BikingToronto

Posted via web from Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day: Baby Blue

2009-12-08T08:08:00.002-05:00

Elsewhere: Give Someone The Gift of Bixi this Christmas

2009-12-07T17:39:00.003-05:00

Wow... Bixi continues to impress with the new Bixi Boutique. Can't figure out what to get someone in Montreal for Christmas? How about a monthly or yearly pass to the hottest piece of cycling infrastructure this side of the Atlantic?

Photo of the Day: Orange Monark

2009-12-07T14:29:00.005-05:00

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

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

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

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Weekly Events Newsletter:

An Early Ride Along the West Toronto Railpath

2009-12-07T10:21:00.002-05:00

James D. Shwartz, editor of The Urban Country, has made this great video of an early morning (and chilly) ride along the West Toronto Railpath:
Read about the railpath in James' article here.
Share your thoughts on the West Toronto Railpath in the BikingToronto Forum

via Duncan's City Ride Blog

Kenk to lose thousands of bikes as details of civil settlement reached

2009-12-06T16:07:00.002-05:00

Kenk to lose thousands of bikes as details of civil settlement reached

Igor Kenk will give up his used-bicycle shop, pickup trucks and his hoard of more than 2,200 old bikes in a settlement reached Friday in a civil suit brought against him by the province of Ontario.

Under the deal, Mr. Kenk will get to keep the proceeds of a provincially-supervised sale of the bike shop, which he has previously valued at $700,000, but only after he pays $50,000 to the Crown, $65,000 to Legal Aid Ontario for his ongoing criminal case, legal fees incurred to defend against the suit, and any outstanding taxes or bills related to the building. The bikes and pickup trucks will be sold off and the proceeds kept by the Crown.

The settlement brings an end to one of two parallel court proceedings, one civil and the other criminal, brought against the 50-year-old Mr. Kenk, whose arrest in the summer of 2008 and subsequent raids of his numerous rental garages filled with bicycles stunned Toronto's cycling community.

...

Friday's settlement was reached before the court tested the government's case, which hinged on affidavits from Toronto police who led the criminal investigation. Court filings showed that officers relied on a confidential source for information about Mr. Kenk's alleged drugs-for-bikes enterprise. Court never heard testimony from the source, nor does the case file contain any written statements from the informant.

Jacob Stilman, lawyer for Mr. Kenk, said outside court that the government's forfeiture application “was going into uncharted legal waters in the sense of asserting that the building was an instrument of criminal activity.” He suggested “there would have been a lot of interesting legal and evidentiary issues” had the case gone to trial, but also serious implications for his client, who stood to lose virtually everything he owns.

“While it's fascinating from a lawyer's perspective,” Mr. Stilman said, “the stakes are very high for the person at the receiving end of the litigation.”

According to court filings, Mr. Kenk paid $85,000 for his shop in 1995 and is mortgage-free. Its value has since skyrocketed due to gentrification along trendy Queen Street West. The bicycles were recently appraised at just over $50,000, and the two Toyota pickup trucks at $14,000.

Full Article

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…

Photo of the Day: Railpath Ramp

2009-12-04T08:31:00.002-05:00

Ghost Bike Memorial in Mississauga

2009-12-03T08:06:00.002-05:00

[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:

Photo of the Day: Oh Christmas Tree...

2009-12-03T08:05:00.002-05:00

CultureLink / Bike Union Job Opportunity

2009-12-02T18:51:00.002-05:00

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 Ontario Trillium Foundation, is seeking just the right person to take on the full time role of Newcomer Cycling Outreach Coordinator.

The Full job posting can be viewed here - http://www.charityvillage.com/cvnet/viewlisting.aspx?id=205631

Newcomer Cycling Outreach Coordinator
• Full-Time (35-hour week), 36-month Contract

CultureLink is a non-profit, community-based organization committed to the settlement and integration of newcomers in the South-West area of Toronto. The Toronto Cyclists Union is a city-wide, membership-based cycling organization working together with citizens, community groups, bike shops an d the City towards the common goals of ensuring that cycling is a legitimate, accessible, and safe means of transportation.

We are currently seeking a Cycling Outreach Coordinator for 35 hours per week for up to 36 months for our collaborative Partnership for Integration and Sustainable Transportation, funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, with a target start date of Mid-January/February 2010. This position will report to the Program Manager of CultureLink, as well as to the Project Steering Committee.

The primary goals of the Partnership project are:
• To promote cycling as a healthy, convenient, economical and legitimate means of transportation among newcomer communities in Toronto
• To promote sustainable green living habits among newcomers as part of green settlement service delivery strategy CultureLink works within an anti-oppression framework and is committed to equity.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment t o the values guiding the work of the project: sustainability, empowerment, equity, inclusion, cultural competence, health and social justice.

This position is remunerated between $23.77 - $25.71 per hour along with comprehensive benefits after 3 months of successful completion of employment.

The deadline for external applicants is Tuesday December 15, 2009 5:00 p.m.

