Lisa Stokes

Lisa Stokes

@lisastokes.bsky.social

I am a cycling advocate, BikeBrampton member and co-chair of Brampton’s Active Transportation Advisory Committee I am also a travel blogger, exploring primarily, but not exclusively, by bike. Read about my experiences at: Lisastokes.ca

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Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

We passed the Mono cliffs inn, and were told by some people who had just had lunch there that it was delicious. We also passed an interesting "antique" store and a brew pub. All in all, an interesting ride despite the very difficult start.

Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

I just noticed Ride with GPS says I did 461 m of climbing, but when the ride got passed over to Strava, it calculated the climbing at over 500 m. I’m calling it over 500 meters. Note to self, avoid such rides the day after a leg day in the weight room 🙄 

Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

Over 500 m of of climbing in 31 km, and most of it in the first 10. A 2km section was mostly hike-a-bike with steep climbs and descents, where there was a road allowance, but the road was technically never put through. However, as we were about to start traversing it, a car emerged from the woods!

Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

Hockley General store had delicious treats for our recovery at the end of the ride, and $10 for a latte and huge cookie is a relative bargain these days.

Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

“Through ceaseless spectacle, capitalism conducts an “opium war” that reduces potentially active citizens into passive, pliable spectators: overwhelmed into inertia by the sheer scale of things that are happening, alienated from their own desires…” philosophybreak.com/articles/guy...

philosophybreak.comGuy Debord: We Have Been Reduced to Spectators in a Society of Endless Spectacle | Philosophy BreakIn his prescient 1967 work The Society of the Spectacle, Guy Debord argues that modern consumer society increasingly replaces lived experience with its representation. Rather than actively engaging in...

Lisa Stokes reposted

Andrew Lewis FC
@andrewlewisfc.bsky.social

Statement by Prime Minister Carney: "An AQI pushing 200 is high. But we can do better by building more pipelines for Alberta, more gas plants, and more data centres everywhere to fuel AI for All because there has been a rupture & Canada Strong!" @mark-carney.bsky.social @juliedabrusin.bsky.social

Andrew Lewis FC@andrewlewisfc.bsky.social

A 186 AQI in Toronto is normal. The smoke stinging your eyes & making you wheeze 2000km from wildfires is normal. It's always been this way. Every summer since you were a child was like this. As you were. Let's get those pipelines up and running @mark-carney.bsky.social & @juliedabrusin.bsky.social

Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

But let’s just keep building pipelines. /s I ride my bike as much as possible and just replaced my ICE van with a small electric car. But I am very pessimistic about the future given the decisions that our currently leaders are making.

Barry Lavallée - VE3YZV@barrylavallee.bsky.social

Aerial view of poor air quality of Georgetown, Halton Hills, Ontario, caused by wildfire smoke this morning. The camera is 120 metres above ground, panning from west to east along Highway 7. Bonus for unintentionally catching the Toronto bound GO train as it crossed over the Credit River trestle.

Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

We visited the Diefenbunker, Canada's underground Cold War emergency government HQ. Exploring its blast tunnel, hospital, and command facilities offered a compelling glimpse into nuclear-era preparedness, making for a memorable final stop on our Ottawa getaway lisastokes.ca/2026/07/otta...

lisastokes.caOttawa 2026 – Day 5 – DiefenbunkerBefore driving home, we visited the fascinating Diefenbunker in Carp, Canada’s underground Cold War emergency government headquarters. Exploring its blast tunnel, hospital, and command facili…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

We visited the fascinating Diefenbunker, Canada's underground Cold War emergency government HQ. Exploring its blast tunnel, hospital & command facilities offered a compelling glimpse into nuclear-era preparedness, for a memorable final stop on our Ottawa getaway. lisastokes.ca/2026/07/otta...

lisastokes.caOttawa 2026 – Day 5 – DiefenbunkerBefore driving home, we visited the fascinating Diefenbunker in Carp, Canada’s underground Cold War emergency government headquarters. Exploring its blast tunnel, hospital, and command facili…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

lisastokes.ca/2026/07/otta... Despite a rain-soaked start, improving weather allowed us to cycle the scenic Ottawa River Pathway from Westboro Beach. Trail closures shortened the ride, but changing skies, local landmarks, another ride, and hospitality from friends made for a memorable day.

lisastokes.caOttawa 2026 – Day 4Despite a rain-soaked start, improving weather allowed us to cycle the scenic Ottawa River Pathway from Westboro Beach. Trail closures shortened the ride, but changing skies, local landmarks, anoth…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

lisastokes.ca/2026/07/otta... A short cycling tour of Ottawa, showcasing impressive bike infrastructure, protected intersections, the Chief William Commanda Bridge, and the Trillium Pathway before Question Period, a meeting with MP Sonia Sidhu, and a birthday dinner in ByWard Market.

lisastokes.caOttawa 2026 – Day 3Rain forced us to swap our long Gatineau Park ride for a shorter cycling tour of Ottawa, showcasing impressive bike infrastructure, protected intersections, the Chief William Commanda Bridge, and t…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

