BikingToronto

Cycling Events This Week: Dec. 7 - 13

2009-12-07T14:29:00.004-05:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Tues, Dec 8
7pm-10pm
CBN Bike Repair - Bearings and Wheels

We are now offering classes in bike repair that build on our introductory (‘Flat-fix and Tune-up’) class. Registrants should be familiar and comfortable with the subject of that class before taking the intermediate class(es).

http://communitybicyclenetwork.org/node/641

Wed, Dec 9
10am-2pm
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Wed, Dec 9
7pm-10pm
CBN - Wheelbuilding Part I

The wheel building workshops will teach with standard wheels in a 3-cross lacing pattern. We will cover spoke calculations, lacing the wheels, truing and tensioning. Participants must take both classes.

http://communitybicyclenetwork.org/node/643

Wed, Dec 9
7pm-11:55pm
Spacing winter 2009 - 10th issue *release party*

On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, make your way to the Toronto Reference Library (7pm-midnight) to take part in Spacing's 16th issue release party and holiday party.

Come check out the Reference Library's new event space The Appel Salon. It's up on the second floor, overlooking the halfway point of Church Street's turn toward Bloor. This fall, it played host this fall to discussions and readings, and next week welcomes Jeff Rubin, author of Why Your World Is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller.
Visit http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/appelsalon for details.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182430064596

Thurs, Dec 10
BikeChain Winter Maintenance Seminar

Bikechain is holding amazing, awesome and fun-as-hell seminars on winter riding. All are free! And require no advance registration! Whoo! Come learn the basics of winter riding: how to stay safe, upright, and in good repair.

Questions? Email bikechain@utoronto.ca or call 416-978-6849. Ask for Toby.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=185205815671

Thurs, Dec 10 7pm
VeloSocial Bike Party

This group is dedicated to the monthly VeloSocial party in Toronto. The first Monday of every month we all get together and hang out and watch bike videos, drink some pints of Amsterdam Blonde, dance & listen to DJs, rock the open mic, yamn some spicy pad-thai, and grab some goodies at the info and merch table.

http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=36270116494

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Mississauga Ghost Bike and Bike Union Job Posting

2009-12-04T09:21:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday to you.Here's all the bikey news fit to view! :)

Ghost Bike Memorial in Mississauga
[via bikelanediary] A little over a week ago, a cyclist was struck and killed in Mississauga, and a "ghost bike" memorial has been set up by the Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists group: via the Biking Toronto Forum Posted via web from bikingtoronto's posterous

CultureLink / Bike Union Job Opportunity
A new job posting for a full time Newcomer Cycling Outreach Coordinator has been posted: [via the Bike Union] We are very excited to announce that the Partnership for Integration and Sustainable Transportation, a joint project of CultureLink and the Toronto Cyclists Union which was recently granted funding by the…

Cycling Events This Week: Nov. 30 - Dec. 6

2009-11-30T08:19:00.006-05:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Tues, Dec 1
7pm-10pm
CBN Bike Repair - Brakes and Gears

Wed, Dec 2
10am-2pm
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Wed, Dec 2
7pm-10pm
CBN - Flat Fix/Intro to Bike Repair

Participants will remove their own rear wheel and tire and go through a tube repair and installation.

http://communitybicyclenetwork.org/node/639

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Top Cyclist Complaints, Cop Caught Parked in Bikelane

2009-11-27T07:48:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday to you. Here's all the New stuff! :)

UPDATE: No sign of Trial for Bike Thief
Is a deal in the making? Stolen-bike case close to ending in deal, court told Lawyers in the Igor Kenk stolen-bicycles saga are discussing a possible deal to resolve the massive criminal case and head off a trial for the 50-year-old bike repairman, a Toronto court heard yesterday.… (Read More)

A Toronto Cyclist's Top 10 Complaints
AWESOME post by BlogTO: Toronto cyclists have much to complain about and generally aren't shy about airing their discontent. Whether it be the scarcity of bike lanes, the abundance of potholes or simply the fact that our climate makes year-round riding nearly impossible, I think it's only fair to… (Read More)

UPDATE: Toronto streets a job hazard, ex-courier says
Interesting update from the Star, which addresses my concerns about the City not employing cyclists: Law backs cyclist's quest for safe roads A former bike courier's bid to take the city before the Ontario Labour Board – claiming Toronto streets constitute an unsafe workplace for people who bike on… (Read More)

UPDATE: Cop nailed for bike lane parking
Follow-up article from the Sun. Councillor Pam McConnell (vice-chairman of the Police Services Board) says that cops should be held to the same standard as the general public, while surprisingly, Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker and Councillor Adrian Heaps say that maybe there should be exceptions for cops… (Read More)

