BikingToronto

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Cyclist Hit and Councillor Walker wants Helmets

2009-07-17T08:25:00.002-04:00

A couple items of news from the past week:

Councillor Walker wants Helmets to be Mandatory

In addition to wanting bikes and/or cyclists to be licensed, Councillor Walker also wants to make wearing helmets mandatory.

His motion has been seconded by Councillor Suzan Hall.
Link to the Motion and Discussion in the BikingToronto Forum

Cyclist Hit at Front & Spadina

A woman in her 30s was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after she was hit by a car downtown, Monday.

The victim was riding her bike at Front St. and Spadina Ave. when she was struck just after 7 p.m.
Read More and Discuss in the BikingToronto Forum

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Bike News from Toronto

2009-07-10T10:24:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday! Time for all the news from the past week! :)

Councillor Michael Walker to propose a bicycle licensing scheme in Toronto

City Councillor Mickael Walker was on CBC's Metro Morning yesterday touting the idea of mandatory helmet laws and a bicycle license scheme... Read more...

Bikes+Transit.com

Calling all pioneers on two wheels - 'twitterflickrfest' runs to July 13 * Try, test, 'twitter' and photograph these 2009 sample transit and cycling routes... Read more...

Riding the Rails

Great post by Val Dodge in Torontoist: On-road bike lanes have been in the news quite a bit recently: the battle over Jarvis Street, the ongoing crawl toward lanes along Bloor Street and Danforth Aven... Read more...

Two Cyclists Hospitalized After Bricks Fall off Condo

Cinder bricks fall 32 stories off of condo under construction near Wellesley and Sherbourne. The Globe has the story: Two cyclists were taken to hospital Tuesday evening when the wall of a building in... Read more...

Queens Park key to getting a Fast Lane to Safer Cycling

The Globe has "web-exclusive" commentary from Albert Koel, environmental lawyer and a founding member of Bells on Bloor. If cyclists in Ontario have learned anything over the past decade, it's that ge... Read more...

Karen Stintz attacks Miller for 'bags, bottles, bicycles'

The National Post covers Karen Stintz, a right-wing city councillor who thinks that making roads just for cars is "leading in transportation management". In a campaign-style speech yesterday, Councill... Read more...

Toronto Star: Field guide to Toronto cyclists

Last week the Star did up a series of 11 cyclists... involving a little bit of stereotyping of different types of cyclists in our city. Where do you fit in these broad and not terribly repr... Read more...

Cops on Two Wheels more responsive, claims bike patroller

Cool article in The Bulletin about Toronto Bike Cops: Cops on two wheels more responsive, claims bike patroller Toronto Police serve and protect. And essential to their role of making Downtown a safe ... Read more...

Replacing Road Rage with Respect

From the Toronto Sun: Heating up the summer doesn't have to mean heating up the battle between cars and bicycles on our roads, a cycling advocate maintains. "Respect for those around us goes a long w... Read more...

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Planning A Bike-Friendly City

2009-07-03T10:39:00.006-04:00

Happy Friday! Here's the news from the past week:

Globe and Mail: A city made for cyclists (Hint: it's not Toronto)

There's a big, disturbing gap between what's normal for cyclists in Toronto and what's normal for cyclists in Copenhagen. Normal in Toronto means biking as an edgy urban sport. Normal means risking life and limb to dodge cars, pedestrians and, during the winter, ice and snow on roads and dicey bike paths. Normal in Copenhagen means bike paths receive the same kind of snow removal as the city's main arteries. In Copenhagen, half the city's population uses some of its 350 kilometres of devoted lanes, which is normal. (more at the Globe and Mail)

Spacing Toronto: The role of local government in promoting cycling

With Bike Month all wrapped up for another year, it seems only appropriate to tackle to question of how our local government can take the reigns from cycling advocates and bike month organizers by promoting cycling through policy. (more at Spacing Toronto)

Toronto Star: Where the streets have no cars

Great article about Vancouver joining the ranks of New York, San Francisco, Portland, Bogota, etc in embracing the car-free streets movement. They'll be closing off 4 neighbourhoods to cars on Sundays in July and August, creating 20 car-free routes just for pedestrians and cyclists.

Toronto has 7 car-free Sundays in Kensington Market this year... and really, a lot more downtown areas should embrace the concept too. The Church and Wellesley area would be fantastic with no cars on Sundays in the Summer. My personal favourite though, would have to be the Yonge-Dundas Square area... Yonge from Gerrard to Queen and Dundas from Victoria to Bay (excepting streetcar passage, of course). Some may put up a fuss, but businesses would do well, and tourists would love it!

Where would you like to see car-free Sundays? Discuss it in the Forum.

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Police Bike Blitz and More!

2009-06-26T09:41:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday! Time for all the news from the past week! :)

Bike Union Releases First Annual Report
The Toronto Cyclists Union has released their first Annual Report! The PDF is available here. Highlights from the past year: - Hired an Executive Director to work full time for cycling issues - Partnered with the City to offer a standing-room only, exceptionally well received 1st annual Toronto Bike… (read the blog post / discuss in forum)

Headlines: Bamboo Bike Craze
Toronto Star: Riding a bike made of grass It's light, it sucks carbon out of the air and you could compost it. What more would you want from your bike? Move over Prius, the bamboo bike is the next hot thing for environmentalists... (read the blog post)

BikeTax Rally at Queens Park Tomorrow
From Rowena Santos, who you may remember ran for City Council in 2006 in Ward 14 Parkdale-High Park Fellow Cyclists, As many of you know, the proposed 8% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will directly impact you and future cyclists. By the end of 2010, the HST will apply to all… (read the blog post)

Report from the Ward 29 Bikes Public Meeting
Cycling advocate and BikingToronto reader Todd Tyrtle attended the Ward 29 Bikes Public Meeting last Wednesday, and brings us this report of things Dan Egan (Manager of Cycling Infrastructure for the city) talked about at the meeting: (originally posted in the Ward 29 section of the BikingToronto Forum) You'll… (read the blog post / discuss in forum)

Toronto Police Bike Blitz: Helpful or Harmful?
Spacing Toronto has a great post from Dave "Mez" Meslin (who has also posted it on his new blog - Mez Dispenser) on the Toronto Police Services' "Safe Cycling Campaign" (forum discussion here)... about if the campaign is helpful (making cyclists aware that they should be stopping when traffic lights… (read the blog post / discuss in forum)

June 23: TCAT News Bulletin
BikingToronto is a TCAT supporter. Here's the latest from TCAT: 1. CBC Radio One Morning Shows Across the Country Feature Bike Helmet Legislation Alternatives: Jun 22 On June 22nd between 6 and 9 a.m. TCAT's Program Director, Nancy Smith Lea teamed up with Chris A. Cavacuiti, MD, to be interviewed… (read the blog post)

Headlines: Helmet Saftey Runs in the Family
National Post: A lifetime of bike safety starts with mom and dad Parents don't need a lecture on the wisdom of wearing a bicycle helmet. It's the kids who put up a fight. How are parents supposed to get rambunctious youngsters into the habit of donning a helmet when… (read the blog post / discuss in forum)

Headlines: Spacing Toronto talks Bike Parking
Spacing Toronto: Reaching the Summit - Bicycle parking How modal shifts occur is a big question here on the Spacing blog. If you build it, will they come? Although bike lanes have been the central focus of this debate, not much time has been given to the importance of… (read the blog post )

Toronto Police "Safe Cycling" Campaign Starts Today
The Toronto Police Service is starting their annual "Safe Cycling" campaign today http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/newsreleases/pdfs/16648.pdf (PDF file) The campaign begins Monday, June 22, 2009, and concludes on Sunday, June 28, 2009. This one−week Traffic Services initiative is designed to promote awareness and education by reducing the potential for cycling−related injuries. Traffic Services… (read the blog post / discuss in forum)

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Naked Cycling, Danforth Bikelanes, Minnan-Wong Tries Biking

2009-06-19T08:49:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday! Time for all the news from the past week! :)

Headlines: Naked Cyclists Wage War on Cars?

