I live in Dartmouth and work in Burnside and getting to work is still a challenge without a car. Burnside has been here for… well as long as I can remember… 20 years at least, and the bus routes suck and I couldn’t even walk to work if I wanted to because there are no sidewalks along Windmill. I walk in the grass alongside the busy road in the summer but in the winter the snow banks make it impossible. I don’t understand how the government goes on about staying fit and taking the bus to save the environment when they don’t even give us these options. Pretty bad when you have to buy a 700 dollar gym membership to stay fit in this town. —Can’t Afford a Car
This article appears in Nov 3-9, 2011.
I did the Bataan Death March up Burside Drive for a couple of years and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Funny thing is, in the Logistics Park up back of D.C., there are sidewalks galore.
Yeah it’s true. They are trying to make it better, they put that sidewalk on the overpass. Burnside isn’t ped friendly, neither is Dartmouth Crossing really and the bus service leaves much to be desired. I’ve worked both places before I had a car and it was a god awful hassle getting around. You’d better bring your lunch every day because it’s pretty hard to walk to get food anywhere and still make it back to work on time. And I have an hour lunch break which is double what a lot of people get. It’s pretty tough to do without finally breaking down and buying a car. The crazy heat in the summer and the crazy winds in the winter are a lot to brave.
Dartmouth in general is pretty much car owning territory, as is Sackville and Bedford and most other suburban areas.
As for the gym membership… Yeah.. we have long, cold, shitty winters. It’s either take up cross country skiiing or hit the gym. Downhill/snowboarding is good exercise too but it’s pretty hard to get on the slopes on a consistent basis, just the gas to drive there and back every week would be a significant monthly expense. It’s no coincidence that places with nice weather have a higher ratio of people who are in shape.
If you’re walking, you obviously aren’t making the real money in this city….time to quit, get an education, and a real career. Otherwise, enjoy the slush puddles and driveby soakings.
I actually kinda like Halifax weather.
I got through the entire winter with a polarfleece spring jacket for trips to and from my car. and an outer shell whenever I’m out walking.
The trick I learned was find a scarf that was manly enough for me. As long as I have my neck and chest area covered with the scarf, the damp cold never really affected me.
All of this 0 deg with high humidity is a walk in the park compared to -32 with wind chill at -44 in fort Mac. In fort mac, you are either covered up or freezing. I think the mistake we make in HRM, is we don’t cover up as near as often as we should, but if we did, its actually pretty nice place to live.
it’s very windy here and i’ve seen the temp go up/down 10 degrees in one day. the weather here is crazy, love living by the ocean. beats the alternative
you live by the ocean? I thought you lived on Fenwick street?
haha, you funny, unless your a stalker. i have a detail that watches me
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.…
No, walking around Burnside is not for the faint of heart.Try walking from the bottom of Akerley up past Leons in February. It makes good training for an Everest climb.
There must be sidewalks on Windmill, weren’t the cops arresting hookers for strolling?
prostitution is still on the street in NS? in most provinces, it has moved indoors into massage parlors.
Yes, Burnside and other such spots are the result of planning in the days of cheap gas and oil.
They built the business parks big, with wide open spaces and lots of parking but with no thought or care that anyone would not actually not have a car. Usually was not a big problem when it was mostly heavy industrial businesses in these parks, but over the years more and more offices, and larger wholesale shops. Now these have been followed by smaller stores as well, including destination restaurants and cinemas.
So there is now more of a need for transit and sidewalks between the various business ‘pods’, as many workers and customers do not have vehicles, or would like to be able to get from one place to another without always having to be in their car, wasting gas.
I am surprised we still have not had genetic mutations of some babies popping out complete with mini-wheels instead of feet. Which actually could be cool in many ways. 😉
sebastian, some of us like to exercise so we don’t get all fat and atrophied.
I also don’t drive. Why? Because i am photosensitive and have no night vision. I CAN technically drive if i want to.. at least on a conditional license. But fuck that! Why pay higher insurance to be able to use my car for less time?
Sometimes i think you’re sort of smart. Other times you miss the obvious and then i think you’re kind of stupid.
I’ve decided you’re average and angry. That’s cool. But for god’s sake man, THINK.. Some of us CHOOSE not to drive.