Yvonne Bambrick

It’s that time of year again, the winds start to pick up, the leaves are turning, and you can feel the seasonal shift towards winter. While there might be a chill in the air, this doesn’t mean you need to put your bike away. The trick is to be prepared, and to do a few simple bits of bike maintenance to keep you rolling comfortably and efficiently.

Check your tire pressure as the temperature drops.

1. As the temperature drops, so will your tire pressure. Check and top up your tires more often.
2. Seat height: be good to your knees and bits – your seat may have shifted so it’s a good time to make sure it’s at the right height and position.
3. Shorter daylight hours and grey, rainy weather means having lights at full strength are essential. Check your batteries to make sure your lights shine bright. Consider installing dynamo lights for added convenience & reliability.
4. Wipe and re-lubricate your chain to help protect it from rain/rust.
5. Consider adding some mud guards if you don’t already have them and not just the clip-on ones that are easily stolen.
6. Keep a scarf, hat, gloves and an extra top layer in your bag as front-line protection against unexpected chilly fall winds.
   

   Fall riding is comfortable with the right accessories.

7. A rain poncho and waterproof pannier are totally worth the investment. Make sure you bring them along if there’s even a chance of rain.
8. Don’t get cocky: You’ve been riding all summer, but stay sharp and alert.
9. Dusk coming sooner makes you harder for other road users to see during the busy evening rush hour. Also, in early fall the sun ends up in westbound drivers/riders eyes during evening rush hour. Ride predictably, signal your intentions, make eye contact when possible, and use extra caution.
10. Rainy windshields combined with earlier darkness make bicyclists and pedestrians even harder to see. Wearing lighter-coloured clothing, a reflective safety vest, sash or clothing, and always using lights will keep you visible.
    

    Avoid puddles and piles of wet leaves.

11. Piles of leaves are slippery when wet, and you never know what’s underneath them. Avoid them when possible, and use extra care at reduced speed if turning on them.
12. Wet streetcar tracks can bite. Cross them carefully at a right angle when possible and don’t lean into a turn since wheels can slip.
13. If you’re not already in the habit, shift into lower gears when you slow or stop to be kind to colder muscles as you get moving again.
14. Cover your mouth with a scarf to help protect your lungs from the burn of colder air.

Enjoy the ride!

Lots more in my book, The Urban Cycling Survival Guide.

Fall is a gorgeous time to ride the trails! Watch for mud and fallen branches.

In late September 2012, it finally occurred to me that I too often referred to the ‘gap in cycling education’ as an issue of concern in the urban mobility dialogue.  In that moment I decided it was time for action instead of talk – I was going to try and help fill that gap.

The book idea began as one focused on the province of Ontario, quickly shifted to addressing cycling across Canada, and within a few months of discussion and reflection landed firmly and finally as a book that would address how to cycle in cities across North America. By October 2013 I had found the right publisher, signed a contract with ECW Press, and officially begun my journey as a writer.

In the early days of this project, when I was still in disbelief that I’d actually signed myself up to take on something of this scale, a dear friend gave me a postcard with this quote on it.  We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot. Eleanor Roosevelt. Having glanced countless times at these words posted by my desk, I can now fully appreciate their truth.

After months of writing, researching, interviewing, editing, re-writing, and more editing, I’m thrilled to say that the book is now a reality and available for pre-order in advance of the Spring (March) 2015 launch. Beautifully illustrated by Marc Ngui, it also includes some of my photographs. Early feedback has been very positive and I can hardly wait to see it in people’s hands. In the meantime, I compiled an excerpt for the Cities for People series on Spacing –  check out Adding a bike to your urban mobility toolkit .

Streets & Alleys – 2013

I produced each of these one-of-a-kind pieces between March & June, 2013. Although only installed for a short run at the gallery, the opening reception was fabulous and I received lots of positive feedback on both the concept and the execution. I’m thrilled with the results.

The photographs are printed to adhesive vinyl, mounted, and framed within partially deconstructed bike wheels selected for each image.

Thanks to Hashtag Gallery for hosting me, and to Murat Saman for his assistance printing and assembling the work.

All pieces, except ‘Political Tower’, ‘Rusted’ and ‘Parisienne’ are currently available for purchase.  Please contact me to inquire.

• Dandyhorse Magazine Blog - Streets & Alleys: Yvonne Bambrick’s debut solo photography show Wednesday June 19 to Sunday, June 23 at Hashtag Gallery
• Toronto Wiki – Streets and Alleys Exhibition – Video
• Martin Reis Photography – Streets and Alleys Exhibition

Artist Statement:

This series of photographs came about from my exploratory bike rides through back alleys and side streets in the downtown west end of Toronto.  The images are close-up shots of painted garage doors, brick walls, fences, metal siding–old, new, practical, decorative, deliberate and imposed. The unconventional frames are made from old bicycle wheels, gathered from bike shops, which I have partially deconstructed. I find the wheel’s circular form compelling, and also wanted to bring attention to the role of the bike in the city’s daily life, and to the value of the bicycle as a means of transportation.