Cyclist dies after being hit by car in Mississauga
From CP24: A male cyclist has died after being hit by a car in Mississauga on Tuesday evening. The crash happened after 6:30 p.m. at Bloor Street and Runningbrook Drive, between Dixie and Tomken Roads. The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The intersection has been shut down… (Read More)

City peddles bikes to its employees
From the Star: Police do it. EMS workers and bylaw officers do it. But the city wants more of its employees to use sustainable transportation on the job. That's why Toronto's Smart Commute office has set up a bike-sharing program where employees can sign out two wheels instead of… (Read More)

Toronto streets a job hazard, ex-courier says
Cyclist takes city to labour board, claiming roads are unsafe workplace for those who bike for a living. From the Star: Ten years ago, bike courier Wayne Scott won an epic battle against Revenue Canada. His arguments persuaded the Federal Court of Appeal to rule that bike couriers could… (Read More)

Toronto Cop Nailed for Bike Lane Parking
A Toronto Police officer who parked his cruiser in a bike lane to get his lunch is getting no love from his superiors, who are coming down hard on his "stupid" and "unacceptable" actions. On Sunday,the Sun witnessed a city cop sitting inside the Grillway Cafe, at Runnymede Rd.… (Read More)

Cycling Events This Week: Nov. 23 - 29

2009-11-23T07:52:00.002-05:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Nov 23 6:30pm-8:30pm
Complete Streets Update Public Meeting

Streets designed for living? Where all users are not just considered but required in the design and redesign of our streets? That’s what we’re calling for with the Complete Streets Campaign!

http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=461#post-1641

Nov 24 6:30pm-9pm
Setting the Agenda 2010

In the weeks since the Mayor announced that he would not be running for re-election, there has been ample speculation about potential Mayoral candidates. Missing from the speculation on the "who," however, has been the "what." We need a thorough and thoughtful discussion of the challenges that face Toronto in the next term of Council and the policy agenda and vision for our city. It is time to set the agenda for 2010.

Nov 24 8:30pm-11:30pm
Pedal Power

[Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE/UT)] BIKING FOR A BETTER TORONTO - Movie, Discussion, Action

Students on Seven (SOS) and TorontotheBetter present:

Pedal Power...From bicycle-mad Paris to rush-hour New York and the back alleys of Toronto, take a ride through the changing world of bike culture.

What do bikes and biking mean for Toronto in 2009, and how far are we on the way to becoming a healthier, more sustainable bike-friendly city?

Join co-director Chris Sumpton and Taodgh Burns from Toronto’s Community Bicycle Network for a lively discussion after the screening to see what's happening, figure out what needs to be done and how to do it.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=174703664802 (Google Map)

Nov 25 - Aug 11 10am-2am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Nov 26 5pm-7pm
Toronto Cyclists Union "Cinq à Sept"

This monthly event is intended to provide a space where bike union board, executive, management team, ward captains, volunteers, and members can come together and converse over a refreshing beverage. This event is not formal and is not a meeting. Rather, it is a space where the union can meet for the sake of meeting.

http://bikeunion.to/news/2008/11/23/cinq-sept

Nov 27 6pm
Critical Mass Toronto - Halloween Edition

Join hundreds of cyclists for a group ride around downtown Toronto.

Be sure and dress up! :)
Bloor & Spadina - meet at 6 pm, ride at 6:30

http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=437#post-1532

Nov 28 2pm-4pm
George Monbiot Speaks On The Copenhagen Climate Change Negotiations

[.J.R. MacLeod Auditorium, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON] http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=177027626707 Countdown to Copenhagen: Who in Canada is Killing the International Climate Treaty?

Join George Monbiot, Guardian columnist and author of “Heat: How To Save The Planet From Burning," in Toronto next weekend for a special event!

With the international climate treaty summit less than a month away, leading experts on the science, policy and politics of climate change will lead a forum on the role Canada is (and isn't) playing on the international stage.

Other Special Guests include:
- Richard Littlemore, co-author of the new book Climate Cover Up: the crusade to deny global warming. <http://www.desmogblog.com/climate-cover-up>

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Saturday, November 28
Time: 2pm to 4pm (Google Map)

Nov 29 1pm
Bike Polo TO - Monthly Tournament

Monthly Bike Polo tournament to coincide with Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington - last Sunday of the month from May to October at Scadding Court.

http://www.bikepolo.ca/club/toronto-canada

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Bikelane Parking and Bike-Friendly Business Awards

2009-11-20T10:57:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday to you. Here's all the New stuff! :)

Bikelane Parking Action Alert
The Toronto Cyclists Union has a campaign going now to not only increase the amount of the fine someone gets for parking in a bikelane, but also to get parking enforcement officers to pay attention to bikelane parkers more: Lend your voice in support of added enforcement for parking/stopping