Spacing Toronto: How to fan the flames of the fake War on the Car in Toronto I suggested that car culture has always been at war with itself: city driving has never been pleasant, not in the good-old-days in the 1960s with fat arterial roads, expanding suburbs and less…

Support Bikelanes on the Danforth!

The Danforth BIA seems to be starting a campaign against bikelanes on the Danforth... setting up a petition for their members to say they do not support bikelanes because they don't want to lose parking. This seems rather short-sighted, so I wonder if they've thought of who shops in their…

Headlines: Promoting Cycling to Newcomers, The Bike Train, and Cycling Advocacy

Spacing Toronto: Reaching the Summit - Cycling Advocacy and Community Engagement Just three days into this year's Bike Month, a damp May 28th was host to Bike Summit 2009, a day-long conference on cycling policy co-hosted by the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation (TCAT) and the Clean Air Partnership.…

TCAT News Bulletin: June 16

BikingToronto is a TCAT supporter. Here's the latest from TCAT: The Toronto Coalition for Active Transport just released their latest e-bulletin: 1. Jun 20: Big on Bloor Festival The Bloor Improvement Group's second annual Big on Bloor Festival will take place this Saturday, June 20th between 1 and 9 p.m.…

Councillor Denzil Minnan Wong Learns how to Bike

Give some props to City Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong... after years of defending auto-centric planning and transportation initiatives, he is learning how to ride a bike after missing out on it in his youth: Denzil Minnan-Wong looks kind of sheepish. He has a confession to make.The 45-year-old Toronto councillor, and perhaps…

Events:

Just a reminder that you can find out what's happening on every day of BikeMonth with BikingToronto's BikeMonth section!

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Bloor Bikelane Delays, BikeSummit Review, and More!

2009-06-12T10:19:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday!

BikeMonth is entering week #4 on Monday... and bikes are continuing to stay in the news. Here's all the news that has appeared on BikingToronto in the past week, plus all the stories in the media we've come across.

Headlines: Get on the BikeTrain!
Toronto Sun: Hop on board the Bike Train Many cyclists have already hopped aboard the Bike Train for easy access to cycling routes in the Niagara Region. This year, new "pilot" routes will bring riders to more areas across Southwestern and Northern Ontario. The Bike Train -- developed by…

Headlines: Planning for non-Auto Transportation
National Post: The war on the car, as seen from the bicycle seat Recently, Mayor David Miller unveiled the city's first bike parking lot at Union Station, city council added bike lanes to Jarvis despite an uproar, and the TTC committed to increasing the number of bus routes with…

Headlines: BikeSummit Review from Torontoist
Torontoist: Cycling to the BikeSummit Ever wonder what distinguishes a good bicycle rack from a bad one? Or what the optimal buffer is between a bike lane and a parked car? If so, then last week's Bike Summit was the place for you, as active transportation activists, transportation planners,…

Headlines: Bloor-Danforth Bikelane Delays
Globe and Mail: City puts brakes on Bloor-Danforth bike lane Controversial plans for a crosstown bike lane along Bloor Street and Danforth Avenue appear to have hit a speed bump, as the city now plans to hire an external consultant to study the idea. Just last week, the councillor…

Headlines: 24km of New Bikelanes
National Post: More bike lanes, but not on Bloor – yet... As the public works committee today approved the installation of some 24 kilometres of new bike lanes in Toronto, defenders of the driver railed about the cost, while cyclists complained the city is neglecting the most obvious east-west…

Events:

Just a reminder that you can find out what's happening on every day of BikeMonth with BikingToronto's BikeMonth section!

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Approving Bikelanes and Pursuing BikeSharing

2009-06-05T09:31:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday!

BikeMonth is two weeks old now... and bikes are continuing to stay in the news. Here's all the news that has appeared on BikingToronto in the past week, plus all the stories in the media we've come across.

News:

Public Works Committee Approves 24 km of Bikelanes
As BikingToronto let you know on Monday... The Public Works Committee discussed 24 km of new bikelanes at their meeting yesterday... and improved them all. Here are a couple excerpts from news articles about it: Toronto Sun: New bike lanes approved by city City councillors swear they're not "anti-car," but…

TCAT News Bulletin: June 2
BikingToronto is a TCAT supporter. Here's the latest from TCAT: The Toronto Coalition for Active Transport just released their latest e-bulletin. It's now on their website, so here's what it covers - you can decide for yourself if you want to read more...

A Reason To Love Toronto: Everyone Bikes!
Toronto Life recently released "50 Reasons to Love Toronto Right Now". Number 43 on the list? EVERYONE BIKES Hard to argue with that! ...

Toronto Moving Forward on BikeSharing
Great news... after issuing an REOI (Request for Expressions of Interest) for a Public Bicycles Project in April, Toronto is moving ahead... with one item on the agenda (page 27) of the June 3rd Public Works and Infrastructure Meeting (PDF file) being to negotiate with the Public Bicycle System…

New Bikelanes being Discussed at June 3rd Public Works Meeting
The Public Works Committee is discussing (pages 25-27 - PDF file) a bunch of new bikelanes on June 3rd. They come to 24.1 km in total. Here is the list: The General Manager, Transportation Services, recommends that: 1 City Council approve the installation of bicycle lanes on the following roadways:…

City Amending By-Laws To Ban E-Bikes and Folding Bikes from Sidewalks
E-bikes, or "power assisted bicycles" are relatively new additions to the streetscape. So much so, that the City of Toronto by-laws do not specifically ban them from riding on sidewalks (as regular bikes are). The City is looking into changing this... and will be discussing it at the June 3…

Cyclist Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries in Crash
The Toronto Star is reporting on a cyclist-car collision from last night: The 53-year-old man was heading west on Rogers Rd. in the bike lane shortly after 7 p.m. At Silverthorn Ave., the van turned right and he hit the side. The force of the crash threw him to the…

Headlines:

National Post: More bike lanes, but not on Bloor – yet...

