Blue bike has a life of its own
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Apr 16/01) - Tired of paying for taxis? An abandoned blue bike with a mind of its own may be the answer.
Commonly seen propped up by the college, post office and high school, the mystery-on-wheels has travelled around town on a first come, first ride basis since at least the fall.
Who rides the bike from place to place is not known.
Artist Janet Ripley Armstrong first spotted the blue pedal-powered unit about six months ago in front of Inuksuk high school.
"It's unusual -- it's still making its rounds. Bikes usually have owners," Armstrong said.
One bike today, perhaps a fleet tomorrow. Just think: several dozen old fashioned bicycles transporting people to school or home. Upon reaching a destination, riders would leave the bike for the next person.
Could this be town council's way of test-driving alternative transportation under our noses?
"I can't say. It's top secret," said Rick Butler, town administrator, rising to the bait. "Right now we're looking into a (bus) transit system that would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Bikes would cost hundreds of cents and would make sense."
The number of pedal-powered units, their cost and their upkeep obviously needs consideration. For now though, imagine a full-service transportation system without gas, insurance or exhaust.
Iqaluit's mystery blue bike is a muse rather than a means of transportation for Armstrong.
"I'd like to write a story about it travelling through town. The bike decides where it goes, happily making its rounds."
Hearing her own words she laughs, "Of course I could be completely wrong. It may be the same person riding it."
Has Armstrong test-driven the roving blue bullet?
"Tempted, but I have my own bike, and I drive, so there's really no need," she said.
Librarian Yvonne Earle knows of the bike but has never seen it.
Suggestions that the bike is the first step toward an alternative transit system in Iqaluit are diplomatically squashed.
"The culture here is based on sharing and making use of things," Earle said.
The legendary bike has been seen in a while, but may resurface once the snow melts. If it does, take it for a spin. Perhaps oil the chain and leave it for the next person needing or curious about pedal power transportation.