Nominations Open for Bike-Friendly Business Awards
Do you know a business that deserves to be recognized for embracing bikes and cyclists like they deserve to be? Here's news from Cyclometer: Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards. Consider honouring your local business or organization by nominating them for a 2009…

Eglinton LRT includes Bikelanes
It's good to hear that like other LRT lines, the Eglinton Crosstown plans include bikelanes. :) TTC to talk Eglinton line, critics wary A draft plan of the 35-kilo-metre route -- which runs from Pearson Airport in the west to Kennedy Station in the east -- will be considered…

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Public Bike System
Happy Friday to you. It's been a slow news week... and that's okay! :) The Walrus looks at Toronto's upcoming Public Bike System Interesting post on the Walrus' blog last month on the forthcoming Public Bike System (or Bixi Toronto) planned to launch in 2010: Driving the Lane: Toronto…

Cycling Events This Week: Nov. 16 - 22

2009-11-16T09:19:00.002-05:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Mon, Nov 16 6pm-7:30pm
Help Shape TCAT's Platform

TCAT welcomes all supporters and friends to attend a short evening of discussion and consultation to join us in shaping TCAT's Platform for 2010.

http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=460&replies=1#post-1640

Wed, Nov 18 10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Wed, Nov 18 6pm-9pm
Green Drinks Toronto @ Grace O'Malley's

[Grace O'Malley's, 14 Duncan Street (just north of King Street - 2 Blocks west of St Andrew Subway, Toronto, ON] (Google Map)

Every month people who work or have an interest in the environmental field meet up for a beer at informal sessions known as Green Drinks.

We have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, students, government and business . Come along and you'll be made welcome. Just say, "are you green?" and we will look after you and introduce you to whoever is there. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171544544484

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Public Bike System

2009-11-13T11:59:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday to you. It's been a slow news week... and that's okay! :)

The Walrus looks at Toronto's upcoming Public Bike System
Interesting post on the Walrus' blog last month on the forthcoming Public Bike System (or Bixi Toronto) planned to launch in 2010: Driving the Lane: Toronto Prepares for Public Bicycling Toronto’s updated plan, modeled after Montreal’s two-year old BIXI and the 20,000–strong Vélib “shared bicycle” program in Paris, proposes…

Cycling Events This Week: Nov. 9 - 15

2009-11-09T13:47:00.002-05:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Tues, Nov 10 10am
Bloor Corridor Visioning Study Public Meeting

The City of Toronto is proposing an amendment to the Official Plan to introduce area-specific policies for properties on Bloor Street West, between Avenue Road and Bathurst Street.

http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=462&replies=1#post-1642

Wed, Nov 11 10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Thurs, Nov 12 7pm
VeloSocial Bike Party

Fri, Nov 13 9:30am
2010 Capital Budget Committee Public Hearings

Each November the City's Budget Committee decides which divisions and what projects to allocate its capital budget for the next year. The committee sets aside one day to get feedback from the general public on these decisions.

http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=463&replies=1#post-1643

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Huge Cycling Budget Increase and MEC Sells Bikes!

2009-11-06T12:28:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday to you. Here's all your news from the past week!

Mountain Equipment Co-op raises ire of bicycle industry
Apparently a large sports retailer getting into the bike business is somehow a no-no? Mountain Equipment Co-op, which has built its retailing reputation on a feel-good image of environmental and social responsibility, has ignited anger in an unlikely place – the bicycle industry. Its foray this month into bike…

HUGE Cycling Budget Increase for 2010?
Now, I'm not an expert in how the city allocates funds for cycling... I do know that of the whole cycling budget, some goes to the Parks & Rec department for trail upkeep, and some goes to the roads department for bikelanes... and some goes other places, but all…

Cycling Events This Week: Nov. 2 - 8

2009-11-02T13:44:00.004-05:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Wed, Nov 4
10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Railpath Opening and OMB Denies SmartCentres (Again)

2009-10-30T08:34:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday to you. Here's all your news from the past week! Not as much going on now that the weather is cooling down, but there's always *something* going on. :)

SmartCentres Appeal Request Denied
Back in April, SmartCentres appealed the OMBs decision to not allow a bigbox development in Leslieville. News from Paul Young of the South Riverdale Community Health Centre is that this request has been denied: The Ontario Divisional Court has just handed down their decision...

West Toronto Railpath: Official Opening - Fri, Oct. 30
Councillor Adam Giambrone invites you to the official opening of the West Toronto Railpath Park on Friday, October 30, 2009. Councillor Giambrone, the City of Toronto, and Friends of the West Toronto Railpath are pleased to open the first 2.1 km of this exciting recreational trail...