Toronto Sun: New bike lanes approved by city

CBC: Toronto asked to keep e-bikes off sidewalks and out of bike lanes

Toronto Sun: Bike lanes needed on Jarvis, Bloor and beyond

Toronto Star: Bike thefts fall 17% after sting operation

Toronto Star: Testdrive - Bike locks

BlogTO: Toronto's New Bicycle Parking Initiatives

Toronto Star: Fear and cycling on Jarvis

Toronto Star: Drain cramp - Pair of sunken grates menacing Dupont cyclists

Toronto Star: Cyclists seeking a cultural gear shift

Globe and Mail: Idaho Stop one way to fuel 'war on the car'

Toronto Star: Racing toward 2012 games - on a trike

Toronto Star: Cyclist suffers life-threatening injuries in crash

NOW Magazine: Amicable separation - The case for separated bike lanes

NOW Magazine: For the love of Jarvis

Globe and Mail: City puts brakes on Bloor-Danforth bike lane

National Post: Big step for cycling, small step for cycling kind

Toronto Star: Bike riding is bliss in Copenhagen

Toronto Star: Bike death spurred lawyer to take action

National Post: No ‘war on the car,’ Toronto’s mayor insists

National Post: Politics of transportation run rampant at City Hall

Toronto Star: Cycling activists look beyond Jarvis victory

National Post: Plan of Attack - Toronto Bike Month

BlogTO: Sustainable Commuting - the Bicycle

Events:

Just a reminder that you can find out what's happening on every day of BikeMonth with BikingToronto's BikeMonth section!

Weekly News Wrap-Up: BikeMonth and Jarvis Bikelanes, and More!

2009-05-29T09:09:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday!

I hope the first 5 days of BikeMonth has treated you well. Here's all the news from the past week (and there's been a ton of it!) :)

News Posts

The 2009 BikeSummit is Tomorrow
(crossposted to I Bike T.O.) Tomorrow is the 2009 BikeSummit, hosted by the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation and the Clean Air Partnership.

I'll be there, and there will be some new I Bike T.O. shirts there as well. They'll be available for purchase (for just $20), and all profits go to cycling-related charities in Toronto via the brand new BikingToronto Fund. :)

Metrolinx Changes Plans for Strachan Avenue
Wow. After just a few weeks, Metrolinx has bowed to public pressure and changed its plans for Strachan Avenue. It had originally planned a "Super-Bridge" on Strachan to span the rail corridor, but is now opting to lower the rail corridor and build...

City Council Votes in Bikelanes for Jarvis
City Council has voted in favour of installing bikelanes on Jarvis when the reversible 5th lane is removed! What do you think of the decision? Were you at City Council yesterday to show your support? BikingToronto was... and we'll have photos up soon. :) Does Jarvis need bikelanes?

Headlines:

Between the start of BikeMonth and the Jarvis Bikelane Debate, bikes have been in the news a ton! :)

Bicycle Trade Association of Canada applauds Toronto's bold new bike move
CTV: Council votes in favour of bike lanes on Jarvis
Inside Toronto: Bike for Africa aims to bring bikes to community health workers

Torontoist: This Bicycle is Leaving the Station

CTV : New bicycle station opens at Union Station

Toronto Sun: Bike racers set to hit the Market

Toronto Star: Planning how to share the road

Globe and Mail: Peddling for Votes

Globe and Mail: A place to park your bike, and lose your excuses

Toronto Star: Transit moving to help cyclists

Toronto Star: Bike Polo - Carnage and poetry

CBC: Building bike lanes good for business: report

Toronto Sun: Bike lanes benefit city

Toronto Star: Cycling Campaign woos newcomers

Toronto Star: Mandatory bicycle licensing seen as fair

Toronto Star Video: Safe Cycling in the City

Toronto Star: MD on the case for safe cycling

Toronto Star: Can cyclists and motorists get along?

Toronto Star: Toronto's mean streets

Toronto Star: Bikes win in Jarvis overhaul

Torontoist Debates the Imaginary "War on Cars"

Globe and Mail: Showdown over Jarvis lane change

Eye Weekly: On The Dandyhorse

Globe and Mail: Danforth businesses divided over bike lane

Toronto Star: Shoppers on bikes good for business

Events:

Just a reminder that you can find out what's happening on every day of BikeMonth with BikingToronto's BikeMonth section!

Weekly News Wrap-Up: BikeMonth and BikeStations

2009-05-22T08:21:00.008-04:00

Monday is the start of BikeMonth, and with the warmer weather making awesome cycling to work weather... I'm sure you've noticed more bikes on the roads. There's been more bikes in the news too.

Headlines: Concerns about a Bloor-Danforth Bikelane

War of the wheels looms with cross-city bike lane plan Globe and Mail: In a move certain to be seized on by critics who claim the city is waging a war on cars, a study of an Etobicoke-to-Scarborough bike lane right across Bloor Street and Danforth Avenue will soon… (click for more)

BikeMonth on BikingToronto

I'm pleased to announce the launch of BikingToronto's new BikeMonth section. The BikeMonth Section lists all the bike events (that we know of, as of May 15) happening between May 25 - June 25th in the City of Toronto and surrounding area. Most (but not all) of these events…(click for more)

Headlines: Fixing Worn Out BikeLane Paint

Cyclists feel the pinch as drivers cross the line Toronto Star: Cyclists on Beverley St. are being squeezed into traffic by drivers who aren't sure about the location of bicycle lanes and parking spots. The lanes are marked with white paint to provide a buffer between vehicles and cyclists…(click for more)

TCAT News Bulletin: May 19

BikingToronto is a TCAT supporter. Here's the latest from TCAT: The Toronto Coalition for Active Transport just released their latest e-bulletin. It's now on their website, so here's what it covers - you can decide for yourself if you want to read more: - Bike Summit 2009...Last Chance to Register…(click for more)

Toronto's First BikeStation Getting Ready to Open

The City of Toronto has been working a while on preparing the city's first BikeStation at Union Station - a secure bike parking facility aimed at the hundreds of thousands of people who come in to downtown Toronto via train to work each day. Most of these people hop on…(click for more)

Headlines: Spacing Toronto explores Copenhagen's Cycling Infrastructure

SpacingToronto: Copenhagen - A city of two wheels I've decided to publish postcard-like entries of examples of infrastructure, planning and urban design elements that caught my attention. Today I'll start with cycling, because everything Copenhagen seems to do all comes back to the soft traffic of two…(click for more)

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Toronto Cycling on TV and Podcast Radio

2009-05-15T08:22:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! Time for all your weekly update on all the bikey stuff happening in Toronto. :)

BikeMonth is coming up too... launching on Mon, May 25 with the City's Group Commute (facebook event page link) and running until June 25. You can expect a very handy link in next week's Wrap-Up that'll help you keep track and take part in BikeMonth events. That's all I'll say for now. :)

News on BikingToronto over the past week:

Video: Sharing the Road on the Agenda
For those of you who missed it on Thursday (or those of you who want to see it again), below I've embedded the video from TVO's the Agenda when they discussed transportation planning and sharing the road amongst different users... (click here for more)

Headlines: Rough Ride Towards A Green Toronto

Bumpy road to a greener urban core Toronto Star: The best streets – for business, pleasure and everyday living – are ones that mesh traffic by foot, bicycle and auto, the ones that achieve balance so that each corner is a destination, not a drive-through... (click here for more)

Spacing Radio talks Bikes
The most recent episode of Spacing Radio is about bikes! Hosted by CBC's David Michael Lamb (of CBC National Radio News) We sit down with compelling and provocative civic leaders from Toronto, Montreal, and cities around the world to discuss the latest issues affecting the urban landscape... (click here for more)

TCAT News Bulletin: May 12

BikingToronto is a TCAT supporter. Here's the latest from TCAT: The Toronto Coalition for Active Transport just released their latest e-bulletin. It's now on their website, so here's what it covers - you can decide for yourself if you want to read more: Register soon for Bike Summit 2009… (click here for more)

Headlines: Streets for Cars or People?