Applications should be addressed electronically to: The Hiring Committee at jobs@culturelink.net

Photo of the Day: Wave Rider

2009-12-02T07:54:00.002-05:00

Photo of the Day: Little Red Riding Tights

2009-12-01T08:59:00.002-05:00

Photo of the Day: Fall Basket

2009-11-30T08:19:00.007-05:00

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!

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Video: How To (Not) Drive in Toronto

2009-11-27T08:41:00.002-05:00

Here's a great tongue-in-cheek video from riconroy about how drivers should deal with pedestrians and cyclists in Toronto:

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)

Photo of the Day: Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute!

2009-11-27T07:43:00.002-05:00

Cup Holder for Bike HandleBars

2009-11-26T14:02:00.002-05:00

This would make a fantastic Christmas gift for so many people I know!

From NOW Magazine:

FELT handlebar cup holder

If you need a jolt of java while you ride, mount FELT’s cup holder ($25, Urbane Cyclist, 180 John, 416-979-9733, ucycle.com) on your handlebars but beware cycling with scalding coffee down speed bump-pocked streets!

UPDATE: No sign of Trial for Bike Thief

2009-11-26T14:01:00.002-05:00

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.

Mr. Kenk, 50, was charged with more than 80 counts involving 2,865 used bicycles and a large quantity of illegal drugs seized in police raids in the summer of 2008, and has been awaiting trial in the Don Jail for almost a year since his bail was revoked last December.

Mr. Kenk appeared yesterday at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, where he was to make a bid to have bail restored. Instead, his lawyer, Lon Rose, told Mr. Justice John Hamilton that "a proposed resolution to most if not all" of Mr. Kenk's charges is in the works as a result of pre-trial talks with Crown officials and lower-court Justice Kathleen Caldwell.

...

The sheer size of the case, which involved raids on 12 properties, about 100 police officers and more than 80 charges, created a mountain of evidence to be gathered, sorted, assessed and disclosed to Mr. Kenk's defence before any trial could proceed.

Court filings obtained by The Globe and Mail, including Mr. Rose's Nov. 12 notice of application for yesterday's bail review, suggest that disclosure has been slow and sporadic. Mr. Rose only recently received, for example, statements from 70 police officers who worked on the case. Dozens more pieces of evidence have also been slow to materialize.

...

Regardless of any deal in the offing, Mr. Kenk still faces a lawsuit brought by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney-General to seize his bike shop, two pickup trucks and 2,292 bicycles as proceeds of crime. Even though Mr. Kenk has not been convicted criminally, the province can use the Civil Remedies Act to seize and sell off his property if it can prove that it was used for a criminal purpose or obtained by crime.

Full Article

Photo of the Day: Twin Towers (of East York)

2009-11-26T09:49:00.002-05:00

Duncans City Ride: My One and Only Cycling Complaint about Toronto

2009-11-25T17:32:00.002-05:00

Ok, the headline of this post is a little misleading. I have plenty of complaints about cycling in Toronto. And, if you read BlogTO, you know that there's a list and growing discussion of even more gripes going on there.
But... and this is a big BUT... nothing outweighs the benefits of cycling in Toronto...
We have trails through ravines!
We have a growing bike lane network!
We're busting cops for parking in bike lanes!
We have a cyclists union!
We look damn good on our bikes!
We have more than 70 bike shops in Toronto!
However, I do have one big complaint... and boy-oh-boy is it a doosie!
There are simply not enough cyclists in Toronto.
That's it, that's my complaint.
Some days it's just so lonely. I know there are thousands upon thousands of cyclists around. But, I want to see more... don't you?
Join the discussion in the BikingToronto Forum
Photo via the BikingToronto Flickr Pool

A Toronto Cyclist's Top 10 Complaints

2009-11-25T13:54:00.001-05:00

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 provide a little two-wheeled perspective on the heels of Toronto traffic safety officer Tim Burrow's recently compiled Top 10 list of motorist complaints.

...

# 10 - The close pass
Having seen a friend's elbow shattered by a van "passing" altogether too closely, it gives me the jitters whenever vehicles don't afford myself and other cyclists adequate space. Granted this isn't always their fault -- roads are, after all, only so wide -- but it's still a common threat cyclists face. I'm not asking for the insanely wide berth some drivers give, but it's a little scary when a passing car brushes me with its wind trail.

# 9 - Lack of bike lanes
Directly related to #10, the lack of bike lanes on major streets throughout the city is an obvious pet peeve that many cyclists share. But it's not just an issue for cyclists; the scarcity of bike lanes is also a pain for drivers who are forced to share the road with those on two wheels. I know it's not so easy as just snapping one's fingers and putting them in, but it's obvious that we need a more comprehensive vision for encouraging the safe use of bicycles in this city.

# 8 - Cars parked in bike lanes
Boneheaded moves like this are getting a little more attention after the Toronto Sun spotted a cop car parked in the bike lane on Annette St. for 20 minutes the other day. The officer's gotten a bunch of flak for his parking job, but the reality is that this happens all the time. Normally it's not a huge deal, but when another vehicle and a cyclist inevitably try to pass the improperly parked car at the same time, the situation can get pretty tricky.

# 7 - Potholes

# 6 - Winter

# 5 - Other cyclists

# 4 - Car doors

# 3 - Streetcar tracks

# 2 - Oblivious pedestrians

# 1 - Sudden right turns (without signaling)

Full List at Blog T.O.