I had been thinking of a project that would unite my experience as a documentary photographer with my love of bicycles. My involvement in the world of cycling–as founding executive director of the Toronto Cyclists Union, host of CBC radio column Bambrick on Bikes, media spokesperson for cycling issues, and year round cyclist–means that I see the world through the lens of a bike.

Cycling through the city’s unique laneways, I’m inspired by their many layers of colour and texture. These alleys provide more peaceful space in which to ride, and space for an often artful and rebellious, but mostly utilitarian, backdoor life. I hope that these images will serve as reminders of the joy of exploration and discovery in spaces other than the city’s crowded urban streets.

—

Born and raised in downtown Toronto, Yvonne Bambrick has traveled by bike extensively in Toronto, Montreal and Sydney and in every other city she’s had the opportunity to visit. She is a documentary photographer and was founding executive director of Toronto Cyclists Union (2008 – 2010.) In the summer of 2012, she had a CBC radio column, Bambrick on Bikes, and was instrumental in helping to bring the BIXI program to Toronto. Yvonne has been a regular media spokesperson on cycling issues and led a review of the Ontario Driver’s Handbook to include important pedestrian & bicycle-related content. She is currently writing a handbook for urban cyclists, to help fill the gap in cycling education.

Please join me for the Opening Reception of ‘Streets & Alleys’ 
Thursday June 20th, 6:30 – 10pm
Hasthtag Gallery @ 801 Dundas St. West. (west of Bathurst at Palmerston)

This series of photographs came about from my exploratory bike rides through back alleys and side streets in the downtown west end of Toronto.  The images are close-up shots of painted garage doors, brick walls, fences, metal siding–old, new, practical, decorative, deliberate and imposed. The unconventional frames are made from old bicycle wheels, gathered from bike shops, which I have partially deconstructed. I find the wheel’s circular form compelling, and also wanted to bring attention to the role of the bike in the city’s daily life, and to the value of the bicycle as a means of transportation.

I had been thinking of a project that would unite my experience as a documentary photographer with my love of bicycles. My involvement in the world of cycling–as founding executive director of the Toronto Cyclists Union, host of CBC radio column Bambrick on Bikes, media spokesperson for cycling issues, and year round cyclist–means that I see the world through the lens of a bike.

Cycling through the city’s unique laneways, I’m inspired by their many layers of colour and texture. These alleys provide more peaceful space in which to ride, and space for an often artful and rebellious, but mostly utilitarian, backdoor life. I hope that these images will serve as reminders of the joy of exploration and discovery in spaces other than the city’s crowded urban streets.

—

Born and raised in downtown Toronto, Yvonne Bambrick has traveled by bike extensively in Toronto, Montreal and Sydney and in every other city she’s had the opportunity to visit. She is a documentary photographer and was founding executive director of Toronto Cyclists Union (2008 – 2010.) In the summer of 2012, she had a CBC radio column, Bambrick on Bikes, and was instrumental in helping to bring the BIXI program to Toronto. Yvonne has been a regular media spokesperson on cycling issues and led a review of the Ontario Driver’s Handbook to include important pedestrian & bicycle-related content. She is currently writing a handbook for urban cyclists, to help fill the gap in cycling education.

 The exhibition will be on view June 19 -23 during Toronto’s Bike Month.

Opening, June 20^th 6:30-10pm
Artist on site from 1 to 4pm Saturday June 22nd.

Hashtaggallery.com – 416 861 1866

The 2nd annual Complete Streets Forum took place on April 28th & 29th, 2011 and I was there to listen, learn and capture it all on camera.

Here are some photos from the conference at Hart House, and the cycling and walking tours that took place on day two. I shot most photos of our bike infrastructure tour while riding along.

All other conference & tour photos can be viewed here on Flickr.

I’ve been seeing the Left Wing Pinko & Bike Riding Pinko buttons everywhere since SpacingToronto.ca launched them following Don Cherry’s now infamous speech in Council Chambers back in December.

Since I was planning to proudly wear my bike riding pinko button to Saturday’s ‘Respect for Toronto’ rally, and bringing along my camera, I thought it might be interesting to take photos of some of the other self-identified ‘Pinkos’.

Here are the few pix I’d like to share from the rally. It was a gorgeous day and thousands of Torontonians marched together to City Hall to demand the Respect we were promised by our new mayor, something many think he’s shown little of since taking the position.

What: International Women’s Day: Film Screening and Panel Discussion – ‘The Journey of Feminism’
Where: The Law Society of Upper Canada at Osgoode Hall
When: March 1, 2011

In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8th, the Law Society of Upper Canada, in partnership with the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund, the Ontario Bar Association and the Women’s Law Association of Ontario, hosted a well-attended documentary screening, panel discussion & reception at Osgoode Hall.