Cycling Events This Week: Oct. 26 - Nov. 1

2009-10-26T08:18:00.002-04:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Oct 28 10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Oct 29 5pm-7pm
Toronto Cyclists Union "Cinq à Sept"

Oct 29 7pm
Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee Meeting

Committee Room 2
2nd Floor, City Hall
100 Queen Street West, Toronto

http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/committee/index.htm

Oct 30 6pm-8pm
Critical Mass Toronto(Hallowe'en Edition)

Join hundreds of cyclists for a group ride around downtown Toronto.

Bloor & Spadina - meet at 6 pm, ride at 6:30

http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=437

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Thanking Drivers and Evaluating 2009

2009-10-23T09:32:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday to you. Here's all your news from the past week!

Queens Quay Revitalization Update
Waterfront Toronto has released their October newsletter, which includes an update on the Queens Quay Revitalization: Waterfront Toronto’s plan to transform Queens Quay into a grand lakefront boulevard was approved overwhelmingly at October’s City Council meeting. The recommendation to replace two lanes of traffic south of the streetcar tracks…

Thank You - Cyclists Paving the Way
Cyclists make nice to drivers About 5,000 cards with the words "Thank You" have been printed for cyclists to give to deserving drivers, perhaps by tapping on the car window at a stop light, Bambrick said. A motorist who looks over his or her shoulder before swinging open their…

Michael Bryant can't drive, so he's cycling
Lawyers to make court appearance in Bryant case Lawyers in the Michael Bryant case are expected to make a brief court appearance today, their first since the former attorney-general was charged in connection with the death of a cyclist. Dan Robertson of Navigator Limited, the public-relations firm hired by…

2009: A Good/Bad Year for Cycling?
A recent Torontoist post about the Bike Union's BikeCampTO makes the argument that 2009 has been a bad year for cycling in the city. I commented on the post and listed 6 things (just to name a few) that have happened this year that makes it a GOOD year…

Cycling Events This Week: Oct. 19 - 25

2009-10-19T07:41:00.002-04:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Tues, Oct 20
8:30pm-11pm
Bike Polo TO - Weekly Pick-up Game

Tuesdays @ 9 p.m till 11 p.m at Alexander Park (Bathurst and Dundus Street west)

http://www.bikepolo.ca/club/toronto-canada

Wed, Oct 21
6:00-7:30 pm
Portland Bike Co-ordinator in Toronto

TCAT, in partnership with the Toronto Cyclists Union and the US Consulate General in Toronto, is happy to present a free public event to hear first-hand how Portland became the first major city in America to be designated as a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community.

http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=382

Wed, Oct 21
10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Sun, Oct 25
1pm
Bike Polo TO - Monthly Tournament

Monthly Bike Polo tournament to coincide with Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington - last Sunday of the month from May to October at Scadding Court.

http://www.bikepolo.ca/club/toronto-canada

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Toronto #5 for Bike Commuting, and More!

2009-10-16T08:28:00.006-04:00

Happy Friday to you. Here's all your news from the past week!

Update on the Toronto Police Downtown Bike Blitz
Yesterday, there was talk of a "Downtown Bike Blitz" being put on by Toronto Police - targeting cyclists running red lights and biking on sidewalks. The Toronto Police Service has let us know (via twitter) that there is no official campaign going on: Last night on Twitter I received…

Toronto Police Bike Blitz Downtown Today?
Over on Twitter, there's some talk about police doing a Ticketing Blitz on cyclists downtown: Cops all over downtown today fining bikers who ride on sidewalks or pass thru the red light. Walk your bike on sidewalks! Anyone know more? Posted via web from bikingtoronto's posterous

Toronto Bike Messengers Looking to Unionize
The Ryerson Free Press has an article about the plight of the bike courier to make a decent wage in Toronto: “You can compare it to people taking advantage of the labour in the third world. Courier companies don’t have to pay holidays or vacation pay…

Biking to Work in North America- Toronto is Number 5!
The battle over which North American city is the best for biking is fierce and— most likely—unresolvable. Our latest Transparency will tell you which cities’ residents make the largest percentage of their commutes by bike. Portland, Oregon, you can keep on gloating. A collaboration between GOOD and Chris Korbey.…

New Off-Road Trail in East Don Valley
Great news via the Don Watcher Blog: Since the summer the city has been busy creating a new trail in the East Don. The new trail will link a park known locally as Milne Hollow which is accessible from Lawrence Ave. East just east of the Don Valley Parkway…

Bicycling Magazine: When Worlds Collide
Bicycling is covering the Bryant / Sheppart Incident in great detail: Darcy Allan Sheppard and Michael Bryant came from different worlds, but when they met in the heart of the posh shopping district on Toronto’s Bloor Street, their worlds violently collided. In the wake of that collision, one life…

Igor Kenk has been denied bail
Igor Kenk is not getting out of jail any time soon... "The man accused of being Toronto's most notorious bike thief has failed to persuade a judge to reinstate the bail revoked last December. Looking dishevelled with long hair and a beard after months of incarceration at Don Jail,…

Bike Cops on Toronto Streetview
Bike police doing their thing: via blogto.com Toronto Bike Cops are awesome. Have you found any cool Toronto bikey stuff on Google Streetview? Share it in the Forum.

