Sign in

John Topham

@johnjtopham.bsky.social
248 followers 108 following 336 posts

Living on Salt Spring Island, BC Former science teacher and kayak guide BSc, BEd Married I love cycling, kayaking, hiking and my awesome wife. Just trying to live a healthy, happy life.

PostsRepliesMedia
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
With cooler, shorter days, I've switched from long off island bike rides to shorter on island activities. Yesterday, I did a 25km, night ride. Today it was a quick hike up Mt Erskine from Collins Road this afternoon.
020
Reposted by John Topham
ruthko @ruthmkb.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
"A Toronto hospital network is set to greatly expand its unique permanent housing program that largely serves homeless people who visit hospital emergency departments an inordinate amount of time." 👍👏🫶👇 #TOpoli #cdnpoli www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Toronto hospital to greatly expand permanent housing program that reduces ER visits | CBC News
A Toronto hospital network is set to greatly expand its unique permanent housing program that largely serves homeless people who visit hospital emergency departments an inordinate amount of time.
0127
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
To be built at taxpayer expense for corporate profits. This will also result in climate destruction with the costs of climate adaptation also falling on the taxpayer. www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
cbc.ca
West Coast oil pipeline becomes 1st project designated in national interest | CBC News
The federal and Alberta governments have announced that a proposed pipeline carrying one million barrels of oil a day from Alberta to the B.C. coast has become the first project designated in the nati...
000
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
We're making progress here on BC's south coast, but we still have work to do if we want to catch up to the Netherlands. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSD4...
youtube.com
Do I have to cycle if I live in the Netherlands?
YouTube video by babyonabike
021
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I would love to see these on Salt Spring. www.techspot.com/news/114010-...
techspot.com
Your loud exhaust could get you fined as more US cities pair noise detectors with license plate readers
New York, Knoxville, Miami Beach, and Santa Fe are just some of the areas that have piloted or deployed noise cameras in recent years. New York City...
140
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
More day 3 highlights from my Parksville-Qualicum bike tour. #biketouring #cycletouring
100
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
The best sight from day 3 of last week's Parksville-Qualicum bike tour.
151
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Photos from day 2 of my bike tour to Parksville-Qualicum. #biketouring #cycletouring
010
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Little Qualicum Falls during a recent bike tour.
011
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
While riding through Nanaimo yesterday, I came across this sight. I didn't know the E&N was still in use. Some internet research told me that about 16km between here and the harbour are still in service.
010
Reposted by John Topham
Boo 🇨🇦 @just-call-me-boo.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
#BuyCanadian #supportCanada #ShopCanadian#Canada #Cdnpoli #ViveLeCanada #CanadaStrong #BoycottTheUSA #BoycottUSA
294
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Island Class ferries will start service on the Salt Spring - Crofton route next year. Some photos from the two Island Class ferries that are currently serving Gabriola Island (one of these ferries will be moving to the Salt Spring Island route).
000
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Day trip from Salt Spring Island to Gabriola Island, yesterday. 160km with 1748m of vertical. Photos from Drumbeg Provincial Park, Sandwell Provincial Park, Gabriola Sands Provincial Park and Malaspina Gallery Awesome ride!!! #cycling #biking
020
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I saw this in Ladysmith yesterday. This idea could help cyclists bypass the highway sections of Oyster Bay and Nanoose on Vancouver Island. #cycling #biking #vancouverisland
040
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Yes, Yes, Yes! I plan on riding this section of highway in about 2 weeks. This part really scares me! PS. If you are riding towards Nanaimo, watch out for the bridge that is about 400m past Bayview Park Dr, slow down and take the sidewalk. #cycling #biking #biketouring www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
010
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
With all the craziness in the world, this seems like a minor issue but I still find it frustrating that women like Caz, can't enjoy the same freedoms as me without the fear of idiots not knowing the rules. #topfreedom www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Saint John police apologize after woman told to cover up at beach | CBC News
Lacey Tompkins was told by police to cover up while topless at Dominion Park Beach in July. After she filed a complaint, the Saint John Police Force apologized and said there was no legal basis for th...
020
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
So lucky to have this kind of beauty just a short bike ride from home. Did some intense intervals on the little hills coming back. Caz kept up on her e-bike but dialed it down enough to get a great workout. I love long rides but little trips can also be used for training. #biking #cycling
100
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Had a beautiful walk with Caz in Dunbabin Park yesterday on Salt Spring Island.
020
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Here's one way to help those affected by the new tariffs, buy more honey. www.cbc.ca/news/livesto...
cbc.ca
Tariffs could be 'nail in the coffin' for Canadian beekeepers - Trump calls Ford a 'flunky,' Ford responds that Trump is a 'loser'
Osee Podolsky says his family honey farm in Ethelbert, Man. , is doomed if Trump's tariffs continue.   "I feel like collateral damage sometimes in what seems like a petty trade war," the general mana...
010
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I think this might be the best article ever written on the topic of climate change. cleantechnica.com/2025/01/16/d...
cleantechnica.com
Decarbonization Requires Robust Decision Making Frameworks - CleanTechnica
I've evolved a set of frameworks and red flags tests over the many years I've been looking at cleantech solutions and assembled them here.
020
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I love the challenge of a 200km ride! Salt Spring to Honeymoon Bay to Gordon River to Pacific Coast to Mesachie Lake to Salt Spring 213km with 1940m of climbing (45 km on logging road) (Offline map required) Fantastic ride!!! A bit tired near the end. Definitely an annual trip! #cycling #biking
260
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Trans Canada Trail – Ladysmith to Nanaimo by bike (not recommended) Bucket list – Haslam Suspension Bridge, Extension, The Abyss Needed 7 hours and 5L of water for a 50km section. The whole trip was 140km from Salt Spring Island. More photos and descriptions below. #cycling #biking
1031
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
20 years! Still in love and loving the adventure! @caztopham.bsky.social
210
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Wonderful ride along the Galloping Goose Trail from Matheson Lake to Sooke Potholes and back. Thanks to my best friend and wife of 20 years for joining me! #vancouverisland #cycling #biking
041
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Yup, went through there last summer, going again this year. There is also a bridge on a downhill section coming south where you don't see the sign to use the sidewalk until it is too late to use the sidewalk. #cycling #cycletouring #biking #biketouring www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Cyclists on mid-Vancouver Island say this stretch of highway is a disaster waiting to happen | CBC News
Cyclists on mid-Vancouver Island say it's only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed along a dangerous stretch of Highway 19 between Nanoose Bay and Lantzville.
100
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
My favourite bike ride: 160km (1600m up and down) from French Beach to Salt Spring Island via Cowichan. It would take a couple of dozen photos to show all the incredible beauty. It was a bit challenging with the heat warning but still mostly fun. #biking #cycling #cycletouring #biketouring
0111
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Cycled across a one lane bridge that was being chip sealed. It was a bit rough for a bit but the tires cleaned themselves on the first good downhill. This was on the last day of a tour. Now at home finding gravel all over the camping gear. #cyling #biking #biketouring #cycletouring
020
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Nice spot. Single night bike tour to French Beach on Vancouver Island. Back home tomorrow. Estimated distance 270 km over 2 days. #cycletouring
011
Reposted by John Topham
The Beaverton @thebeaverton.com · 17/07/2026
Meet the Canadian civil servant responsible for sending our wildfire smoke to the U.S.
thebeaverton.com
Meet the Canadian civil servant responsible for sending our wildfire smoke to the U.S.
With wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada into Michigan, New York and other states, numerous Americans have once again taken to social media to complain about Canada ruining their summers and “sen...
301090368
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Really tough ride yesterday from my home on Salt Spring, around Cowichan Lake, out to Shawnigan Lake then home: 210km, 1800m vertical. Including 25km on brutal logging roads and lots more kilometres on low quality surfaces. More pain than fun but at least I dropped a few pounds.
000
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Rode from Crofton to Cowichan Bay and back. The roads were a little too busy but at least I had a hot riding partner.
000
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Here's another reason to never use Facebook or Instagram. An AI data centre powered by natural gas, another contribution to worsening climate disasters. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Meta building its first Canadian data centre northeast of Edmonton | CBC News
Meta was revealed Wednesday as the proponent of a data centre in Sturgeon County, northeast of Edmonton.
100
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Totally nailed it! Carney is "socializing risks of a dying industry and privatizing the profits"
020
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
www.cbc.ca/news/science...
cbc.ca
Alberta's pipeline deal could allow Canadian oil to reach new countries. But will they want it? | CBC News
Energy and environmental organizations are reacting with alarm to the new Canada-Alberta deal to build a new oil pipeline to the West Coast, questioning whether new buyers can be found for the oil tha...
000
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Second ride of the day. Southey Point, Salt Spring Island. #cycling
150
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
My favourite place on earth! I married Caz at this bench almost 20 years ago. Ruckle Park, Salt Spring Island, BC
010
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Lowest tide of the year at Bader's Beach, Salt Spring Island. Lots of moon snails like this beauty, also moon snail egg cases and geoducks (big clams).
020
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
#EarthDay
010
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
‪ Happy Earth Day and 20 years since my first date with Caz!!!
130
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
There are strong indicators that the transition to green energy is accelerating because of the Iran war. cleantechnica.com/2026/04/13/f...
cleantechnica.com
France Moved First, But Markets Everywhere Are Signaling Electrification - CleanTechnica
The Iran war exposed fossil dependence. France announced electrification support, while EV, heat pump, solar, and battery signals are rising globally.
020
Reposted by John Topham
Julia Levin @jflevin.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Proposed LNG power plant in Vietnam gets scrapped, as a result of the war on Iran. Will be replaced with a a renewable energy and battery storage project I guess policymakers & pundits touting LNG in Canada aren't reading international news.... www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
reuters.com
Exclusive: Vingroup proposes scrapping LNG-powered plant plan for renewables amid Iran war, document shows
Vingroup has told Vietnam's government it wants to ditch ​a plan to build the country's largest LNG-fired power plant and embark on a renewable energy project instead, as ‌the Iran war has boosted the...
22411
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
This might be the best photograph ever taken. The camera is mounted on the end of a solar array on the Artemis II mission. The ship is in the shadow of the moon. The glow around the moon is the sun's corona. Earthlight is illuminating the left side of the moon and another solar array.
05010
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
HOME! (Photo taken from roughly 350 000km away by Artemis crew member)
020
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
First long ride of the season! 100km to Victoria back to shop at MEC.
030
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
"If we really accounted for all of those health effects and in particular the long-term health effects of future generations, this industry would have been shut down a long time ago," www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Doctors calling for independent assessment of health impacts from oil and gas industry | CBC News
Public health physicians in B.C. are calling for an independent assessment of health impacts from the oil and gas industry. The request comes from the Health Officers’ Council of B.C., who passed a r...
010
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
bbc.com
'The new tobacco': The cities banning fossil fuel adverts
Cities across the world are clearing their billboards of flight ads, SUVs, cruise ships and petrol cars in an attempt to cut emissions.
020
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Just found this funny little song. youtu.be/zdEkm__55ik?...
youtu.be
To Morrow The Kingston Trio with Lyrics
YouTube video by billbilladaadaa a
010
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Waterfall Salt Spring Island
0193
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Waterfall video. Salt Spring Island
020
John Topham @johnjtopham.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Happy Birthday My Love! Took my wife Caz (@caztopham.bsky.social) to a waterfall for her birthday. Mountain Road, Salt Spring Island
120