What Do You Want From BikingToronto in 2010?

2009-11-25T13:53:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone,

Every winter, I generally take stock of BikingToronto and update the design of the site and figure out what's working well and what's working not-so-well.

With the success of the forum, I'd like to add more interactivity to the site to make is as useful for Toronto cyclists as possible... but I need your help.

What do you want to see from BikingToronto in 2010? Is there a feature you wish it had? Have you seen another website (cycling-related or otherwise) with a cool feature you love that could be used for cyclists in Toronto?

Feel free to express and and all ideas here.

If 2010 follows the pattern of the past few years, we are going to see another large increase in cycling on the roads of Toronto... so the more useful BikingToronto is for everyone, the better!

Share your ideas in the Biking Toronto Forum

UPDATE: Toronto streets a job hazard, ex-courier says

2009-11-25T13:51:00.003-05:00

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 the job – has merit, says a personal injury lawyer.

Patrick Brown said Wayne Scott's "novel'' legal action is about an individual trying to hold the city responsible for providing safe roads.

...

Scott claims the city has failed to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires employers to take reasonable precautions to protect their workers. As many as 500 police officers are on bike patrol on any given day, and about 30 Emergency Medical Services paramedics use bikes.

Brown, who has acted on behalf of many cyclists injured on city streets, and for the families of those killed, says there is legal precedent in Ontario compelling municipalities to ensure their streets are safe for bikes and pedestrians. The Ontario appeals court ruled in a 2008 case involving a Halton cyclist who was killed that municipalities must ensure roads are in a proper state of repair to provide safe passage.

Article Link

UPDATE: Cop nailed for bike lane parking

2009-11-25T13:51:00.001-05:00

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.

No right of cops' way
They eat and run -- and now they're rapped for blocking city cyclists

Cops blocking bike lanes to get their coffee and lunch are indicative of a city learning to cope with new bike lanes, according to Toronto Police's political masters.

But that's no excuse for endangering cyclists, said Councillor Pam McConnell who is vice-chairman of the police services board.

Officers, she said, are held to a higher standard than other motorists and must follow the rules like everyone else.

"There are no laws that are for the average citizen that are not for the officers. It is quite the opposite," she said yesterday. "The city is very much growing up in terms of its understanding of different modes of transportation.

"I think that it is a wake-up call for all of our division commanders to be talking to their officers about this (bike lane) priority of the board ... and the importance of not only enforcing the law, but adhering to the law and modelling the law."

...

"I think police merit special consideration," said Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, who cycles to City Hall from Scarborough most days. "Yes, he (the officer) shouldn't have done that, and if it was a member of the public, I'd say yes, that member of the public should get a ticket, but I would make an exception for the police."

Councillor Adrian Heaps, who heads up the city's cycling advisory committee, said the issue of cops blocking bike lanes for personal use is, "a fine line."

"People would be the first to complain that the police didn't answer a call because they're walking down the street to their car," he said.

Cyclist dies after being hit by car in Mississauga

2009-11-25T13:49:00.001-05:00

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 for the investigation and will likely remain closed for the rest of the night.

The driver remained at the scene.

Article Link

Photo of the Day: Seven Cycles

2009-11-25T09:01:00.002-05:00

City peddles bikes to its employees

2009-11-24T13:12:00.001-05:00

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 four from Toronto's fleet if they must get to a meeting.

Launched in June, the $10,000 pilot project includes 10 "very funky" Batavus commuter bikes, said Mark Singh, program manager in the Toronto Environment Office.

So far, the bikes have been used only 28 times and only 28 employees have completed the Can-Bike safety training that is a requirement of their use.

But the program will be relaunched in the spring, and there's already a waiting list for the eight Can-Bike courses being scheduled then, Singh said.

City departments such as police and the licensing standards division have their own bike fleets.

Toronto streets a job hazard, ex-courier says

2009-11-24T13:11:00.001-05:00

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 claim food as a fuel expense on their tax returns.

Now Scott is taking the city to the Ontario Labour Relations Board, claiming Toronto's streets constitute an unsafe workplace for those who cycle on the job.

Three months after former Ontario attorney general Michael Bryant was charged in the death of bike courier Darcy Allan Sheppard, Scott is asking the board to force Toronto to make its streets safer.

He wants the city to study the dangers on its roads and address the problems with better street design, enforcement of traffic rules and more bike lanes, within two years.

Scott, a once and future federal Green Party candidate, says the city has failed to apply the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which says employers must take reasonable precautions to protect their workers.

I don't think Scott has a particularly good case... as the city would only be guilty of not providing safe working conditions if they employed bike couriers (which they don't, although they may use their services).

However, I think a case could be made that the City isn't adequately providing safe commuting options for ALL Toronto citizens.

What do you think?

Discuss this in the Biking Toronto Forum

Toronto Cop Nailed for Bike Lane Parking

2009-11-24T11:41:00.004-05:00

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. and Annette St., while his cruiser was blocking a bike lane on Annette.

