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Issue # 96
August 2004 |
Welcome to Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter to keep cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto.
CONTENTS:
1) Nominations for the Bicycle Friendly Business Awards
The City of Toronto needs your help in finding businesses that are bicycle friendly! The Bicycle Friendly Business Awards (BFBAs) are presented annually to businesses and other organizations in Toronto that demonstrate leadership in encouraging cycling by employees and clients. Nominations are welcome from organizations, businesses and individuals.
The deadline to submit a BFBA nomination is Friday, September 3, 2004 at 5 p.m.
To see past BFBA winners and information on this year's awards ceremony please visit www.toronto.ca/cycling/bfba/2004.htm.
2) There's a New BUG in Town
If you are an East Yorker, or work or commute in East York check out the newly formed East York Bicycle User Group (BUG). To find out why you should join the East York BUG, a public information meeting is being held on Tuesday August 17th, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the S.Walter Stewart Library auditorium, 170 Memorial Park Ave. (behind the East York Civic Centre, at the NW corner of Coxwell and Mortimer).
Contact Eastyorkbug@hotmail.com, or call (647) 222-3634 for more information.
3) ToolWorks Season Launch
If you want to be a bike fix-it-yourselfer, but lack the skills and tools, consider ToolWorks.
On Saturday, August 21 from 1 to 3 p.m., ToolWorks, a Community Bicycle Network (CBN)
project, is offering a FREE bike mechanics workshop covering basic bike maintenance issues such as fixing flats, making sure your bicycle fits you, and keeping your bike ready to roll, safe and legal.
The Community Bicycle Network is located at 761 Queen Street West, Suite 101 (left hand door).
Email toolworks@communitybicyclenetwork.org to sign up, or just come to the workshop (note that space is limited). For more information visit www.communitybicyclenetwork.org.
ToolWorks is a fix-your-own-bike drop-in at CBN on Saturdays (1-3 p.m.), staffed by experienced volunteers. A basic set of tools, bike stand, and mechanical advice are offered for $5/hour.
4) Bike Camping in Toronto
Have you ever considered camping in Toronto? On August 3rd, the West Team Cycling Ambassadors went camping and took their bikes with them. They packed up bike trailers, racks and panniers with tents, sleeping bags and other camping supplies, and headed up the Humber River bike trail. The purpose of the event was to spread the message that bicycle tourism in Toronto is an option worth considering. Bicycle tourism is very popular in many parts of the world and allows travelers to experience the landscape interactively, while using a self-reliant, non-polluting form of transportation.
The Bicycle Tourism event was a success, drawing several media outlets to interview the Ambassadors and watch them pack their gear on the bikes, and head into the blue yonder. There are many options in and around Toronto for the fun and adventurous activity of bike tourism. Indian Line campground at Finch Ave West and Highway 427, and the Glen Rouge Campground in the Rouge Valley, are two locations for camping in Toronto. For more information visit www.trca.on.ca.
The Ambassadors participate in public events, and encourage the use of bicycles as an environmentally responsible way to get around town and beyond, for recreation and everyday transportation. Ride to a campsite, park, art gallery, a farmers' market, or wherever your pedals take you. You will get a different view of the city, and get a great sense of accomplishment once you arrive at your destination.
5) Helmets, Helmets, Helmets
Buyer be ware! Different bike stores carry helmets from different manufacturers, which all come with their own safety features. Organizations such as the Consumers Union and the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) are working to ensure that consumers get in depth information on products. To see the latest Consumer Reports ratings on bike helmets visit www.consumerreports.org, and to get updates on helmet safety studies and other helmet-related info see www.helmets.org.
A recent study on streamline helmet ejection by Professor Hugh Hurt from the Head Protection Research Laboratory shows that there is a possibility for the helmet to shift during impacts to the rear wedge. The impact tends to shift and in some cases eject the helmet off the head, probably due to its aerodynamic shape. To find the full report go to www.hprl.org/news/index.html.
Just in case you bought your latest bicycle helmet in the United States, note that the US Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling 46,000 helmets due to safety concerns. The helmet models in question are DBX Engage (VT-3), DBX Ravage (FX-2), and Geartec ESPY. The helmets were sold at Dick's Sporting Goods and KHS Bicycles throughout the US. To find out further details visit www.helmets.org or view the product recall press release at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04189.html.
To find out how to fit a bike helmet properly visit www.toronto.ca/cycling and follow the helmet link.
6) CBN Speaker Series features Amy Jarvis, celebrated Canadian Cyclist
Amy Jarvis has competed on high profile teams including the Canadian National Team, the Team Rona and the number 1 ranked North American team of Saturn Cycling. In addition she is a Clean Air Champion, who, as an urban cyclist will inspire and challenge us with her stories. This is a free event on Tuesday August 17, 2004 at 6:00 PM at the C'est What Pub/Restaurant, 67 Front St. East. Amy will also lead a post-event ride.
7) Ahead in the Bike Lane
Toronto Cycling Committee
No meetings
Cycling Promotion Subcommittee
(formerly the Communications & Promotions Subcommittee)
Thursday, August 19, 2004, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room No. 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
Bikeway Network Subcommittee
(formerly the Road and Trail Subcommittee)
Monday, August 23, 2004, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room No. 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
Bicycle Safety Subcommittee
(formerly the Education and Safety Subcommittee)
deferred until September 27, 2004
Transit Workgroup
To be announced
Car Free Day Workgroup
To be announced.
CAN-BIKE courses:
CAN-BIKE Adult Learn to Ride 2 (ages 14+): Saturday August 21, 9 am-12 noon
Centennial RC East, 1967 Ellesmere Rd. ($50/1 day) Call 416-338-0000 to register (course code 864736).
Kids CAN-BIKE (ages 9-13) FREE/4 day course. Monday/Thursday for two weeks, starting on August 23. Course available from 9am - 12noon or 1 - 4pm.
Flemingdon RC, 29 St. Dennis Dr. Call 416-338-0000 to register (course code 896829).
Kids CAN-BIKE (ages 9-13) $75/4 day course on Monday/Thursday for two weeks, starting on August 23. Course available from 9:30am - 12:30pm or 1 - 4pm.
Oriole CC, 2975 Don Mills Rd. Call 416-338-0000 to register (course codes 840419 and 840418).
CAN-BIKE Adult Learn to Ride 2 (ages 14+): Saturday August 28, 9am-12noon
Birchmount CC, 93 Birchmount Rd. ($50/1 day) Call 416-338-0000 to register (course code 885717).
CAN-BIKE Cycling Freedom for Women (ages 14 +) $75/2 weeks. A course taught for women by women each Saturday starting on September 4, 10am - 4pm Etobicoke Olympium 590 Rathburn Rd. Call 416-338-0000 to register (course code 803259).
The City has a vision for cycling in Toronto and wants you involved in making it happen. Cyclometer is a subscription service of the City of Toronto.
The first issue of Cyclometer went out on November 24, 1989. Now, as then, we hope that, like its namesake, Cyclometer will show you how far we've come, how fast we're going, and maybe how much pedalling we have yet to do. So get on board and get involved. Your support is important.
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