthy, crowded and seemingly always under construction. Downtown core is a warren of one way streets and no turning signs, all criss-crossed with street car tracks (does any other place have such an antiquated system!?!). Guaranteed to be pestered at every stop by panhandlers. Huge population of recent immigrants, which is fine, but they mostly all drive like they're back home. Problem is, they all have different "back homes", so there's no consistency. One plus: motorcycles can park for free at any metered street spot.
Montreal. Drivers are fast. Very fast. But 99% of them know what they're doing and they all do it the same way. Streets are old, narrow and in poor repair. French-only road signs can be confusing to those limited to only English. Did I mention they drive fast? Plus. Some of the most beautiful and stylish women this side of Paris but it can be distracting.
Toronto. Filthy, crowded and seemingly always under construction. Downtown core is a warren of one way streets and no turning signs, all criss-crossed with street car tracks (does any other place have such an antiquated system!?!). Guaranteed to be pestered at every stop by panhandlers. Huge population of recent immigrants, which is fine, but they mostly all drive like they're back home. Problem is, they all have different "back homes", so there's no consistency. One plus: motorcycles can park for free at any metered street spot.
Montreal. Drivers are fast. Very fast. But 99% of them know what they're doing and they all do it the same way. Streets are old, narrow and in poor repair. French-only road signs can be confusing to those limited to only English. Did I mention they drive fast? Plus. Some of the most beautiful and stylish women this side of Paris but it can be distracting.