The officer was parked there for at least 20 minutes before leaving the cafe with a can of pop and a paper lunch bag.

But instead of protecting their own, Toronto Police brass called the officer's parking actions "stupid" and "unacceptable."

Read the Full Article in the Biking Toronto Forum

[image of copcar in bikelane at Runnymede and Annette taken Fri, Nov. 20 from MyBikeLane.com]

Photo of the Day: Shaw Street Panorama

2009-11-24T10:54:00.002-05:00

View larger sizes (you'll be glad you did) on Flickr.

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:

Photo of the Day: Autumnal Fire

2009-11-23T07:51:00.002-05:00

Photo of the Day: Past The Angel

2009-11-21T13:23:00.002-05:00

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…

Photo of the Day: Into The Gold

2009-11-20T10:53:00.002-05:00

Bicycling Travel Allowance in Union Contract

2009-11-19T10:53:00.002-05:00

A CUPE local in Ottawa has negotiated a bicycling travel allowance:

Members of CUPE 3942 who work as mental health and social services workers at the Ottawa Salus Corporation have bargained what is a first for a CUPE Local: a bicycling travel allowance. A section of the Local’s Collective Agreement that deals with expenses now allows for members to file claims for travelling by bicycle. Specifically, the language states:
An employee who has travelled by bicycle for work purposes in excess of 100 kilometres between April 1st and October 31st may claim an allowance of $0.20/km to a maximum of fifty dollars ($50.00) towards the upkeep of such bicycle and related safety equipment. Such claim itemizing bicycle journeys will be made by November 30th of each year.

While this rate of reimbursement falls short of what is granted for private motor vehicle use, it is still a bold step in legitimizing bicycles for work transportation purposes. Ottawa is one of Canada’s more bike-friendly communities. Members of Local 3942 will certainly benefit from this extension of allowances to a green form of transportation.

CUPE's website has some good pointers on making "green" transportation a priority for workplaces:

Transportation to, from and during work has a huge environmental impact. For example, single-occupancy driving day-in and day-out for work is not a green practice. Likewise, work-related air travel negatively impacts the climate.
There are greener transportation choices available, such as using public transit, bicycling, walking, carpooling, car-sharing, low-emission vehicles and other options. Green collective agreement provisions to support more environmental transportation would cover financial incentives and disincentives and support programs, such as:

* Employer-provided/supported public transit passes.
* Employer-provided/supported shoe allowances for workers who walk to work.
* Employer-provided/supported bicycle lock-up, showering facilities and flexible work schedules for bicycle commuters.
* Grants or loans to employees for bicycle purchases.
* Reimbursement for work-related bicycling kilometrage.
* Car-sharing schemes.
* Financial disincentives, such as employees paying for parking spaces for single-occupancy drivers.
* Employer-purchased legitimate carbon offsets for workers who must travel by air.

UNISON – a British trade union – has been very active in helping to develop Green Staff Travel Plans for its members that build on many of these points.

Photo of the Day: That's The Ticket

2009-11-19T08:17:00.002-05:00

Subject: Bike Lane Parking Enforcement and Fine Increase

Bikelane Parking Action Alert

2009-11-18T09:41:00.002-05:00

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 in bike lane infractions, and to double this fine from $60 to $120.
RE: Toronto Police Services Board meeting, Nov 19, 2009

The Toronto Cyclists Union will be making a written and in-person deputation asking that the fine for parking / stopping in a bike lane be doubled to $120, and that Toronto Police - Parking Enforcement be compelled to have it's officers begin prioritizing the ticketing of all manner of vehicles stopped or parked illegally in bike lanes throughout the city.

**Please take 5 minutes before 10am on Thursday November 19th to email your support for both of these requests being made on your behalf by the Toronto Cyclists Union.

The Union is also giving people some sample text to email to the Toronto Police Services Board in advance of the meeting... which I have made into an autofilled email link (clicking on this should pre-populate an email in your email client - I've tested it in Outlook, at least):

As a cyclist (and occasional driver) in Toronto, I would like to express my support for an increase in the set fine amount for parking / stopping in a bike lane to $120.

Additionally, I believe that Parking Enforcement Officers should prioritize more rigorous enforcement of the no-stopping in bike lanes bylaw.

Cars, delivery trucks and buses parked in bike lanes are a serious threat to the safety of cyclists in Toronto. Cyclists are most vulnerable when they are forced to move out of a bike lane to go around motor vehicles stopped in the lane dedicated to the safe passage of cyclists.

Sincerely,
Your name
Toronto Cyclists Union member / supporter.

Click here to open an auto-filled email, and customize it to your liking. :)

Photo of the Day: Stretch

2009-11-18T08:15:00.002-05:00

BIXI is ready for Toronto, is Toronto ready for BIXI?

2009-11-17T22:15:00.002-05:00

Great post from The Urban Country about some previously unreleased details about the Bixi public bike system that Toronto is getting next year:

Photo by James D. Schwartz / The Urban Country

After a successful launch in Montreal last May, BIXI has served more than 1 million users – an amazing accomplishment for its first year.

The system is however shutting down now as Montreal prepares for the ensuing winter. On November 1st, BIXI started taking down the less frequently used stations and BIXI rentals will no longer be available after November 30th – making its triumphant return in May 2010.

