NAVIGATE TORONTO ON TWO WHEELS

NAVIGATE TORONTO ON TWO WHEELS

What do people from South Korea, China, Colombia, Iran, Venezuela and Canada have in common? At first not much, but there is something that unites us: love for our families, the dream to settle in a new country, and physical activity. All this is comes together in Bike Host, collaboration between Cycle Toronto and CultureLink Settlement Services.

It is no secret that for newcomers, life is not simple at first. To leave one’s country, culture, family, and job, to pack suitcases and come to a new country, is not easy. Every day hundreds of newcomers face concerns related to their job search, improving the language, finding a place to live and adapting to the new country.

The Bike Host Program offers us a chance to momentarily forget the worries and see the city with new eyes. How is this possible? It’s easy – everything is done through a bicycle. Toronto is known not only for being one of the most multicultural cities in the world, it is also known for its parks and events in the summer. Bikes can become inseparable companions for transportation, sports and enjoying the endless activities which the city offers.

Bike Host brings newcomers together with wonderful mentors who guide us through small bike tours around the city. They offer support, their experiences, and their friendship. At first, learning the rules on the road and being in contact with people from different cultures is intimidating, but eventually it becomes an incredible experience. For me, it was a wonderful opportunity to integrate with other people, improve my English, learn about other cultures and make friends.

As newcomers we all have a story to tell. Behind us there is a family that supports us, a country and a culture that we grew up in. We all hope to start a new life in Canada, and the connections we make in the Bike Host program make the outlook for us much clearer. We did not just meet new people – we formed sincere friendship linkages. We did not only get to know the city – we enjoyed it and connected with it. We were not just cycling – we were adopting a new lifestyle.