Cycling Events This Week: Oct. 12 - 18

2009-10-12T14:41:00.004-04:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Tues, Oct 13
8:30pm-11pm
Bike Polo TO - Weekly Pick-up Game

Tuesdays @ 9 p.m till 11 p.m at Alexander Park (Bathurst and Dundus Street west)

http://www.bikepolo.ca/club/toronto-canada

Wed, Oct 14
10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

The nature of the Wednesday day rides known as the "Wednesday Wheelies" might be the best-kept secret in the TBN. Wednesday Wheelies are social, tourist-level rides that cover routes similar to the popular Country Cruises, but which have the glorious advantage of roads, often busy with traffic on a Sunday, being nearly deserted mid-week.

http://www.tbn.ca/cycling/wheelie.htm

Fri, Oct. 16
12 noon - 3pm
Ryerson Bike Parts Swap
The Ryerson Bike Club invites you to its first bike parts swap. If you're looking for something or if you're looking to trade/sell some parts then join us. This is a perfect opportunity to find what you are looking for before going to the Fall Bike Show. Looking for bio-pace chainrings? Have a carbon fibre kick stand you want to sell? This is the place to be.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133327393391&index=1

Fri, Oct 16
8pm
Joyride Bicycle Film Festival

Join Bike Pirates for a special documentary film night on Friday Oct 16th at 8pm. Showcasing small independent docs directed by Toronto cyclists riding the streets.

http://www.bikingtoronto.com/duncan/2009/09/joyride-bicycle-film-festival.html

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Pirates, BikeStations and Celebrities!

2009-10-09T07:55:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday to you. Here's all your news from the past week!

Torontoist - Fix Your Bike, Matey

Torontoist visits Bike Pirates: Fix Your Bike, Matey "We started in a backyard, in a communal living house," said Geoffrey Bercarich, another longtime volunteer. From that backyard, Bike Pirates moved to a curb, then to a storefront at Bathurst and College streets, where a benefactor, known to members as…

Recreation Committee to Discuss BMX "Go Forward" Strategy

The Recreation Committee is discussing the BMX "Go Forward" Strategy (PDF link) this Friday: This report presents a Toronto BMX Go Forward Strategy that, in part, sets out a number of principles and strategic actions that would help make Toronto an improved cycling community for BMX, as well as…

Environment report knocks Toronto's lack of bike lanes

From the CBC: Environment report knocks Toronto's lack of bike lanes Toronto's cycling enthusiasts celebrated a small victory this week after the province's environmental commissioner released a report criticizing the city over its lack of bike lanes. In his annual report, this year entitled Building Resiliance, commissioner Gord Miller…

Canada's bike industry is growing despite economic turmoil

Info from a call for interviews from Bicycle Trade Association of Canada: Canada's bike industry is growing despite economic turmoil The Canadian cycling industry, like every other sector, has been impacted by the global economic crises. Numbers recently collected from Canadian specialty bike retailers and suppliers, however, suggest that…

InsideToronto: City bike plan pedals ahead slowly

City bike plan pedals ahead slowly According to city transportation staff, various hitches in proposed bike lanes around the city have meant that the process has slowed down somewhat. Public works and infrastructure chair Glenn De Baeremaeker wryly blamed democracy. "Some councillors have asked that there be more consultation…

Cycling Education in Public Schools

Interesting little piece from the Sun: First driver's-ed, now bike-ed Toronto public schools should take a spin at cyclist education, one trustee says. Josh Matlow is trying to get his colleagues at the Toronto District School Board to agree on a bicycle safety awareness campaign for students. "We offer…

Sidewalk Cycling Fine in Scarborough? $3.75

Afraid to bike on the big bikelane-free arterial roads in scarborough, where cars go 80-100 km/h? Breaking law nets $3.75 fine Sidewalk cycling is still 'a joke' in Scarborough Getting caught cycling on the sidewalk is a lot cheaper in Scarborough. A ticket for sidewalk cycling in most parts…

E-bikes face new sidewalk parking rules

From the Toronto Sun: E-bikes face new sidewalk parking rules Pedestrian and cycling advocates want the city to put the brakes on where e-bikes can park and ride. "They could seriously injure or kill a pedestrian if they hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk," says Dylan Reid, co-chairman of…