But fear not Torontonians - I have been told the BIXI system in Toronto will have no such restrictions! The city plans to keep Toronto’s BIXI system open all-year-round! A detail that has previously not been released and I had to pry out of City Hall.

A recent article on BIXI in Toronto by Walrus Magazine re-ignited my BIXI nostalgia. You see, I had tested out the BIXI system in Montreal in July for 4 days and although the system isn’t perfect, I was amazed at the possibilities it has for cycling culture in Toronto.

The City of Toronto had indicated it would release more details in Fall 2009 in its May 26th Staff Report – but these details have yet to be released.

The Walrus Magazine article unfortunately left me with more questions than it had answered, so I began my own quest to get more information on a BIXI system for Toronto.

Nominations Open for Bike-Friendly Business Awards

2009-11-17T16:32:00.001-05:00

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 Bicycle Friendly Business Award. When you nominate a cycle friendly business, you’re recognizing their efforts to encourage cycling in our city.

Previous award winners have proven their commitment to cycling through a variety of initiatives such as providing secure bike parking, shower and change facilities, and offering economic incentives for employees who cycle to work.

These businesses and organizations demonstrate leadership in encouraging cycling by employees and/or customers. By supporting this cycling friendly mentality, you will help in creating incentive for other businesses to follow suit.

The 2009 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards will be presented at a special ceremony on Tuesday, January 19, 2010, in partnership with the Toronto Cyclists Union.

Nominate a business or organization on-line or receive a paper copy by calling 416-338-5086 or emailing cyclingevents@toronto.ca.

Award categories:

Best Bike Parking
Bicycle-Friendliest Suburban Business
Bicycle Commute
Best Small Business (up to 99 employees)
Best Large Business (100 employees and over)
Best Skills Development
Best Overall
The nomination deadline is Tuesday, December 17, 2009 at 5 p.m.

The City of Toronto would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2009 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards: Toronto Cyclists Union, Dufflet Pastries, Live Metal Works.

Eglinton LRT includes Bikelanes

2009-11-17T16:30:00.001-05:00

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 by the Toronto Transit Commission today.

While about 10 kilometres of the line would be buried through mid-town Toronto, its path through suburban sections of Etobicoke and Scarborough calls for a prohibition on left-hand turns at many major intersections and the creation of U-turn lanes mid-block so vehicles can change directions to access businesses or north-south corridors.

It would also create bike lanes along much of Eglinton.

Full Article

via the BikingToronto Forum

Photo of the Day: The End of the Day

2009-11-17T08:51:00.002-05:00

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

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.

Photo of the Day: Passing

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

Duncans City Ride: The World Now Knows Toronto Has Cycle Chic

2009-11-15T14:40:00.003-05:00

Congratulations!
416CycleStyle
CopenhagenCycleChic

Photo of the Day: Streetcar Speed

2009-11-15T14:10:00.002-05:00

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…

Photo of the Day: Live Your Dreams to the Max

2009-11-13T11:57:00.002-05:00

Photo of the Day: Slick Streets

2009-11-12T13:01:00.002-05:00

Photo of the Day: I'll Follow The Sun

2009-11-11T07:39:00.002-05:00

There's one day of the year when the setting sun aligns with the Toronto street grid creating a stonehenge solstice effect. We're almost there. King Street on Sunday, Oct. 18th.

Photo of the Day: Red, and Green, and Yellow, and Purple, and Blue ...

2009-11-10T08:09:00.002-05:00

The Walrus looks at Toronto's upcoming Public Bike System

2009-11-09T23:11:00.003-05:00

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 a start-up service area bounded by High Park in the west, Broadview Avenue in the east, Bloor Street in the north and Lake Ontario to the south. The projected system — roughly 300 rental stations with an initial capacity of 1,000 bicycles, to be increased to 10,000 over the next decade — will inevitably place a greater number of commuters on some of the city’s busiest roads. As a public transportation venture, a bicycle system presents a unique safety imperative. But are bike lanes the solution? Beyond their formidable logistic and financial considerations, would separate lanes ease the competing interests of cyclists and motorists?

I call city councillor Adrian Heaps, chair of the Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee. Beyond novelty users at the program’s inception, he expects that a public bicycle system will appeal to three distinct categories of riders: those who typically use taxis to travel short distances, those who currently use car-share services for shopping trips, and, in non-winter months, tourists. Ultimately, the councillor says, the TCAC’s goal is to reduce car traffic in the downtown core, not to convert drivers outright. Ideally, cyclists and drivers would learn to share without incident. Heaps, though, is skeptical about the partitioning of bike lanes on existing roads as an easy remedy. “Putting a bucket of paint on the road doesn’t make a safer bike corridor,” he says. “It comes down to mutual respect.”

Full Article

Discuss this on the Biking Toronto Forum

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

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Weekly Events Newsletter:

Photo of the Day: Viaduct Night

2009-11-09T13:45:00.002-05:00

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…

Photo of the Day: BMX Crew

2009-11-06T12:27:00.002-05:00

Photo of the Day: Humber Arch

2009-11-05T11:39:00.002-05:00

Mountain Equipment Co-op raises ire of bicycle industry

2009-11-04T12:52:00.001-05:00

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 selling has been criticized by rival specialty retailers for everything from unfair competition because of its tax-exempt status, to a Wal-Mart-style money grab, to unethical sourcing.