Auto-Centric or People-Centric: Which way works for city streets? Toronto Star: In another part of town, a similar, but different, controversy is brewing over a proposal to close the reversible middle lane of Jarvis St. That would mean widening sidewalks and adding bicycle lanes. Well-heeled north-enders have proclaimed their… (click here for more)

Headlines: Cyclist Hit on Coxwell

Toronto Star: Cyclist in east-end crash was listening to iPod The man was riding in the curb lane on Coxwell a few blocks south of the Danforth around 11 p.m. when he made a left turn into the path of a van that was coming up behind him... (click here for more)

Some of the Event Posts on BikingToronto over the past week:

City of Toronto Group Commute: Mon, May 25th
The City of Toronto Group Commute is coming up fast. It's my favourite part of BikeMonth every year, because it's the only time thousands of cyclists come together to commute to work as one.

BikeSummit 2009: Audio Introduction to the Summit
If you've been on the fence about attending BikeSummit 2009, you may enjoy these audio clips from Nancy Smith Lea, Program Director for the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation.

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Making Streets Safer, BikeSharing with Style

2009-05-08T09:04:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! Time for all your weekly news in one handy-dandy spot. Here!

With the warm weather, the bike stories in Toronto's media are popping up everywhere (as are cyclists - my commute to work this morning found me in a group of about 20 cyclists heading across the Bloor Viaduct at about 7:45 this morning. It was cool!), so here's a run down of what is being written about.

NOW Magazine: It's a bike-friendly world

On Wednesday, April 22 Sadik-Khan came to Toronto for the Walk and Bike for Life conference to give Mayor David Miller some tips. NYC trumps Toronto with over 476 km of bike lanes. Commuter cyclers in the Big Apple grew by 35 per cent last year, and traffic fatalities are the lowest they've been since 1912. (read more at NOW Magazine)

Globe and Mail: Pedal power to the people - ride on!

The lesson here is simple: The more stylish cycling becomes, the safer and more practical it will be.

Luckily, cycling culture is in the midst of a much-needed makeover. The days of middle-aged sportos spinning to work in spandex crotch pads and clip-in shoes are all but over, replaced by a new generation of smartly dressed Audrey Hepburns, trundling along with terriers tucked into their baskets. (read more at the Globe and Mail)

Toronto Star: Montreal pedals past Toronto with Bixi BikeSharing

Through a combination of recent efforts, Montreal is dramatically prioritizing bicycles. Not only has it embarked on a huge expansion of its bike paths – it already has more than Toronto – but on May 12 it will officially launch the first full-fledged public bike rental service in North America, called Bixi, a combination of bike and taxi. "Bixi for me is not just a bicycle," said André Lavallée, a member of the mayor's cabinet and responsible for the city's transport plan. "It's like an ambassador for our vision of transport in Montreal, of our values and willingness to change the city." (read more at the Toronto Star)

BikingToronto Posts:
http://www.bikingtoronto.com/2009/04/toronto-starts-looking-at-bikesharing.html
http://www.bikingtoronto.com/2008/12/toronto-bikesharing-report-released.html

Torontoist: On Jarvis, Four Wheels Good, Two Wheels Bad

Score one for the cycling community. After an intense and late-breaking campaign, and with a crucial assist from Councillor Kyle Rae, bicycle advocates have successfully introduced bike lanes into a major redevelopment plan for Jarvis Street. Yesterday afternoon the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC) voted to remove the centre, reversible-direction lane of traffic, and use the freed-up space to install bicycle lanes in both directions from Bloor to Queen. (read more at Torontoist)

BlogTO: Bump Outs Coming to Roncesvalles

What really got people confused was the introduction of bump outs and transit platforms. The latter are meant to facilitate smooth boarding on the new streetcars, which will hit streets in 2011 (and in full force in the years after that). The bump outs are meant to make things safer for pedestrians. But where the cyclists will fit and how all this will actually look and work is still somewhat of a mystery. (read more at BlogTO)

National Post: Driving downtown could get uglier

Mr. Giambrone and Councillor Gordon Perks (Parkdale High Park) both pointed out yesterday that there is a hierarchy at City Hall ranking the priority placed on transit modes: pedestrians are at the top of the food chain, followed by cyclists, public transit riders and then cars. "The automobile deserves -- on a per capita basis, on a per taxpayer basis -- the least amount of space," Mr. Giambrone said. (read more at the National Post)

Have a great weekend everyone! It's going to be a nice one! :)

Weekly News Wrap-Up: BikeSharing, NYC Inspirations, Strachan Avenue SuperBridge, and More

2009-05-01T11:46:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday everyone. Here's the news from the past week:

Headlines: Bike Deli and Bikes for Africa
Toronto Star: Nutrition on 2 wheels with the Pickle cycle They call it the Pickle Cycle. Toronto's newest bike courier won't be making the rounds with dull paperwork. He'll be delivering nutrition in brown paper bags. "It's literally a small delicatessen on wheels," ... (click here to read more)

Email Campaign against Strachan Avenue "Super-Bridge"
If you remember the BikingToronto post from a couple weeks ago about a Metrolinx plan for a Strachan Avenue "Super-Bridge" and are concerned about it, you may want to check out the "email blast" webpage of the Stop Metrolinx Super Bridge on Strachan Avenue (SMSBSA) group. It emails Rob MacIsaac… (click here to read more)

Headlines: Bikes+Transit and BikeSharing in TreeHugger
Torontoist: Taking Bikes and Transit Around the GTA Bikes+Transit's tours are intended to be self-serve: the web site will sell a packet of maps, offer tips and pointers, and highlight one recommended route during each of the program's nine weeks this summer, but there won't be any on-site tour… (click here to read more)

TCAT News Bulletin: April 28
BikingToronto is a TCAT supporter. Here's the latest from TCAT: The Toronto Coalition for Active Transport just released their latest e-bulletin. It's now on their website, so here's what it covers - you can decide for yourself if you want to read more: - TCAT Endorses Walking Strategy... (click here to read more)

Headlines: Bike Sharing, Jarvis Street Reconfiguration, Lessons from NYC
CBC: Easy-to-use bike rental scheme planned for Toronto Toronto may become the latest city to operate a fleet of stylish and convenient rental bicycles. The city is looking at buying a fleet of 3,000 bikes and launching a pay-as-you-go public bicycle system next spring. The system would allow users… (click here to read more)

Headlines: Bike Sharing, Bike Racks, and Bike Summit
Bicycle Retailer News: Canadian Bike Summit 2009 Coming Up The Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation and the Clean Air Partnership are once again once again hosting Canada's Bike Summit 2009. Bike Summit 2009 will be held on Thursday, May 28 at the Novotel Toronto Centre. You can join leading… (click here to read more)

Weekly News Wrap-Up: BikeSharing, BikeSummit 2009, and OCAD BikeStand Winners

2009-04-24T10:13:00.008-04:00

Happy Friday everyone. It's a great day out there... with 24 degrees forecast for today AND this weekend, it's going to be amazing biking! Get on your bike and enjoy it! :)

Here's the news from the past week.