Today at the Public Works Committee

Via the TCAT Newsletter: The Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee (TCAC) put forward some recommendations to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee that will be heard today. These recommendations include: * that Transportation Services attend the TCAC Oct 29th meeting to report on its plans for accommodating bike lanes on…

Your Chance to Improve Bike Parking Regulations

Via the TCAT Newsletter: TCAT was recently approached by Alan Heisey, a municipal lawyer and year-round Toronto cyclist for over 30 years. He has been reviewing the City of Toronto's new comprehensive zoning bylaw and believes that the sections pertaining to bicycle parking could be further improved. Heisey's law…

Bumpy road for Bike Station

From the Toronto Star... a column about the challenges that have confronted (and have yet to confront) Toronto's first Bike Station: Bumpy road for bike station It is the kind of facility planners and cyclists have long insisted Toronto needs to encourage green commuting. But timing is everything, and…

Rachel McAdams: Bicycle Built For One in Toronto

A solo Rachel McAdams goes for a bike ride in her hometown of Toronto, Canada on Sunday (October 4). Last month, the 30-year-old Canadian actress attended the Altuzarra Spring 2010 show during NY Fashion Week. She sat next to Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester, who told JustJared.com that Rachel was…

Myth and Reality of Cycling and Safety

Great article from RaiseTheHammer.org: Myth and Reality of Cycling and Safety Too much of the car-vs-bicycle debate is overrun by myths and rank misinformation. Myth: Cyclists don't pay for the roads and therefore have no right to use them. Reality: Municipal roads are paid for out of property taxes,…

Torontoist: Sharrows Land on Bloor

Sharrows on Bloor at Yonge (top) and Church (bottom). Photos by David Topping/Torontoist. Though they only last for three hundred metres so far, this is no small victory for cyclists. Bloor Street East, between just west of Yonge and just east of Church, has just gained freshly painted sharrows…

E-Bikes now fully legal on Ontario roads

Toronto Sun: No more getting the gears for e-bikes The electric bike's long journey to legality is over. "E-bikes provide an important transportation option to Ontarians. They are affordable, green and easy to use," Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said in a release. "The McGuinty government is pleased to welcome…

Have a great Thanksgiving Weekend everyone!

Joe.

Cycling Events This Week: Oct. 5 - 11

2009-10-05T09:46:00.003-04:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Tues, Oct 6
6pm
2009106 2009106 Ward 29 Bikes Meeting
This an opportunity to sit down informally and discuss priorities and
strategies for improving cycling east of the Don Valley.
We want to share information with other east-end cyclists, hear about what's
happening outside our ward, and join forces on issues that affect all of our
neighbourhoods.
http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=372

Tues, Oct 6
8:30pm-11pm
(repeats weekly)
2009106 2009106 Bike Polo TO - Weekly Pick-up Game
Tuesdays @ 9 p.m till 11 p.m at Alexander Park (Bathurst and Dundus Street west)
http://www.bikepolo.ca/club/toronto-canada

Wed, Oct 7
10am
(repeats weekly)
2009107 2009107 TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride
The nature of the Wednesday day rides known as the "Wednesday Wheelies" might be the best-kept secret in the TBN. Wednesday Wheelies are social, tourist-level rides that cover routes similar to the popular Country Cruises, but which have the glorious advantage of roads, often busy with traffic on a Sunday, being nearly deserted mid-week.
http://www.tbn.ca/cycling/wheelie.htm

Thurs, Oct 8
7pm
(repeats monthly)
2009108 2009108 VeloSocial Bike Party
This group is dedicated to the monthly VeloSocial party in Toronto. The first Monday of every month we all get together and hang out and watch bike videos, drink some pints of Amsterdam Blonde, dance & listen to DJs, rock the open mic, yamn some spicy pad-thai, and grab some goodies at the info and merch table.
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=36270116494

via The Biking Toronto Calendar

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Complete Streets and BikeCamp T.O.