Bike enthusiasts' ire toward MEC intensified when an executive at the non-profit chain slammed the bike industry in a blog on the company's website, calling it “grey, dusty and dirty.” The blog entry was later removed.

Some bike-parts suppliers have even refused to ship to MEC, while one Quebec distributor last month dropped a major Canadian parts manufacturer from its roster because the supplier is selling to MEC.

“It's no different to me than somebody buying a product at Wal-Mart that they could buy at their local mom-and-pop store,” says Pete Lilly, owner of Sweet Pete's Bike Shop in Toronto and former president of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada, which represents suppliers and retailers in the estimated $1-billion industry.

“Independent bicycle retail offers something very different than Mountain Equipment Co-op can,” Mr. Lilly says.

Full Article

No disrespect to Pete Lilly, but different types of people shop at different kinds of stores. Does he have the same objection to Canadian Tire selling bikes?

Should only independent retailers sell bikes? Why?

Discuss this in the Biking Toronto Forum

HUGE Cycling Budget Increase for 2010?

2009-11-04T12:33:00.002-05:00

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 the news stories about the 2010 budget has great news for cycling infrastructure:

- Next year Toronto will spend $217.6 million on new subway cars that will hold more passengers - the beginning of a 10-year program to buy a total of 360 new subway cars;
- The city will spend $72 million on new buses, part of a 10-year program to buy 390 new buses.

- Construction of the Sheppard East light rail line will gather speed, with spending of $163 million.

- Plans call for $22.6 million of spending next year on new bike lanes and paths.

Looking back at old blog posts about the subject, I dredged up some old cycling budget numbers:

2010 - 22.6 million
2009 - 8.6 million
2008 - 5.5 million
2007 - 3.0 million

I hope I'm not wrong about this being a HUGE increase, but maybe someone better versed in municipal budgets could shed some more light on this?

Discuss this on the Biking Toronto Forum

Duncans City Ride: Where We Park Our Bikes in Toronto

2009-11-04T10:22:00.002-05:00

Sure, we're world-famous for our post and ring bike racks... but where else is there to park your bicycle in Toronto? Turns out, you've got plenty of options...
There's the "Classic":

At BMO Field there are arches:
In Parkdale you get glasses:

Much, much more on Duncan's City Ride

Photo of the Day: Evening Couple

2009-11-04T08:04:00.002-05:00

Photo of the Day: Ride the Hippo

2009-11-03T09:17:00.002-05:00

Photo of the Day: Monochrome Style

2009-11-02T13:44:00.005-05:00

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

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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...

Photo of the Day: Spadina Cyclists

2009-10-30T08:32:00.002-04:00

Photo of the Day: Urban Cowgirl

2009-10-29T09:58:00.002-04:00

SmartCentres Appeal Request Denied

2009-10-28T17:32:00.002-04:00

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.
The request for appeal of the OMB's decision has been denied.

To quote our lawyer, Eric Gillespie,

"There is no ability to appeal from this decision, so this is the end for SmartCentres' case."

We'd like to thank Eric, the city lawyer Brendan O'Callahan, and everyone who participated at the OMB hearing or contributed toward helping the cause for our community!

Here's a few blog posts about the subject:

SmartCentres and their Dumb BigBox Parking Lot Plan for the Lakeshore Multi-Use Path (April 2008)

OMB Stops Walmart - Good News for East End Cyclists (March 2009)

SmartCentres Appeals Pro-Neighbourhood and Pro-Cyclist OMB Decision (April 2009)

This is great news for Toronto cyclists because not only will a 1,700 parking lot NOT be built, but the proposed 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.

The development would have turned a nice and well-used multi-use path...

... into an intersection like the one at Lakeshore and Leslie:

via the BikingToronto Forum

Photo of the Day: Old Bicycle Man

2009-10-28T08:51:00.002-04:00

Hallowheelin' Urban Cycling Challenge - Sat, Oct. 31

2009-10-27T09:45:00.002-04:00

studio tofu presents, in conjunction with:

dandyhorse magazine / spacing magazine / now magazine

First Annual Hallowheelin' Urban Cycling Challenge

Saturday, October 31st

- Open to ALL cyclists of ALL skill levels.

- Two Courses: Easy and Hard

- $8 To Ride, Includes Halloween After Party
- Registration Starts 530pm at Manic Coffee 426 College
- Ride Starts at 700pm SHARP!

- Halloween afterparty @ CineCycle 401 Richmond (Around back, off Spadina)

- Costumes STRONGLY suggested. Lights and Bag MANDATORY. Helmets suggested.

- Rain or Moon.

