Enith Linares, known as Nini (@local.voices), is a passionate storyteller with an unending curiosity and a knack for connecting with others. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Nini and diving deep into a conversation about the unique communities in London and how Active Transportation can bring us all together.
Our discussion was enlightening, revealing the myriad ways in which cycling and other forms of active transportation can foster connections, promote sustainability, and enhance the quality of life in our city.
This is our second season at 320 Thames! And it has allowed us to fulfill one of our original goals: connecting London sustaibly. Meeting and growing with clubs like LCL, institutions like UWO, and individuals like Arcy Chanumay, Bike Mayor of Waterloo, have all helped showcase the London Bicycle Cafe as a place for storytelling. Our goal is to tell fulfilling stories of people living and traveling downtown sustainably. This goal is reflected in our vibrant community of patrons, who come together to share their experiences and inspire one another.
I’ve been overwhelmed by the wonderful influx of people on the patio, the sidewalks, the park, and our deck, enjoying what is becoming a truly beautiful place. The London Bicycle Cafe is becoming a “third place” for many—a term in sociology referring to social surroundings separate from the usual environments of home and the workplace. Third places, such as cafes, bars, libraries, gyms, parks, and theaters, are essential for civil society, democracy, civic engagement, and establishing a sense of place. These spaces are where people come to relax, socialize, and form connections that enrich their lives.
Nini described the London Bicycle Cafe as a third place, which inspired our meeting and a ride through the Thames Valley Parkway.
According to Tourism London, the city’s tourism sector is booming, bringing in $1 billion and supporting almost 8,000 jobs last year . This surge in tourism highlights the growing recognition of London as a destination that offers both natural beauty and vibrant urban experiences. Nini has been engaged in leading the Local Journalism project @local.voices on Instagram, and I wanted to get her insight into how local communities connect this summer using active transportation.
Nini led me down a rabbit hole of inspirational stories about how being active in London can be personally rewarding and fulfilling. We discussed festivals along active transportation corridors and the use of public spaces like Harris Park, Dundas Place, Victoria Park, and Ivey Park. Nini enjoys talking about the people who come together at these events, sharing experiences that foster empathy, community, and prosperity. The energy and enthusiasm she brings to her storytelling are contagious, making her a true ambassador for London’s vibrant community life.
Touring the Forks of the Thames with people and explaining how interconnected the area has become is one of my joys. I often reward the City of London for a job well done when we discover new pieces of infrastructure that provide alternative routes and improved connections to the places we mentioned. These improvements not only make commuting and recreational activities more accessible but also encourage more people to embrace active transportation as a viable and enjoyable option.
One of the services we offer London commuters is the “Cycling Campaign Commuter Consultation”. The objective of this initiative is to provide people with personalized guidance and assistance in incorporating cycling into their daily commute. By promoting cycling as a viable and sustainable mode of transportation, we aim to foster a healthier and more environmentally friendly culture. The London Bicycle Cafe (LBC) offers people the opportunity to participate in a tailored consultation session focused on cycling commuting. Our experienced staff will guide participants through a 3.5 km tour along the Forks of the Thames Valley Parkway and through the Downtown Core, showcasing the city’s cycling infrastructure and providing practical advice on navigation, equipment, safety, and enjoyment.
This service is available from Wednesday through Saturday, with time slots from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We believe that by offering these consultations, we can empower more people to make cycling a part of their daily routine, contributing to a more sustainable and connected community. To book a session, interested individuals can visit our private booking link.
In our conversation, Nini shared her vision of how local communities can connect and thrive through active transportation. She believes that by embracing cycling and other forms of active travel, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant city where everyone feels welcome and engaged. Her passion for storytelling and her commitment to community building are truly inspiring.
We hope you’ll do two things…
follow local journalists like Nini to see what experiences they have to offer and share, and find a way to take part in active transportation. If you need help, find people like Nini here. Our Cafe, sales, and service staff love to help connect. Following local voices and experiencing the city through active transportation not only fosters community but also supports sustainable living. At the London Bicycle Cafe, we are committed to being a hub where stories converge, and connections are made.
In conclusion, meeting Nini and exploring the intersections of storytelling, community, and active transportation has been a rewarding experience. Her dedication to highlighting the unique aspects of our city and the people who make it special is a testament to the power of local journalism. As we continue to build and strengthen our community at the London Bicycle Cafe, we are excited to see how stories like Nini’s inspire others to connect, explore, and celebrate the vibrant life of our city.