Looking forward to exploring this soon

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski.bsky.social

With today being so nice out, I biked almost 78 kilometres in Mississauga to check out the Nine Creeks Trail, the new QEW Credit River bridge, and the new Jim Tovey Conservation Area. You can read more on my blog. #BikeTO #BikeMississauga #BikeSky www.twowheeledpolitics.ca/2026/06/nine...

twowheeledpolitics.caNine Creeks Trail and Jim Tovey Conservation AreaA blog about cycling and political advocacy based in Toronto, Canada. (#BikeTO)
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

Our trip to Ottawa began with a stop overnight at a water-access-only cottage before continuing east. We explored Ottawa on foot discovering protected intersections, visiting Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and heritage architecture lisastokes.ca/2026/06/otta...

lisastokes.caOttawa 2026 – Day 1 and 2Our trip to Ottawa began with a stop at David and Dayle’s water-access-only cottage before continuing east through Algonquin. After settling into our university residence, we explored Ottawa …
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

Our overnight train arrived in Amsterdam on time. Our final day included cycling-friendly and clean streets, historic landmarks, and the Sex Museum. Rain sent us to the airport early. An uneventful flight home proceeded a minor vehicle breakdown and a rescue by Cindy. lisastokes.ca/2026/06/euro...

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 23 – Amsterdam to TorontoAn overnight train made up an hour’s delay arriving in Amsterdam on time. We spent our final day exploring the city before flying home. Highlights included cycling-friendly and clean streets, histo…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

We adjusted plans due to possible rain, exploring sites like the Urban Nation area, New National Gallery, Potsdamer Platz, Humboldt University, and the Futurium before riding in the rain to the train. Then we boarded a sleeper train to Amsterdam, feeling cold and tired lisastokes.ca/2026/06/euro...

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 22 – Berlin to AmsterdamOn our last day in Berlin we adjusted plans due to possible rain, exploring sites like the Urban Nation museum and New National Gallery, vibrant areas like Potsdamer Platz, Humboldt University, and…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

We explored Berlin's iconic landmarks - the Reichstag dome, Brandenburg Gate, and the East Side Gallery. We rode through Olof-Palme-Platz, visitied Humboldt University, and experienced the vibrant Holzmarkt. Exploring by bike is the perfect way to experience Berlin. lisastokes.ca/2026/06/euro...

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 21 – BerlinToday, we explored Berlin’s iconic landmarks, including the Reichstag dome, Brandenburg Gate, and the East Side Gallery. Highlights included cycling through Olof-Palme-Platz, visiting Humbold…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

We cycled to Teufelsberg, Charlottenburg Palace, Tiergarten, and Potsdamer Platz. A brutal hike-a-bike led us to Cold War ruins transformed into a vast street art gallery. We explored Berlin’s cycling infrastructure, wartime history, memorials, and landmarks lisastokes.ca/2026/06/euro...

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 20 – BerlinFrom a budget-friendly Berlin guesthouse, we cycled to Teufelsberg, Charlottenburg Palace, Tiergarten, and Potsdamer Platz. A brutal hike-a-bike led us to Cold War ruins transformed into a vast str…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

An early train to Berlin, included a surprise police ID check. After arriving, we rented bikes when bike-share apps failed, explored architecture, cycling infrastructure, and war memorials, and ended the day with a lesson about ordering bottled instead of tap water. lisastokes.ca/2026/06/euro...

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 19 – Wroclaw to BerlinAn early train to Berlin, included a surprise police ID check near the German border. After arriving, we rented bikes when bike-share apps failed, explored Berlin’s architecture, cycling infrastruc…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

Poland’s new household survival guide. UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall, colourful housing, extensive cycling infrastructure, & riverfront scenery. Highlights included a cable car, architecture, neon art, & complete streets then a final dinner with Alina ahead of Berlin. lisastokes.ca/2026/06/euro...

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 18 – WroclawA day of solo sightseeing in Wrocław revealed everything from Poland’s new household survival guide to UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall, colourful housing, extensive cycling infrastructure, and riverf…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

Me riding to Brampton City Hall to delegate again against bike lane removals. This is Howden wick was reverted to 4 lanes for cars by ripping out 1 of only 3 protected lanes in the city. As you can see the road is full of cars /s

Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

Me riding to Brampton City Hall to delegate again against bike lane removals. This is Howden wick was reverted to 4 lanes for cars by ripping out 1 of only 3 protected lanes in the city. As you can see the road is full of cars /s

Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

“Do you want to live in a country where those at the very top live lives of luxury…in gated communities…using private health care and airplanes, because the public sphere is so degraded, and the wrath of the vast majority of their less privileged compatriots burns so hot?” rabble.ca/politics/can...

rabble.caMark Carney favours the wealthy and privileged over working-class CanadiansCanada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney continues to achieve high scores in public opinion polls. Environmentalists believe he has betrayed them.
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

