Welcome to Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter to keep cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto.
CONTENTS:
1)
City Council approves $3.0 million for cycling infrastructure
Great news for the cycling program! City Council adopted the Transportation Services 2006 Capital Budget on Monday, December 12, 2005, including $3.0 million for cycling infrastructure. Check future issues of Cyclometer to learn more about bike lane plans for 2006.
2)
City of Toronto 2006 Budget Schedule and opportunity for deputations
Remember to add the following dates to your new 2006 day-timer! Operating budgets will be debated by Council committees on the dates listed below. To find out more information about the Cycling Budget priorities, please contact Councillor Adam Giambrone, Chair of the Toronto Cycling Committee, at 416-392-7012. To make a deputation or to send a letter, please contact the appropriate administrator:
Operating Budget:
Monday, January 9, 2006
Planning and Transportation Committee - Operating Budget Review and Deputations
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Works Committee - Operating Budget Review and Deputations
Monday, January 16, 2006
Economic Development and Parks Committee - Operating Budget Review and Deputations
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Joint meeting of the Policy and Finance Committee and the Budget Advisory Committee and Deputations
March 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2006
City Council - Operating Budget
Contact information for the Standing Committees:
Budget Advisory Committee
Merle MacDonald, Acting Administrator, 416 392 7340, e mail: mmacdona@toronto.ca
Policy and Finance Committee
Patsy Morris, Administrator, 416 392 9151, e mail: pmorris@toronto.ca
Works Committee
Ros Dyers, Administrator, 416 392 8018, e mail: rdyers@toronto.ca
Economic Development and Parks Committee
Merle MacDonald, Acting Administrator, 416 392 7340, e mail: mmacdona@toronto.ca
Planning and Transportation Committee
Patsy Morris, Administrator, 416 392 9151, e mail: pmorris@toronto.ca
3)
Highway Traffic Act - new offence and how the fines add up
Heads-up cyclists! Section 142.1(1) "fail to yield to bus from bay" is the newest addition to the HTA that you need to know about. When a bus signals and attempts to leave a bus bay at the side of the road or from a transit station, cyclists and vehicle drivers must stop and allow the bus to exit. The set fine for non-compliance is $85 but you will end up paying $110. That's because, in addition to the set fine, a victim fine surcharge and court cost is added to every offence. Court costs are set at $5, but the victim fine surcharge varies with each offense with a high of $60 for careless driving/riding. Visit the Highway Traffic Act section on the website for updated information and a new format that shows the exact breakdown of total fines.
4)
Sue Zielinski Heads South
After 14 years at the City of Toronto, former Bicycle Commuter Programme Co-ordinator Sue Zielinski is heading straight for the belly of the beast. She's taken a position at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, not far from Detroit (MoTown). She'll be supporting the development of a new interdisciplinary research and academic program on New Mobility (sustainable transportation) that links the business school, the planning school, and the natural resources and environment school with a range of corporate and community partners. Having spent last year in Cambridge as a Harvard Loeb fellow, she deepened her interest in supporting the next generation of sustainable transportation thinkers and doers, so the move is a great fit and a logical next step from her new mobility work at the City.
Sue's transportation work started with cycling. Together with the Cycling Committee, she developed Bike Week over its first ten years, as well as the Bicycle User Group Programme, the BUGle, and the Bike Friendly Business Awards. She was also a founding member of the Bicycle Choir, the Community Bicycle Network, Detour Publications, Transportation Options, and the Bike Art Auction. Over the years she branched out to new but related endeavours, including Toronto's anti-smog strategy, the Green Tourism Association (www.greentourism.ca) which she co-founded, and Moving the Economy, which she has been working on almost exclusively since 1998. Moving the Economy focuses on the economic as well as the social and environmental benefits of connecting a wide range of innovative urban transportation modes and services.
But the bicycle shines through as her first inspiration and her transportation mode of choice. Sue says thanks to you for making Toronto more cycle friendly -- she'll miss seeing you ride by! Sue, we wish you all the best in your new adventure.