More Details about the OCAD Gateway BikeStand Winners

OCAD has put out a news release about the announcement of the winning design at their Gateway BikeStand Design competition last friday, along with photos: Rosete and Mach’s first-place design will now proceed to development and implementation, with their bike stands built as part of the new building designed by… (click for more info)

Toronto Starts Looking at BikeSharing Options

The City of Toronto has just posted a REOI (Request for Expressions of Interest) for a "Public Bicycles Project"... they are trying to gauge interest from companies for setting up a BikeSharing program (following the lead of Paris, Montreal, D.C., etc.): The purpose of this REOI is to pre-qualify… (click for more info)

Toronto Cyclist to Bike Across Ontario for Childhood Cancer Research

From the Canada NewsWire: A world record may crumble as Ross Rader gears up to ride from Ottawa to Windsor in less than 36 hours. Setting out at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 8, Rader will attempt to break the world record for a solo crossing of Ontario on a… (click for more info)

Headlines: OCAD BikeStand Winners in the Toronto Star

Toronto Star: Bike rack design leads pack Their design – a row of four diagonal cherry wood columns more than three metres high – will be installed outside a new mixed-use building at Queen and McCaul Sts. once construction is finished. There will be some tweaking of the design… (click for more info)

Bike Union Launches Newcomer Cycling Outreach

The Toronto Cyclists Union is preparing for their campaign to reach out to newcomers and make sure that new Torontonians know that cycling in our city is affordable, healthy and convenient. The Campaign Launch and Press Conference details are below. You can check out the announcement on the Bike Union… (click for more info)

TCAT News Bulletin: April 20

BikingToronto is a TCAT supporter. Here's the latest from TCAT: The Toronto Coalition for Active Transport just released their latest e-bulletin. It's now on their website, so here's what it covers - you can decide for yourself if you want to read more: Bike Summit 2009 Program Now On-Line! Early… (click for more info)

Bike Summit 2009: Program Online and Early Bird Registration

BikeSummit 2009 is coming up soon (Thurs, May 28th), and if you're interested in going, "Early Bird" Registration Rates last until this Friday (the 24th). Bike Summit 2009 is presented by the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation and the Clean Air Partnership. The program is now available online too: Bicycle-friendly… (click for more info)

OCAD Gateway Bike Stand Competition Winners Announced

I cruised down to OCAD at lunch today to catch the announcement of the winners of their Gateway Bike Stand Competition, and thought I'd share the results with you. The owner and architect of the property at 226 Queen Street West (rendering on the right) wanted to support the creation… (click for more info)

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Dandyhorse Party, Planning Infrastructure and the TwitterFlickrFest

2009-04-17T11:37:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday everyone. It's a great day out there... with 20 degrees forecast for the day. Get on your bike and enjoy it! :)

Here's a bunch of stuff from BikingToronto from the past week.

NEWS POSTS:

DandyHorse Magazine Launch Party on Wed, April 29

Dandyhorse Magazine (all about cycling in Toronto) is releasing their 2nd issue later this month, and is throwing a party (facebook event link) to celebrate, and you're invited! Date and Time: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 7:00pm Location: Amsterdam Brewery Address: 21 Bathurst Street (click here to read more)

Have Your Say: Roncesvalles Streetcar Stops and Cyclists

Yvonne Bambrick of the Toronto Cyclists Union left an excellent comment yesterday in our post linking to the Globe and Mail article about Streetcar Stop "Bump-Outs" with rounded curbs to allow cyclists to ride over them planned for Roncesvalles. I've included it below... what do *you* think? (click here to read more)

An Online Charette for a Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge at CityPlace

On April 24, 2009 UrbanToronto.ca will launch an on-line pedestrian bridge design charette that invites seasoned professionals and talented amateurs to contribute design concepts for the long-awaited pedestrian and cyclist bridge over Toronto’s downtown rail corridor. Architects, engineers, students and urban hobbyists are invited to think outside the box… (click here to read more)

SmartCentres Appeals Pro-Neighbourhood and Pro-Cyclist OMB Decision

Back in early March, BikingToronto brought you news that the Ontario Municipal Board had sided with the City of Toronto over SmartCentre's plans to build a "Big Box" development (including a rumoured Walmart) in Leslieville. Even though the 15 day appeal period has come and gone, SmartCentres is now attempting… (click here to read more)

Metrolinx Ignoring City, Wants a Strachan Ave Super-Bridge

From Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone's office, via the Bike Union, comes news that Metrolinx is planning a big "Super-Bridge" for Strachan Avenue where it passes over the CN rail corridor. Below is the email from Pantalone's office, but first here are the reasons the city is against a Strachan… (click here to read more)

Announcing Bike+Transit's "TwitterFlickrFest"

BikingToronto is involved in a new online contest called "TwitterFlickrFest" being run by Bikes+Transit.com, a site promoting "cycle tourism" in the Greater Toronto Area. Essentially, the contest involves you trying out some of the featured routes of the contest between June 13 and July 13, and "tweeting" about them (and… (click here to read more)

HEADLINES:

Headlines: Bike-Friendly Streetcar Stops?

Globe and Mail: Roncesvalles makeover would restyle streetcar stops Some cyclists are concerned about the lack of bike lanes and fear the new platforms will force them to ride around or through pedestrians waiting for streetcars. Mr. Perks, a long-time environmental activist before being elected in 2006, said in… (click here to read more)

Headlines: The Leslieville Big Box Battle Continues...

Globe and Mail: Rebuffed in Leslieville, big-box developer appeals OMB decision The SmartCentre plan called for multiple multi-lane driveways to be built across the multi-use path that runs along the north side of Lakeshore Boulevarde. (click here to read more)

NEW EVENTS ON THE CALENDAR

Sat, Apr. 25
Spring Into Action Run/Walk/Cycle

Wed, Apr. 29
Dandyhorse Magazine Launch Party
(BikingToronto Post)

Thurs, May 28
Night Rider Workshop (and how to make a LED!)

Sat, May 30
Bikechain: Group Ride to Leslie Spit
"Compact To Go!" at Urbane Cyclist
Donate a bike at Bike Pirates
Elizabeth Street Bike Lane Extension Ride
Highland Creek Bike Tour
MEC Bike Safety Checks
CBN Open House
TBN Ride - High Park to Port Credit

Sun, May 31
Bike Polo TO - Monthly Tournament
CAN-BIKE Adult Learn to Ride 1
CAN-BIKE Adult Learn to Ride 2
Family Bicycle Parade
Riding To Break The Cycle Toronto
TBN Humber River Ride
TBN Ride - Secrets of Scarborough

Mon, June 1
MEC Daily Lunch and Learn Sessions

Tues, June 2
Bike Polo TO - Weekly Pick-up Game
CAN-BIKE 2
Core Strength for Bicyclists
TBN Humber-High Park Ride
Tour the Leslie Street Spit

Sun, Jun. 14
Pride Ride 2009

View the full Calendar here

Weekly News Wrap-Up: More People Biking to Work And More

2009-04-10T11:17:00.001-04:00

It's Friday! GOOD Friday! Let's wrap up the past week:

BIKE NEWS:

OCAD Gateway Bike Stand Competition Announces Finalists

The Ontario College of Art and Design has announced 10 finalists for their Gateway Bike Stand Competition, an urban design contest for the north-west corner of Queen and McCaul: The owner and architect of the property at 226 Queen Street West wanted to support the creation of a signifier… (click to read more)

Biking for Google StreetView

Have you seen the Google Streetview Car? The vehicle that drives around and takes photos of public streets is reportedly in Toronto. The Toronto Cyclists Union is looking for info on where it is to plan a bike gathering around the car to let the world know that Toronto… (click to read more)