Council continues removing bike lanes, including the protected bike lanes on Howden Boulevard, despite staff advice and public consultation. If residents who support cycling stay silent, our cycling network will continue disappearing. lisastokes.ca/2026/05/i-am... #BikeBrampton

lisastokes.caI AM LIVID – Delegation to Council against Another Bike Lane RemovalBrampton Council has voted to remove bike infrastructure again — part of a growing pattern. The removals are accelerating, alongside a broader political environment increasingly hostile to active t…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

More than 120 cyclists and 3 dogs joined Cllr Lily Cheng’s 3rd ride from Willowdale to the Port Lands highlighting trails, cycling infrastructure, & gaps in safe connections, for riders of all ages for a welcoming day of advocacy, community, and unexpected weather. lisastokes.ca/2026/05/lily...

lisastokes.caLily Cheng Community Ride – 2026More than 120 cyclists and three dogs joined Toronto Councillor Lily Cheng’s third community ride from Willowdale to the Port Lands. The 25 km route highlighted Toronto’s trails, cycling infrastruc…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

lisastokes.ca/2026/05/euro... Wrocław’s layers of history unfolded throughout the day — from communist-era protest inspired dwarves and martial law symbolism to restored churches, fortifications, and riverside promenades.

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 17 – WroclawWrocław’s layers of history unfolded throughout the day — from communist-era protest dwarves and martial law symbolism to restored churches, fortifications, and riverside promenades. Along the way,…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

We packed, said goodbye, & took a canal tour highlighting Amsterdam’s iconic sites - the Dancing Houses & Magere Brug. After coffee at a historic pub we visited the Holocaust memorial, & caught a train to Schiphol before an uneventful flight to Wroclaw, arriving late. lisastokes.ca/2026/04/euro...

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 14 – Amsterdam to WroclawWe packed up, said goodbye to friends, and took a canal tour highlighting Amsterdam’s iconic sites, including the Dancing Houses and Magere Brug. After coffee at a historic pub, we stored luggage, …
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

lisastokes.ca/2026/04/euro... We set off to Haarlem, following a custom route to avoid a longer ride. After briefly losing 2 riders, we reunited near a wartime memorial. The day included windmills, and a visit to Haarlem's historic centre, before returning to Amsterdam for an evening walking tour.

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 13 – Haarlem – AmsterdamThe group set off together toward Haarlem, following a custom route to avoid a longer ride. After briefly losing two riders, we reunited near a wartime memorial. The day included windmills, and a v…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

lisastokes.ca/2026/04/euro... We rode from Alkmaar through dunes, villages, and forests, sharing coffee at Egmond aan Zee and ice cream in Bergen. Quiet roads and “cars as guests” made cycling relaxed. An evening walking tour of Alkmaar taught us some of it’s history.

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 10 – Alkmaar LoopWe rode from Alkmaar through dunes, villages, and forests, sharing coffee at Egmond aan Zee and ice cream in Bergen. Quiet roads and “cars as guests” made cycling relaxed. After returning, I explor…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

We woke to engines and sailed to Volendam, for a 50 km ride through canals, locks, and villages like Edam and Monnickendam. We finished at crowded Zaanse Schans before a scenic evening sail, steak dinner, and sunset views. lisastokes.ca/2026/04/euro...

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 9 – Enkhuizen (Volundam) to AlkmaarWe woke to engines and sailed to Volendam, beginning a 50 km ride through canals, locks, and villages like Edam and Monnickendam. Highlights included swans by the path, a tiny ferry crossing, and q…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

lisastokes.ca/2026/04/euro... We rode 55 km through Dutch countryside, passing canals, turbines, greenhouses, and our first tulip fields. Despite fatigue and photo frustrations, a simple reboot restored my images—ending the day on a relieved note.

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 8 – Hoorn to EnkhuizenWe cycled 51 km through Dutch countryside, passing canals, turbines, greenhouses, and our first tulip fields. After a phone mishap and mid-ride adjustments, we explored Medemblik, where a WWII memo…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

Alina and I cycled 44 km across canals, bridges, and new neighbourhoods, visiting markets, museums, and landmarks. Despite wind and rain, the ride revealed the city’s remarkable cycling infrastructure before we regrouped for our final dinner before our cruise. lisastokes.ca/2026/04/euro....

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 6 – AmsterdamWe split into three groups: some to Alkmaar’s cheese auction, others exploring Amsterdam. Alina and I cycled 44 km across canals, bridges, and new neighbourhoods, visiting markets, museums, and lan…
Lisa Stokes
@lisastokes.bsky.social

We took the tram to the Museum Quarter, visiting the Van Gogh Museum and nearby sites. We explored Vondelpark, neighbourhood streets, and unique landmarks. The day ended with dinner out and plans to split up for different adventures tomorrow across the city. lisastokes.ca/2026/04/euro...

lisastokes.caEurope 2026 – Day 5 AmsterdamAfter a slower start, we took the tram to the Museum Quarter, visiting the Van Gogh Museum and nearby sites. We explored Vondelpark, neighbourhood streets, and unique landmarks before returning by …