5)
Bike Rack Demo at Mountain Equipment Co-op
Still looking for an opportunity to try out the new bike racks on TTC buses. Stop by Mountain Equipment Co-op (400 King St.West) where there is a demonstration bike?rack waiting for you to try out. Bike racks on buses are a great way to get around the city if you have a long?commute, or in unpredictable winter weather. The rack will be on display in the store for the next two weeks. For more information visit http://www.ttc.ca and fill out an online survey to share your opinion on the bike rack project.
Bike Racks on Buses is a one year pilot project brought to you by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Toronto Cycling Committee. At the end of the 12 month project the TTC will conduct a review and decide if the project will be extended.
6)
Ride into winter with these tips for choosing tires
Winter has arrived and the road conditions are changing every day. Consider your options to help keep you riding safely.
- Lessen tire pressure to the low end of recommended range (written on tire sidewall) to increase traction.
- Thick-tread mountain bike tires will increase traction/grip on snow (particularly good for hard packed)
- Thin tires will cut through the snow (particularly good for slush) to the pavement.
- Studded tires: particularly good for ice. These are noisy and can be slippery on dry pavement.
- Full fenders are a must in wet and snow. You will be dryer and warmer.
- Adjust your fenders for max coverage and to allow for the buildup of snow on your tires. Add mud guards to the front fender to keep your toes dry. Old inner tubes work well for mud guards.
7)
Gifts for the Cyclist Who Thinks they Have Everything
Give the gift of safe cycling skills! Courses for every skill level are available and you get to join other cyclists for a fun and challenging experience. The 2006 CAN-BIKE schedule will soon be available on-line. Registration begins in February. www.toronto.ca/cycling/canbike
This holiday season, name a Yellow Bike For $75 (tax deductible) in honour (or spite!) of that special someone or thing in your life! Your gift will be accompanied by a gift-card and a photo of your personalized bike. Contact the Community Bicycle Network for more information. www.communitybicyclenetwork.org
Give the gift of art! The Community Bicycle Network's amazing 2006 Women and Cycling calendar is available at Mountain Equipment Co-op, Urbane Cyclist, Grassroots, Cycle Therapy, Toronto Women's Bookstore and of course, at Intersection (CBN's HQ) 761 Queen St. West. For only $15, this calendar is a steal! All proceeds raised from the sale of the calendars will go towards helping fund CBN.
TBN membership = Lifelong cycling passion! For experienced, and wannabe recreational riders; a TBN membership is your ticket to weekly scenic rides, mountain biking trails, social events, seasonal activities and invaluable resources and educational forums. Student and family rates available. Visit www.tbn.ca for more info!
And why not tuck a "Watch for Bikes" Sticker into the package or greeting card for anyone who drives a car. This sticker, affixed to the driver's side mirror, is a visual reminder to look behind before opening the door into the path of a cyclist. Free stickers are available at all Civic Centres. Check with your local bike store to see if they are still in stock. For more information or to see the sticker, go to www.toronto.ca/cycling/safety/watchforbikes/index.htm
8)
Celebrate the Solstice Wednesday December 21st
Kensington Karnival! Celebrate the Solstice at this annual spectacle in Kensington Market. Music and festivities start in the late afternoon but be sure to stick around and join the Market residents in awesome costume for the candlelight parade after sunset.
December 21 - Winter Solstice Party
Join the festivities at High Park! People of all ages are invited to participate in this event from 4-6pm on the winter solstice. Illuminate the shortest day of the year with your own handmade lantern. Then join the lantern procession through High Park, while listening to story tellers and drumming. Pre-registration is required and the cost is $4 per participant. For more information call High Park Nature Centre at 416-392-1748 ext 6.
9)
Ahead in the Bike Lane
Toronto Cycling Committee
Tuesday, January 17, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 2, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Bikeway Network Subcommittee
Wednesday, January 25, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Education and Safety Subcommittee
Monday, January 23, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Promotions Subcommittee
Wednesday, January 18, 2006, 7:30 p.m., Committee Room 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Cycling and Transit Working Group
Tuesday, January 10, 2006, 6:30 p.m., Committee Room 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
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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