Biking to Work in Toronto Increases 32%

New statistics from the City of Toronto are telling us that between 2001 and 2006 (Statistics Canada Census Years), the number of people in Toronto biking to work increased 32%! (click to read more)

Once Upon a Commute: Photo-Journal Contest

From now until the end of April, SmartCommuteToronto and Spacing are accepting submissions to "Once Upon A Commute", a Photo Journal Contest: Tell your commuting story and enter for a chance to be published in Toronto’s award winning Spacing magazine. Contest closes April 30st 2009 – Winning photos will… (click to read more)

Bike Union looking for a Cycling Outreach Worker

New job posting on the Toronto Cyclists Union website over the weekend... they are looking for a Cycling Outreach Worker to promote cycling amongst newcomers across the City of Toronto: The13 week contract is for 2.5 days, or 17.5 hours, per week with a primary focus of delivering the campaign… (click to read more)

BIKE HEADLINES:

National Post: Bike helmets for safety — and stylin'

More and more shop owners are finding cyclists who shunned helmets are changing their minds after the recent death of actress Natasha Richardson, who suffered a head injury while skiing at Mont Tremblant. She wasn't wearing a helmet. And with the increasing availability of designer styles, even hipsters are gravitating to helmets, says Doug Herbst of Westboro Sports in Ottawa.

NEW EVENTS ON THE CALENDAR:

Fri, Apr. 17
OCAD Gateway Bike Stand Winners Announcement

Join Toronto Mayor David Miller and OCAD President Sara Diamond for the announcement of winners in 'The OCAD Gateway Bike Stand Challenge.'
(click for more info)

Fri, Apr. 24
Ryerson Bike Club's Bike Social

All clubs/groups/organizations are invited to join us for a drink and some fun. There will be raffles for prizes, we'll also have some bike flicks rolling. The event kicks off at 8:30.
(click for more info)

Sat, May 9
Ride for the Rouge

Fundraiser for the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre in the Rouge Park. Take part in a 25/50km bike ride through the Rouge River watershed or a guided hike through the Rouge Valley.
(click for more info)

Mon, May 25
City of Toronto BikeMonth Group Commute

Commuters from around the city meet to ride together from four start points and converge at Yonge and Bloor for 7:30 a.m. These rides are staffed with ride co-ordinators, Emergency Medical Services workers, and a Police escort. All riders will receive a free Bike Month t-shirt for their participation, as well as complimentary breakfast upon their arrival at City Hall.
(click for more info)

Sat, May 30
Toronto Cyclists Union - Bike Month Kick-off Cruiser Ride & Island Picnic

Join the bike union for a family friendly ride to Leslie Spit and an island picnic!
We'll begin with a quick tour of the new Bike Station at Union Station,
then head off as a group for a leisurely ride to Leslie Spit, ending up at the ferry docks for a quick skip over to the islands.
(click for more info)

Sun, May 31
Bells on Bloor Group Ride

Cycling protects our environment. So let’s protect cyclists with more bike lanes. Fighting climate change has never been so fun.Come with bells on, ring a bell along the route, or get a free bike bell. Ring out for bike lanes on Bloor!
Official Site (not updated): more info
Facebook Event Page: more info

Weekly News Wrap-Up: A Smorgasboard of Toronto Bike News

2009-04-03T11:19:00.002-04:00

It's Friday! Let's wrap up the past week! :)

News:

Update: Air Canada and Folding Bikes

Back in December, BikingToronto posted the story of Lloyd Alter, a Toronto-based blogger at TreeHugger.com and cyclist, who was taking issue with Air Canada charging for having a folding bike in baggage: Over at TreeHugger.com, Toronto cyclist Lloyd Alter (himself an architect and prefab housing builder, as well as…

YorkU Excalibur: Tune-up for a better cause

Physical fitness and environmental responsibility sometimes overlap, especially if you bike to York. On March 27, York’s Bike U student club held its third Annual Spring Bike Tune-Up event. Presented in collaboration with Smart Commute, Bike U had bike mechanics on hand to do free bike tune-ups or repairs and respond to questions and concerns about cycling and commuting to and within York’s Keele campus.

Daily Exchange: Explore Ontario’s Greenbelt on Two Wheels

Toronto – Dust off your helmet – spring has sprung and it’s time to break out the banana seats and get ready to ride. The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation is pleased to announce the second Tour de Greenbelt cycling extravaganza! An innovative and exciting opportunity for Ontarians and visitors to bicycle their way through Ontario’s Greenbelt, the Tour de Greenbelt is now open for registration.

Toronto Sun: Cops and BMX riders ramp it up

To some people it is just a bicycle show: Fun, recreational or a showcase for the closest thing to an athletic activity many of us get this side of starting up the ride 'em lawnmower. But to Mike Heaton and Scott Mills, this weekend's Toronto BMX Jam is also about political dithering, gang-busting and a society that looks at a disenfranchised youth and cannot see beyond the savage tattoos, facial piercings and dark scowls that hide beautiful hearts and minds.

Spacing Toronto: Bikes on more Buses

with bus racks now on most TTC buses, other Toronto area transit systems have followed suit. In addition to new bike storage shelters, GO Transit has been adding bike racks to its coach buses - the Toronto-Hamilton bus the first route accepting bicycles...

Events Added to the BikingToronto Calendar:
(BikeMonth is coming up in late May-June... lots of stuff will be happening!)

Mon, April 6 - Thurs, April 9
U of T Varsity $25 Spring Bike Tune-Up

Tuesday Nights starting April 21
Midweek Tuesday Night Race Series

Wed, April 8 - Fri, May 1
FutureBikes Art Show

Sun, May 3
Pedal The Don Bike Ride

Sat, May 23
CN Do The Don Trail Awareness

Sat, May 23
Don Valley Trail Clean-Up Project

Mon, May 25
Green City Bike Tours Kick-off

Tues, May 26
Cycle the Golden Mile

Tues, May 26
TBN Cedervale Prospecting

Tues, May 26 - Thurs, June 25
Tour de Dufflet 2009

Tues, May 26
Union BikeStation Open House

Wed, May 27
CBN Free Flat-Fix and Bike Repair Workshop

Wed, May 27
TBN Ride the Don North

Wed, May 27
Toronto Bikeway Network Media Event

Thurs, May 28
Bike Summit 2009

Thurs, May 28
Kids and Youth Learn-to-Race

Thurs, May 28
Rosedale United Church Breakfast for Bikers

Fri, May 29
TBN Scarborough Bluffs Ride

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Get Your Bike Ready for Spring and Meet the new Cyclist-Friendly Waterfront

2009-03-27T11:10:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone. Time for the Weekly Wrap-Up.

Below you'll find links to news posted to BikingToronto.com, links to headlines, recent events added to the Events Calendar (I've started adding a few BikeMonth events), and active topics in the Forum.

News Posts:

Waterfront Toronto Unveils Queens Quay Plan
Waterfront Toronto has just released plans for the new "people-friendly" Queens Quay that we got a taste of back in 2006 with "Quay to the City" (photos at the end of this post). This of course includes the "connection" of the east and west portions of the Martin-Goodman Trail…

News Headlines:

CityNews: Is Your Bike Ready For Spring?
If you're an avid cyclist - and Toronto boasts one of the world's biggest such populations - you've probably been tempted to get the two wheeler out during the last few weeks, as winter weather finally begins to retreat.

