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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 25, 2008 - 3 LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER HEADING TO THE DOCTOR: Staffers at the Community Foundation of Oakville (CFO) used the common scenario of going to the doctor's office to see what it's like getting around in Oakville. Anne Miskey, left, took a 76-minute bus ride, while it took Holly Comella, centre, 18 minutes by car and Asad Moten spent 58 minutes cycling uphill. And that was just one way. summer sale 2008 Stay JULY 2008 Going from here to there Getting there from here in Oakville is not that easy if you don't take the car -- and if you do it can be expensive and harm the environment. So what do you do? The Community Foundation of Oakville (CFO), is preparing an Oakville Vital Signs report -- due out Oct. 7 -- and wants public input on 11 quality of life issues in town. The first 10 issues will also be featured in Vital Signs reports prepared by other community foundations across Canada. The 11th issue, Getting Around, was added by the CFO for its Vital Signs report. To spark public discussion, a trio of CFO staff members did their own experiment Wednesday. They started out in the heart of Bronte (Nelson and Sovereign Streets, a block north of Lakeshore Road, just east of Bronte Road) and proceeded to get to a presumed doctor's appointment in the heart of River Oaks (Oak Park Plaza at Sixth Line and River Glen Boulevard). They went by car, Oakville Transit and bicycle. Here's what happened: Holly Comella turned on her car's ignition at 9 a.m. After 18 minutes, 14.2 km and $6.81, she arrived at the doctor's office. She'd experienced some busy traffic in Bronte, but was very comfortable and arrived quickly. Asad Moten, at 9 a.m., hopped aboard his bicycle. Fifty-eight minutes and 640 burned-off calories later, he completed the 12.72 km bike trip to the doctor's office. He complained most of the trip seemed to be uphill. It was a good workout, not harmful to the environment, but the lack of bike lanes and associated safety as he travelled busy roads and crossed the QEW concerned Moten. It also took considerable time. Anne Miskey, at 9 a.m., was waiting for a bus. It was 10 minutes late when she boarded. After 76 minutes, an unknown number of kilometres and a transfer to a second bus at the Oakville GO Station, the $2.75 ride deposited her at the doctor's office. Miskey said the ride was pleasant and safe, if a little bumpy, noisy and the fact a bus driver, who arrived 10 minutes late, went through some stop signs and braked hard occasionally. The buses arrived on time, however, and drivers were pleasant and especially courteous to seniors and mobility impaired riders. Overall, it took a long time. With a return trip, going to the doctor would take up most of a day, observed Miskey. "The comments and grading are totally unscientific and based on our personal observations and experiences. We are, in no way, attempting to objectively evaluate the feasibility of these means of transportation within Oakville. This is purely for interest and raising public discussion," said Miskey in a release outlining the results after the experiment was conducted. The experiment was fun to do on a mid-summer's day. In reality, the trip would have been repeated on the way home for a round trip -- in both time and cost. It also could be taken during winter, cold temperatures and rain. Also, it would be a different experience for seniors or parents with small children, those with disabilities of some type or those carting groceries or other items home. Congestion, smog, commuting, getting around Oakville without a car ... they are all things people in the community are worried about and the CFO is aware of it. How long does it take to get from one point in Oakville to another using different means of transportation? That's what sparked the CFO's experiment. 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