Tonnes of prizes furnished by:

Manic Coffee
Bikes On Wheels
Cycle Solutions
MEC
Origins Coffee
Blondie's Espresso Bar
Sweet Pete's
Bombshelter
Jet Fuel Coffee
Franklin Tattoo
Great Lakes Brewery

All proceeds going to FoodShare: http://www.foodshare.net/index.htm

via the BikingToronto Forum

Photo of the Day: Heavy Metal Anklets

2009-10-27T07:57:00.002-04:00

West Toronto Railpath: Official Opening - Fri, Oct. 30

2009-10-26T13:31:00.002-04:00

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.

* Date: Friday, October 30, 2009
* Location: West Toronto Railpath entrance at Wallace Avenue (south of Dupont, west of Perth, north of Bloor). (map)

* Time:
o 2:00 p.m. – Opening Remarks
o 2:15 p.m. – Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
o 2:20 p.m. – cyclists gathered ride the trail and enjoy the sculptures
o 2:25 p.m. – interested participants invited walk 2.1 km and explore the trail and sculptures
* RSVP: Toronto Protocol RSVP Line 416-392-7667

The West Toronto Railpath Park is a new 2.1 kilometre multi-use trail that is perfect for cyclists, joggers, and people out for a stroll. Travelling alongside the railway corridor, it features extensive naturalized landscaping to create an appealing public space.

More Info (and Photos!) in the Biking Toronto Forum

Critical Mass Hallowe'en Edition This Friday

2009-10-26T13:27:00.002-04:00

Critical Mass is riding this Friday... and as usual it'll be meeting at Bloor & Spadina at 6:00 and riding at 6:30.

This mass is usually the most fun, as everyone dresses up for Hallowe'en and rides in costume. Great responses from pedestrians. :)

Discuss (and share photos from past Halloween Rides in the Biking Toronto Forum

Duncans City Ride: Toronto Prepares for Public Bicycling

2009-10-26T11:39:00.002-04:00

From WalrusMagazine.com:

Driving the Lane: Toronto Prepares for Public Bicycling
by Emily Testa
What do Jack Layton and David Byrne have in common? Sure, Layton’s Twitter account tells us he’ll be busking on the Danforth this Saturday, but at press time, the range of his musical talent remains untested. No, it’s a shared interest in the future of cycling that unites the current NDP leader and former Talking Head, who will participate in an October 24 panel discussion at the International Festival of Authors. Along with Toronto Cyclists Union executive director Yvonne Bambrick and urban designer Ken Greenberg, Layton and Byrne will discuss the potential of urban planning — specifically, bike lanes — to improve the political climate of cycling in Toronto and around the world.

More at Duncan's City Ride

www.flickr.com/photos/janetbikegirl/

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?
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Weekly Events Newsletter:

Photo of the Day: Wall of Bicycle Stencils

2009-10-26T08:16:00.003-04:00

Just some examples of Janet's work. More here at:

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…

Photo of the Day: Neon Nuit Blanche

2009-10-23T09:30:00.002-04:00

Duncans City Ride: How a Guy Can Look Good on a Bicycle in Toronto

2009-10-22T09:44:00.002-04:00

A short while ago I posted about how we dress when biking in Toronto.
I think we're a pretty good looking bunch here in Toronto. Of course, when I tell people I'm a cyclist I can instantly see their eyes fog over as they picture me in full spandex.
As we've seen from my post, you don't need to wear spandex to enjoy biking in Toronto. However, if you're looking for more inspiration, here's some clothing brands that could help you overcome "spandex anxiety" and bike in comfort and style:
Bikes Without Borders: While not a clothing brand per se, Mountain Equipment Co-op carries some of their t-shirts and hoodies and they certainly have nothing to do with lycra:

Photo of the Day: Bike Panning...

2009-10-22T09:34:00.002-04:00

Duncans City Ride: Getting Over the Struggles of Biking in Toronto

2009-10-21T09:06:00.002-04:00

There are times when you feel absolutely alone on your bicycle. The cars keep streaming past you, closer and closer. The hill feels as thought it is never going to end. The rain starts to fall harder. The temperature goes from a slight chill to a bone-numbing deep-freeze.
We all face struggles when biking in Toronto, or anywhere else for that matter.
Yet, many of us, thousands upon thousands actually, continue to take our keys to locks, plant our feet firmly on our pedals and take to the streets. You'll see us in the rain. You'll see us during that first snowfall. You'll see us when it seems like everyone else on the road wants us gone.

NYC: Bike Lanes in the Big Apple

2009-10-21T08:26:00.004-04:00

Want to know what's possible with bikelanes in a big city like Toronto? Look no further than New York (a much bigger city) for some inspiration. It doesn't take miracles to get cycling infrastructure like this... just political guts. :)

Bike lanes: In some cities people are literally dying to have them and some people go so far as to mark their own. Here in New York City, it feels like every time I get on my bike there is a new bike lane - sometimes on the left, sometimes buffered, and sometimes completely separated from automobile traffic. To understand these lanes, I had the opportunity to go for a ride with the NYC DOT bicycle boys. They explained the classes of bike lanes and showed off some of these inventive facilities. You can use Ride the City to find a safe bike route in New York City and watch this video to see what lanes are used on your route.