2009-10-02T08:49:00.003-04:00

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

The Quest for Complete Streets in Toronto

The private automobile is the only method of transportation that is routinely given a bye past the first round of design; everything else has to be studied and justified or is relegated to the margins as an afterthought. Even the way that streets are designed and funded is stacked in favour of the car: design most frequently begins with vehicle lanes—how many and how wide—and then tries to squeeze all other users into whatever space remains. Sorry, we need four wide lanes for cars. But sidewalks? Benches? Bike lanes? Crosswalks? Those are frills and we can't afford them. Some suggest that we'd arrive at a more equitable division of space if we designed from the edges in: start with sidewalks, buffers, and space for cyclists, and then squeeze cars into whatever space is left in the middle.
National Post Editorial: Time to stop giving bicylists a free ride

Everybody knows that drivers of automobiles must pay their way. To drive on city roads, they pay heavy gasoline taxes to offset the cost. Drivers pay to park. They pay for car licences and driver's licences, which are all taxes. They pay heavy third-party liability insurance fees in case they run somebody over or ram into another car. All this is fair and just, right?
Toronto Marathon features Paramedics on Two Wheels

This past weekend, the 50,000 or so competitors and spectators at the Waterfront Marathon in Toronto were able to get a bandage, oxygen or splint applied by a professional in mere minutes if they needed it.
Bike Parking Empty at Ryerson - Why?

Out of its 65 racks, only 13 are actually being used, according to ancillary services. Campus bike thefts reached their peak in 2005 and the problem continues. Despite a colourful mural marking the location, student cyclist Shannon Jager has never heard of the service, which can be found by a laneway near Bond and Dundas Streets. "I didn't even know we had such a thing," said Jager, who uses public bike racks to store her bike.
Cycling's Enemy is not the Car

Cycling's enemy is not the car; it is the idiot. And idiots travel by foot, car, and bicycle. If anything, the bicycle has more in common with the car than it does with the pedestrian, since the bicycle is a vehicle too.

Yonge St. Bike Lane Ribbon Cutting - Tues, Sept 29th @ 11:30am

Media are invited to join Councillor Pam McConnell as she officially opens the Yonge Street pedestrian promenade and bicycle lanes. The section of Yonge Street that has been improved is located between Front Street and Queens Quay.
Darcy Allan Sheppard was a good man, bike couriers tell media

A local bicycle courier’s association addressed the media this afternoon during a press conference to challenge the negative media portrayal of the cyclist killed during an altercation with Michael Bryant last month.

BikeCamp TO: Sat, October 17, 2009

It's essentially a series of simultaneous participant led/generated workshops - all related to various aspects of cycling, and the politics of cycling advocacy. BikeCamp is an opportunity for bike union members, would be members, and the wider cycling advocacy community, to come together and jam on a variety of ideas, campaigns, events.

Cycling Events This Week: Sept. 28 - Oct. 4

2009-09-28T08:19:00.001-04:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Sep 28 7pm
TCAT Complete Streets Meeting

A Complete Street is a roadway designed and operated to enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for all users.

Sep 29 8:30pm-11pm
Bike Polo TO - Weekly Pick-up Game

Tuesdays @ 9 p.m till 11 p.m at Alexander Park (Bathurst and Dundus Street west)

Sep 30 10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Oct 3-4 7pm-7am
Bicycle Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche 2009, at 401 Richmond St West (basement): Janet Bike Girl, Georgette Peters and Yvonne Bambric of The Toronto Cyclists Union.

Nuit Blanche: http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca
401 Richmond: http://www.401richmond.net/
Bike Union: http://www.bikeunion.to/
Bike Film Fest: http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com/
Janet Bike Girl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/janetbikegirl

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Ontario Bike Summit and Kenk in Trial

2009-09-25T08:50:00.003-04:00

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

Fighting for a safer ride of way

Eleanor McMahon, founder of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, organized the first Ontario Bike Summit, running through tomorrow in Waterloo, to talk about how the province can make cycling safer and more accessible.

Looking ‘broken,’ Igor Kenk faces trial

Police recovered 2,865 bikes and $70,000 of marijuana and cocaine. At the time of his first bail hearing, the messianic ramblings of this tall, athletic man, coupled with his goatee and shoulder-length hair, gave him a Christ-like aura. Later he appeared cleanshaven, with a crewcut. But today he looked more like Moses, or perhaps Charles Manson; his beard curls down to his chest and his mane of brown hair is starting to form into dreadlocks. His face is lined and worn.

Ontarians afraid to ride bikes, survey says

“Sixty per cent of those surveyed said they don’t cycle, because they are too frightened to do so,” said Eleanor McMahon, founder of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, which is holding its first Ontario Bike Summit at the Waterloo Inn this week.

Donate to Cancer, win a Bertelli Bike!

Every person who donates $20 or more to my ride between now and October 1st will be entered into a draw for a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind LIVESTRONG-inspired masterpiece by Italian design maestro Francesco Bertelli. Click here to donate and be entered to win. Click here to see more of Francesco’s work.

