Actually it was easy for me riding my singlespeed MTB with studded tires, but I felt sorry for all the thousands of drivers around me. It was snowing when I left work this afternoon, not heavy but we did get few centimeters of accumulation. What made it so hard for the drivers was the icy slick roads, the snow just kept freezing into ice as soon as it hit the pavement. I think our city was a little unprepared for it as none of the roads were salted. As I kept riding all I've seen was a complete gridlock. Even public transit busses had a hard time, I've seen few of them with wheels spinning, completely unable to get up hilly sections of the road, with long lines of cars behind them waiting. Every freeway ramp had the same problem, vehicles, busses, trucks unable to get up because of the icy road.
I've been using studded tires for the past 7 winters, all I can say especially to all the newbies is that studded tires are worth the cost. if you plan on riding through the winter then get your studs, you'll be greatful to have them on days like today.

I hear you on the weather in GTA. I rode today too, but I was too busy worrying my own safety to notice motorists. Sucks to be here right now.

Blame it on your new mayor. Just joking.

I see you are from Mississauga. I read an article in the Toronto Star regarding Mississauga and the subject of bike lanes came up. An anti-bike poster posted a challenge to the Mississauga City Council asking how many of them bike to work because those bike lanes are not used so they are a waste of money.

I’ve been to Mississauga many times. The only time I biked in Mississauga was visiting a friend in Port Credit.

Where are the bike lanes?

Yeah I know my city is very car-centric, I am also car-free, a city of almost 800 000 people and almost no bike lanes, whatever few short bike lanes we have are always in the wrong location... At least we have some multi use paths, but they are scattered all over place, it's never a direct route from paint A to point B. I always have to zigzag my way whenever I am trying to get anywhere. Most of our major arterial roads are just too dangerous for biking.

Where in Mississauga are you? I moved there in 1966 with my parents and sisters to not far from Bloor/Dixie and my parents moved just across Etobicoke Creek in 2007.

I ride back and forth to the south shop a good deal and over this 8 km I am always faster than the car traffic through the downtown core and it is a no brainer at rush hour on any given day.

In the winter it just gets a little sweeter as a cyclist and more hellish if you are driving.

It's almost enough to have you pining for the old Mel Lastman days. At least he took care of the snow.