Why bikes?

At 25bikes, we are often asked what the origin of our company name is. Today seems like a good day to tell you what the "bikes" part means, because I just took this photo on an evening bike ride:

This is Lake Shore Blvd in Toronto, at 10pm on a Wednesday night. This is rush-hour style gridlock caused by thousands of vehicles driving home after a Toronto FC soccer game. Transit, or cycling, might have been a much better choice for many of these motorists.

You can't see it in this photo, but just to the right is the GoTrain, a relaxing and comfortable commuter train that stops every 30 minutes right outside TFC's stadium. And just to the left is one of the best cycling trails in the city, the Martin Goodman Trail which winds its way along the shore of Lake Ontario.

This view of cars at a complete stand-still, taken from atop the Roncesvalles Avenue walkway overpass, reminded me why I like cycling so much, and therein lies the inspiration behind putting the word "bikes" in this company's name.

My bike gives me freedom from gridlock like this. but it also gives me freedom from gridlock in my brain. Nothing clears my head like a nice brisk bike ride. My mind is free to think about whatever it wants to think about, and often some great ideas pop into my head when I'm on my bike. Cycling also represents forward motion, and it represents getting someplace using as much or as little energy as you want to put into it.

In some ways, that feels like marketing to me. The only thing stopping you from getting just a bit further is whether you feel like pedalling a little harder. It's what we tell our clients. You get out of it what you put into it.

Pedal just a little harder, and you'll reach more customers.

And someday down the road, I'll tell you why the number 25 is also in the name. But not today. I'm pacing myself.

Photo credit Joe Middleton 2018