Cycling Events This Week: Sept. 21 - 27

2009-09-21T08:49:00.004-04:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Mon, Sep 21
7pm
Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee Meeting

Committee Room 2
2nd Floor, City Hall
100 Queen Street West, Toronto

Tues, Sep 22
8:30pm-11pm
Bike Polo TO - Weekly Pick-up Game

Tuesdays @ 9 p.m till 11 p.m at Alexander Park (Bathurst and Dundus Street west)

Wed, Sep 23
10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Thurs, Sep 24
5pm-7pm
Toronto Cyclists Union "Cinq à Sept"

Fri, Sep 25
6pm-8pm
Critical Mass Toronto

Join hundreds of cyclists for a group ride around downtown Toronto.

Bloor & Spadina - meet at 6 pm, ride at 6:30

Sat, Sep 26
10am-4pm
Tour de Greenbelt - Newmarket & Simcoe

Series of four bikes tours over two weekends throughout the Greenbelt. Lengths of 25, 50 and 100 km per ride, $40 per day includes goody backs, snack and BBQ lunch.

For more information contact:
Phone: 416-960-0001

Address:
Niagara-on-the-Lake (September 12)
Burlington (September 13)
Newmarket & Simcoe (September 26)
Rouge Park & Durham (September 27)

Sat, Sep 26
9pm
Darcy Allan Sheppard Memorial Fundraiser

Come celebrate life in the face of loss and help the ones that lost the most at the same time. This will be a friendly and fun affair. All proceeds go directly to the memorial fund.

Sun, Sep 27
Wheels for Wellness

4th Annual Wheels for Wellness in support of Humber River Regional Hospital. Ride through the gorgeous terrain of Caledon.

Sun, Sep 27
10am-4pm
Tour de Greenbelt - Rouge Park & Durham

Sun, Sep 27
1pm
Bike Polo TO - Monthly Tournament

Monthly Bike Polo tournament to coincide with Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington - last Sunday of the month from May to October at Scadding Court.

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Weekly News Wrap-Up: The Helmet Debate & Car-Free Condos

2009-09-18T07:57:00.005-04:00

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

'Car-free' condo: 42 storeys, no parking

"If you look at the evidence of what sells downtown, the majority of units under 750 square feet in the downtown core sell without parking,'' said Stephen Deveaux, a vice-president with the developer, Tribute Communities. Parking spots typically add $20,000 or more to the cost of a downtown condo.

Toronto Star Editorial: For mandatory helmets

There is resistance, however, from cyclists themselves. Earlier this week, when the City of Toronto's works committee considered calling for mandatory, province-wide use of helmets by cyclists, members of the 800-member Toronto Cyclists Union opposed the measure. They urged the city to concentrate on initiatives that would prevent accidents, such as expansion of bike lanes, rather than on mitigating measures that would reduce the injuries caused by accidents.

Knocking Heads over Bike Helmets in Toronto

Despite its dodgy lineage, the mandatory helmet issue represents an unusual opportunity for the TCU to broaden its base and mature as an advocacy group that does more than merely preach to the choir.

Nothing settled in bicycle wars

Helmets protect cyclists after they fall, she said: The objective should be to prevent collisions in the first place. "(Removing) the things that are happening to them, which I think is the responsibility of municipal and provincial government ... that's the issue," she said, calling for more and better bike lanes and better education for drivers.

New bicycles help build great neighbourhood

Thirty-three children living in the West-end community of Swansea Mews received new bicycles and helmets today, thanks to an ongoing green- and healthy living partnership between the Dutch Consulate General and Toronto Community Housing.

Give cyclists $5 a day

I have a better idea for a city program. I think the city should hire people to stand on College Street or Harbord Street, or Dundas Street East -- routes crowded with thousands of cycling commuters -- and, as the cyclists wait at a red light, hand each of them a $5 bill.

Why is that cyclist in my lane? Here's the answer

Bike lanes are designed to allow cyclists enough space to go at their own speed. But cyclists may enter the main flow of traffic at any time. If the road is narrow and there isn't enough room to comfortably ride to the right of a car, the cyclist is entitled to occupy the full lane. However, when the road widens and traffic speeds up, cyclists are expected to let motor vehicles squeeze past.

Bicycle helmets, licensing pushed

If cyclists are a city council priority on Toronto's streets, Councillor Michael Walker wants to see those cyclists wearing a helmet and licensed to ride on the road.

Cycling Events This Week: Sept. 14 - 20

2009-09-14T08:47:00.001-04:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Tues, Sep 15
8:30pm-11pm
Bike Polo TO - Weekly Pick-up Game

Tuesdays @ 9 p.m till 11 p.m at Alexander Park (Bathurst and Dundus Street west)

Wed, Sep 16
10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Sat, Sep 19
9am-5pm
Tour de University Heights

The 3rd annual Tour de University Heights bike race is happening on Saturday September 19th at Driftwood Community Centre (4401 Jane St.) from 9am to 5pm (setup at 8am).

Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?
If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter: