A Game That Shows the Terrifying Reality of Biking Without Lanes

In today's urban landscape, city biking presents a unique set of challenges. As a city biker myself, I recently found myself reflecting on my own cautious nature. Browser-based game Loser Lane has served as a powerful reminder of these difficulties. Creator Marie LeBlanc Flanagan aptly describes the game as "a tiny protest game about the terrifying reality of biking in Toronto without bike lanes." With the use of left and right arrow keys, players navigate a small bike through a maze of parked cars, moving cars, pedestrians, mass transit vehicles, and various road features.

Quick Endings and Tough Choices

Most of my runs in Loser Lane have come to a swift end due to car doors opening unexpectedly. In some longer runs, I've had to make heart-wrenching choices between hitting a pedestrian or getting hit by mass transit, or between flipping over the back of a parked car or being struck from behind by a car swerving out of its lane. It's a constant battle of being placed in impossible situations with only seconds to react. The narrow play space truly captures the essence of navigating busy roads with no bike infrastructure. When you meet your demise, you're presented with a counter of how long you lasted, what took you out, and the words "Thanks Doug," likely a nod to Ontario premier Doug Ford.

Contacting MPPs for Bike Lanes

A link within the game leads to the contact information of current MPPs. If you live in Canada, you can express your anger about the lack of bike lanes by sending them an email. This aspect of the game turns it into a powerful political tool, bringing the issue of bike lanes to life through play. It's a game that I wish every bike lane opponent in my city could experience.

My Longest Run and the Challenge

My longest run in Loser Lane lasted a remarkable 146 seconds. It was a testament to my ability to navigate the chaotic streets and make split-second decisions. Each run in this game is a unique challenge, and it keeps me coming back for more. It's not just about the time spent on the bike but also about the awareness it brings to the importance of bike lanes. Let me know how you fare in this virtual urban biking adventure.