The evening began with the screening of the documentary, Constitute! which explores the largest social mobilization of women in Canadian history and shares the stories of female activists who fought for stronger equality provisions in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Following the screening, a panel of feminists, including those involved in making the documentary, were on hand to discuss the vitality of the movement in Canada – both now and in the future.  Moderated by Professor and Law Society bencher Constance Backhouse, featured panelists were Clara Ho, Staff Lawyer, Advocacy Centre for the Elderly; Linda Palmer Nye, Constitute! film subject; Marilou McPhedran, Principal, Global College, University of Winnipeg and Constitute! film subject; Julie Lassonde, Lawyer; and Mehrak Mehrvar, Gender and Governance Specialist, International Development.

The panel concluded with a recap of what continues to energize the feminist movement; its diversity, inclusivity, expertise, hard work, fun, courage, and camaraderie.  The wine and cheese reception featured a live jazz duet, and some 60’s style sing songs fit for a feminist gathering sung beautifully by Linda Palmer Nye!

* Yvonne Bambrick is an Urban Cycling Consultant and a Toronto-based Event & Portrait Photographer. Cross-posted at http://www.lawandstyle.ca

(* I’ve just joined the Precedent Magazine team to shoot & report on local lawyer-type events that will be featured on their site lawandstyle.ca)

Seems there were quite a number of Centre for Social Innovation members interested in an updated headshot. Here are a few images from the two ‘Photo Day’ portrait sessions I held this week to kick off my new photo gig.

Shooting portraits is quite a connective experience.  I really enjoy helping people feel at ease with being photographed, and involving them in the photographic process.  With the ‘preview magic’ of digital cameras, I can get immediate feedback from the subject to see what works for them, or not, as we try different things with lighting, background changes, etc…

These images have been cropped, and I’ve also done some very slight modifications to correct for blemishes, stray hairs, tricky reflections in glasses, fluffy bits on jackets, and the like.

I can say wholeheartedly that upgrading both my camera and laptop were the best things I’ve done in recent months – and now my friends and colleagues can benefit from some high quality images since I’m available as a shooter-for-hire!

Common Problem: Access to a quality headshot photo of yourself that is suitably professional, but not too boring, and that you are comfortable using.

Solution: Portrait photography service that comes to you, by bicycle no less! Get in touch to coordinate a Photo Day shoot with workplace colleagues, or book a one-on-one session just for yourself.

Offering: A fabulous, high quality portrait of you in four handy formats.

You approve the image on the spot!  I email you 4 digital files for unlimited use on your website, in that upcoming conference program, your LinkedIn profile…

• 2 Print-ready image files, 1 wide cropped, 1 close cropped (large file sizes)
• 2 Web-ready image files, 1 wide cropped, 1 close cropped (small file sizes)

Payment: Cash preferred. Open to sliding scale & barter proposals 😉
(Please note that rates below are for Non-Profits/Low Budget Biz)

Photo Day portraits, delivered via email within a week.
(5 subjects minimun for Photo Day)
$50 – Individual headshot
$100 – Group photo of your staff team
+ $25 for second photo (ex: 1 formal, 1 fun)

Alternate Date &/or Location portraits can also be arranged, images delivered via email within 2 days.
$75 – Individual headshot
$125 – Group photo of your staff team
+ $25 for second photo (ex: 1 formal, 1 fun)

For those of you that dislike having your photo taken, please note that I will make this as fun & painless as possible!

About the photographer:

Yvonne is an Urban Cycling Advocate & Consultant, an Independent Communications Professional currently coordinating the Forest Hill Village BIA, past coordinator of Toronto’s much loved Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market, and regular contributor to Dandyhorse and Precedent magazines. With over ten years experience shooting events and portraits, her photos have appeared in numerous publications, including cycling magazines Momentum and Dandyhorse, Green Power and Corporate Knights Magazines, Spacing, NOW, Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Star, in addition to a wide variety of websites & business publications.

Sunday November 21st marked the final day of business for La Palette, my favorite place in Kensington Market, and the space through which I’ve had the pleasure of helping to coordinate Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington since 2004 with owner Shamez Amlani.

Close friend of the restaurant, Michael Louis Johnson put it best – “Goodbye La Palette in Kensington. You were more than a restaurant, you were a pirate ship. You gave jobs to talented artists, you helped a neighbourhood re-discover itself, you opened a little trap door from which we could escape this drab world of concrete and digital white noise. I can’t possibly count the number of deeply human experiences I’ve had sitting in the warm glow you created. Thank you.”

I didn’t get any pix of myself dancing on the bar for the first and final time on Saturday night (!!), but I did photograph the people and performances from Sunday night.

While the original location is no more, thankfully we still have the new La Palette on Queen St. at Portland!!

Thank you to Shamez & Maria, and all the amazing staff that have come and gone over the years, for making La Palette so special for so many. xo xo