via streetfilms.org

Photo of the Day: Red and White Flower Basket

2009-10-21T08:15:00.002-04:00

Queens Quay Revitalization Update

2009-10-20T16:19:00.004-04:00

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 with a beautiful linear park stems from a two-year long Environmental Assessment (EA) process that featured extensive public input.
The plan will be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) in November for approval, and the public will have a 30-day comment period during which they can review the full project report and provide feedback.
If approved by the MOE, Waterfront Toronto will begin schematic design for the entire project area from Spadina Avenue to Parliament Street. This first phase of design, which is expected to take about four months, will result in a comprehensive layout of the street from end to end and will be followed by detailed design work.
The construction of the revitalized Queens Quay will occur in phases to match funding availability. The first phase of construction, which will begin in the central waterfront, will be determined during schematic design. Phase one construction is expected to begin about one year after approval of the EA and will take 12 to 18 months to complete. The design and construction process will include numerous opportunities for public feedback.

via waterfrontoronto.ca

Photo of the Day: World Carfree Day 2009

2009-10-20T10:33:00.002-04:00

Thank You - Cyclists Paving the Way

2009-10-19T10:55:00.003-04:00

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 door into the street – sparing an oncoming cyclist the chance of collision – would qualify for a card, Bambrick says.

It's "a chance for cyclists to thank the drivers who do see them, and do treat them with respect and as fellow citizens," she added.

"We're trying to move away from the angry stuff that happened over the summer," she told a group at this weekend's BikeCamp T.O. event, which the union put on to discuss cycling issues.

Full Article.

Share Your Stories of thanking drivers for good behaviour in the Biking Toronto Forum

Nice to see the Union is embracing the notion that positivity ALWAYS gets more results than negativity. It's a concept more cycling advocates should wake up to.

Michael Bryant can't drive, so he's cycling

2009-10-19T09:26:00.002-04:00

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 Mr. Bryant shortly after the incident, said that Mr. Bryant would not be attending.

The accused faces charges of dangerous driving and criminal negligence causing the death of Darcy Allan Sheppard, 33, a bicycle courier who collided with Mr. Bryant's Saab convertible on Aug. 31.

Mr. Bryant was charged and released the next day without a bail hearing and was told to surrender his passport and refrain from driving.

He has since been spotted cycling.

Duncans City Ride: Trends in Bicycle Design and Use

2009-10-19T08:27:00.002-04:00

In the minds of many people there are just two categories of bicycles; road and mountain. A few know of a third category, the hybrids. And that's about it.
The problem is that each of these categories present a barrier to visualizing bicycles in everyday use, and in fact they don't even address that bicycles can be and are used daily as a method of transportation.
For example:
Mountain bikes are seen as weekend use, off-road only, daredevil tools.
And road bikes need to be accompanied by a matching spandex outfit, solid abs and massive quads.
Fortunately, neither of these beliefs are true as there are dozens of styles of bicycles and any one of them could help you get where you're going, deliver your groceries and take the family to school in the morning.
The Associated Press helps explain the newer trends in bicycle design and their use

Does your bike fit in to any of these categories? Share your ride in the BikingToronto Forum.

Photo via the BikingToronto Flickr Pool

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

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Weekly Events Newsletter:

Photo of the Day: Man in Hat with Suspenders on Bike

2009-10-19T07:38:00.002-04:00

Photo of the Day: Delivery

2009-10-18T14:51:00.002-04:00

Have ones to add? Share them in the Forum!

2009: A Good/Bad Year for Cycling?

2009-10-16T14:14:00.002-04:00

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 for cycling.

We are still 2.5 months from the end of the year, but let's start adding up the good things that have happened for cycling.

Even the Bryant/Sheppard incident is good for the discussion it has created.

Here are the quick six I thought of off the cuff for the Torontoist comment:

Todd, you seem to be falling into the "woe is me" mindset of many cycling advocates in this city in the writing of this article.
2009 has not sucked AT ALL for bikes in this city:

1) The fact that there is enough demand to hold a "BikeCamp"

2) Bikelanes approved for Jarvis, a major artery, ... and they are ones that aren't put in "where there is room" but actually replacing car traffic

3) The opening of Toronto's first BikeStation at Union Station, with more planned at City Hall and TTC stations.

4) The Bryant/Sheppard incident brought attention to the need to share the road with all road users.

5) Bike Store opens at First Canadian Place.

6) Toronto looks to repeat Montreal's success with Bixi bike rentals by exploring options for our own bikesharing system.

via the BikingToronto Forum

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.

Photo of the Day: The Stare

2009-10-16T08:23:00.002-04:00

Update on the Toronto Police Downtown Bike Blitz

2009-10-15T10:00:00.001-04:00

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 this "tweet" from the Toronto Police Services concerning a "blitz":

@TrafficServices: @DuncansCityRide There isn't an official bicycle enforcement campaign happening right now. Might just be divisional based enforcement.

This isn't to say, of course, that the police shouldn't be ticketing such offenses... it's not hard to stop at a red light (what makes cyclists so special that they can ignore traffic laws?) and at least downtown, the streets are safe enough to not HAVE to ride on sidewalks. Leave those for pedestrians.

Photo of the Day: Bicycle Film Fest

2009-10-15T07:50:00.002-04:00