Toronto Star: Quashing bike route angers activists

A last-minute protest by a group of Markham residents has derailed years of hard work by other community volunteers, says the chair of Markham's Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Toronto Star: Map of the Week - Cycling Accidents

That possibility emerges from the Star's online Map of the Week, where data blogger Patrick Cain plots the 1,068 bicycle accidents reported to Toronto police in 2008.

Toronto Star: Getting ready for snow-free roads

As the snow peels back on Toronto sidewalks, it is possible, finally, to dream of spring and of an alternative to trash-strewn and overcrowded streetcars rendered even smaller by commuters in their burly winter coats.

New Events Posts:

Janet Bike Girl: Open Studio Show & Sale on Mon, May 25

Guaranteed Bike Lane on Mon, May 25th

Giro T.O. on Sunday, May 24

Active in the Forum:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: No Walmart Good for Cyclists and Cycling Toronto's Green Spaces

2009-03-13T09:33:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday everyone. Time for the Weekly Wrap-Up.

Let's get right to the links:

Headlines: Markham Pedestrian and Cycling Trail Controversial

The three-metre-wide path would connect the main streets of Unionville and Markham for pedestrians and cyclists. The crushed stone surface would discourage inline skating and racing bikes, and the trail wouldn't be maintained in the winter so use would be confined mostly to… (click here for more)

Headlines: Biking Toronto's Green Spaces

First, obtain a copy of the official Toronto Cycling Map. Second, obtain a bicycle. Finally, arrange for warm weather. There is no better means to discover the often hidden green oases of Toronto, a city as flat as Amsterdam… (click here for more)

OMB Stops Walmart - Good News for East End Cyclists

Last week saw some great news come from the Ontario Municipal Board (there's a sentence I thought I'd never type...) in the form of them siding with the City of Toronto against SmartCentres and their plan for "Big Box" retail (including a rumoured WalMart) along Eastern Avenue in Leslieville: Toronto… (click here for more)

Recent activity in the Forum:

Next Week's Wrap-Up

I'll be offline most of next week (don't worry, BikingToronto will still be updated regularly...) so if I get a Wrap-Up post out there it may be a sparse one... but still full of cycling goodness.

Weekly News Wrap-Up: E-Bikes, New Events, and Getting Your Bike ready for Spring

2009-03-06T09:26:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday everyone. Time for the Weekly Wrap-Up.

I'm expanding the wrap-up a little this week - giving you links to not only the news-related posts from BikingToronto, but also some new events that have been added to the Events Page and some How-To links.

First, the News:

The Toronto Cyclists Union Release Position on E-Bikes
On March 9, 11, and 23rd The provincial legislature will be having public hearings about proposed changes to the Highway Traffic Act, including the definition of "E-Bikes" or "power-assisted bicycles". The Toronto Cyclists Union has released their position on this matter… (click for more)

Headlines: Businesses Love Bikelanes and the legal status of E-Bikes
Any suggestion to remove street parking in favour of bike lanes is usually met with hostility from merchants who think it will cost them business. But cycling advocates and environmentalists say that bit of conventional wisdom is an urban myth... (click for more)

Events:

Webinar: Bikelanes are Good for Business
Remember the study report from the Clean Air Partnership about bikelanes being good for business in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood? There is now a webinar presentation of the results available on March 25th... (click for more)

Bike Pirates Film Night: The Bicycle of Ghislain Lambert
The Bike Pirates are hosting a film night to celebrate the Spring equinox. The chosen film is "The Bicycle of Ghislain Lambert": In the 70s, there was Merckx and there were the others. Ghislain Lambert was one of the others... (click for more)

Pages Books Art Window by Janet Bike Girl
Janet Bike Girl has an art installation for the world to see at Pages Bookstore! Visit Pages Book & Magazines located at the intersection of Queen St West and John St and check out her art in their window. Pages Art Window is a stand-alone section... (click for more)

How-To Forum Discussion

We started up a successful and useful "How to Bike in the Winter" Discussion Topic back in November, and since we're starting to see warmer weather now... it seems to be a perfect time to discuss:

How To Get Your Bike Ready for Spring:

It's been a long cold snowy winter... and we're itching for warm weather to get our bikes out on the roads more...

But what should be done to get our two-wheeled friends back into riding shape after a long winter spent in basements or garages? Or what's the best way to clean the salt and gunk off our bikes if we've been riding all winter?

Share your knowledge, or ask questions, and we can help Torontonians get their bikes ready for warm weather!

(Click here to discuss this in the Forum's How-To Section)

(Click here to learn more about the How-To Discussions)

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Bikesharing and Ice Bike Races Photos and Video

2009-02-27T09:05:00.006-05:00

It's Friday once again, which means it's time for the Weekly News Wrap-Up.

It's been a slow news week, with really only one BikingToronto post being tagged with the "news" label... but that's okay... there's lots of other stuff to tell you about too. :)

First the newsy post, all about BikeSharing:

A Bixi BikeSharing Idea for Toronto

An interesting idea was posted the other day in the comments section of the Photo of the Day of Montreal's Bixi being demonstrated in Toronto. BikingToronto reader Barry el Ditto posted this, and it makes complete sense... why have every Canadian City re-invent the bikesharing system: "Why don't all the cities in Canada that are interested in seting up public bike programs, just go with the BIXI model. It's been thought-out and it's ready to go; in our climate..." (read more)

There have been a few "Events" posts this week, so I want to make sure you know about them too... there's some good stuff. :)

West End Bikeways Open House Meeting
The City of Toronto and the Toronto Cyclists Union are holding an open house to discuss West End Bikeway projects to be completed in 2009 and 2010 in the downtown west end. These projects have been identified in collaboration with cyclists over the past few months. (read more)

Video from the 2009 Ice Bike Races
In addition to the Ice Bike Race photo links posted earlier today, here's a video of some of Saturday night's fun from YouTube user ArbyW. There are six videos in total on his profile page. (click to view larger video)

2009 Ice Bike Race Photos

Here are some photo collections of the Ice Bike Races from Saturday night. I didn't hear anything about it beforehand, but apparently they collected money for the cyclist that was purposely hit by a taxi… (click for links to photo collections)

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Weekly News Wrap-Up: Businesses Love Bikes, Podcasts and E-Bikes

2009-02-20T09:53:00.005-05:00

It's Friday once again, which means it's time for the Weekly News Wrap-Up.

Proof that BikeLanes are Good for Business
The latest TCAT news bulletin is reporting on a new report from the Clean Air Partnership that shows that bicycle-friendly infrastructure not only doesn't hurt business, it actually helps it, using a study of Bloor St. in the Annex from July 2008... (read more)

Podcasting about Cycling comes to Toronto

Toronto now has a podcast all about cycling. It's called "Caught in the Headlights" and, according to its creator and host, Scott Ossington, is: [about anything] that vaguely relates to cycling and some that have nothing to do with cycling, but what the host might think would interest cyclists.… (read more)

E-Bike Legislation to be Discussed at Queen's Park
Later this month (February 23 and 25th, to be exact), Queen's Park will reviewing amendments (in Bill 126 - PDF file) to Ontario's Highway Traffic Act in public hearings, including amendments concerning "E-Bikes" or "Power Assisted Bicycles", including what they are... (read more)

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Or, if you *are* reading this in your email, forward it to your cycling friends and tell them to sign up!

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Bike Awards Video, Budget Money and Infrastructure

2009-02-13T10:03:00.007-05:00

Happy Friday! Time for the Weekly News Wrap-Up.

Here's a run down of all the things that hit BikingToronto.com in the last week that you should know about. :)

The News this week is mainly about infrastructure... bikelanes, bridges, trails... and keeping them all free of snow.

Celebrating a Snow-Free Martin-Goodman Trail (with video)

Cyclists in Toronto know that one of the nicest rides in the city is the Martin-Goodman Trail along the waterfront. It's so popular, in fact, that this winter the city is using it as a trail project on keeping bike routes clear after a big hub-bub last winter about snowbanks…
(read the post and see the full-size video)

Bike Infrastructure in the Toronto 2009 Operating Budget

The Proposed 2009 Operating Budget for the City of Toronto has been released. It has tax increases and the maintenance of social programs. But, what about bikes?
(read the post)

Speak Out for a Bike-Friendly Jarvis Street

The City wanted feedback about the Jarvis Streetscape Improvement Project. They are considering eliminating 1 of Jarvis' 5 lanes, and needs to decide what should be done with the space. A treed median? Wider sidewalks? Bikelanes?
(read the post)

New Unwin Bridge Coming for Martin Goodman Trail

Those of you who love biking the waterfront via the Martin Goodman Trail will be pleased to know that the new Unwin bridge (just east of the foot of Leslie St.) will be open by March according to Jack Lackey (the Fixer) in the Toronto Star.
(read the post)

There was also some non-infrastructure news too:

University of Toronto BikeChain is Flooded

Mainly of interest to University of Toronto Students and Staff: All this warm weather and rain has had a toll on the BikeChain, which sent out news this morning: Bikechain is closed until further notice DUE TO FLOODING.
(read the post)

And... be sure not to miss the DearToronto.com video of the Toronto Bike Awards:

Video of the Toronto Bike Awards

Anyone who missed the Toronto Bike Awards back in January will want to see the new video posted over on DearToronto.com. They've done a great job capturing the happenings and spirit of the Awards.
(read the post and see the full-size video)

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Weekly News Wrap-Up: Winter Riding and Training Bike Mechanics

2009-02-06T11:40:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday! Time for the Weekly News Wrap-Up.

3 main stories this week... first off, the Toronto Star and the Toronto Sun do write-ups of the Coldest Day of the Year Ride... an event put on by the city to show that even though Toronto winters get cold, it's still fun to ride. It took place on Jan. 30th... statistically the coldest day of the year.

Then, we've got a couple stories about a new project funded by BTAC (Bicycle Trade Association of Canada) where unemployed people get trained to be bicycle mechanics. Last year's high gas prices highlighted the shortage of bike mechanics, and with the economy slowing down, more people may be taking to two wheel to save on gas money... so even more bike mechanics will be needed.

Finally, we've got a link to a Spacing Toronto article from Fred Stabinski, the former Executive Director of the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation - who is now in Amsterdam, and writes about how every demographic cycles there.

Toronto Star: Annual event highlights winter cycling

Today at noon, winter cycling enthusiasts are gathering for the annual "Coldest Day of the Year Ride," organized by the city to highlight getting around on two wheels in the winter. Winter cycling is feasible, but each time another big snowfall drops on Toronto, there is a challenging lack of traction on the road.

Toronto Sun: Hardy cyclists take Coldest Day challenge

"What we're really trying to draw attention to is the fact that in Toronto, although people may not necessarily want to ride their bike 365 days a year, there are really a lot of nice cycling days in the wintertime," Bouchard said. "There's the attitude that as soon as October hits, you should put your bike in the garage and forget about it. And that's really not the case."
Bicycle Retailer: Retailers Launch Mechanic Training

Armed with a $9,000 grant from the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada, a group of Toronto retailers launched a new training program on Tuesday to help solve one of their biggest business challenges: recruiting qualified mechanics.
Toronto Star: Wheels turning to train jobless as bike mechanics

Toronto has Bike Month and Bike Winter, but what it doesn't have is bike mechanics – or, at least, not enough of them, according to those in the business. "There's an overall shortage" that's only getting worse as more people switch from four wheels to two, says Pete Lilly, owner of Sweet Pete's Bicycle Shop at Bloor and Dufferin Sts.
Spacing Toronto: Parents - Forget the station wagon or SUV

While Toronto does have some bike lanes and a growing bicycling population (as witnessed last summer by overwhelmed bike shops), you don't see as much variety in the cycling population compared to the city's total population. In Amsterdam this isn't the case at all. You see teenagers with their friends, older citizens picking up groceries, and people in slick business suits on their mobile phones pedaling away. And one of the most charming groups among those in the bike lane is parents with their kids.

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Weekly News Wrap-Up: Bikes on Transit Hoax

2009-01-30T12:25:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday! Time for the Weekly News Wrap-Up.

The majority of news this week was about the Bikes on the TTC Hoax that some cycling people sent out using an anonymous email website. The email faked a TTC press release (complete with grammar and spelling errors), making unreasonable claims such as the TTC is considering reserving cars on subway trains just for cyclists and their bikes. It's hard to make space for bikes when there isn't enough space for people on the TTC during rush hour.

The senders of the fake press release also stickered/vandalized collector booths across the transit system.

Sending fake emails and putting up fake stickers? Seems a little childish if you ask me. What do *you* think?

Links about this story:

BikingToronto: TTC and Bikes Warm Welcome Hoax?
Torontoist: I Bike On (The TTC)
NOW Magazine: TTC tricks

The Toronto Star also did an article on the personal laser bikelanes covered in last week's Weekly Wrap-Up. It's like riding your bike in a Star Wars movie.

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Weekly News Wrap-Up: Toronto Bike Awards, Laser Bikelanes and Re-Designing Jarvis

2009-01-23T09:04:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday! Time for the Weekly News Wrap-Up.

The majority of news this week was about the Toronto Bike Awards that were handed out on Tuesday night by the City of Toronto and the Toronto Cyclists Union.

My report after attending the Awards can be found here, and BikingToronto was a sponsor of the Awards, and created a photo slideshow from the excellent photos in the BikingToronto Flickr Photo Group that ran throughout the awards. You can see that slideshow in this post.

This week's Headline Links:

Headlines: Toronto Bike Awards Recaps
UofT News: Bikechain Wins 2008 Best Overall Bicycle Friendly Business Award On Jan. 20, the City of Toronto presented U of T's Bikechain with the "Best Overall" Bicycle Friendly Business Award at the annual Bicycle Friendly Business Awards ceremony. Bikechain is the university's educational repair facility. Eye Weekly: Riding…

Headlines: Bike Awards and Laser Bikelanes
Spacing Toronto: An idea to light bike lanes with lasers A very cool idea called Light Lane has been making a splash on the Interweb over the last few days. The basic concept is a laser gadget attached to a bike seat projects a temporary bike lane around a…

Headlines: Jarvis St. about People, not Cars
Toronto Star: Jarvis St. must change with evolving environs Councillor Kyle Rae has led the charge to reclaim Jarvis. Specifically, he wants the reversible middle lane removed and space given to cyclists, pedestrians, trees and art.

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