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Issue # 102
February 2005 |
Welcome to Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter to keep cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto.
CONTENTS:
1) Curious about you!
Curious about you!
We've all heard stories about cyclists who regularly commute mega-distances everyday to work. Or heard stories about that spectacular near miss - a collision that someone avoided through their skill and street smarts. Or seen dads or moms riding their kids to school before riding to work and heard about that favourite route, path or trail that makes getting around much easier? From route planning to city scenery to a favourite event ... what is your experience as a cyclist in Toronto? We're looking for a snapshot of stories that celebrate cyclists in Toronto. So whether you have a fashion tip, a brilliant way to store your bike or some helpful tips for drivers, let's spread the word. If you have such a story, please submit up to 600 words to cyclometer@toronto.ca by March 1, 2005. The most enticing stories will be considered for publication in the 2005 Toronto Cycling Guide.
2) Toronto Cycling Committee meeting February agenda - Feb. 14
Here's what's on the agenda for this month's Toronto Cycling Committee meeting. Visitors are welcome.
- Bike Week 2005 - a review of 2004 and discussion of plans for 2005
- Discussion of the functions and priorities of the Toronto Cycling Committee
- 2005 budget update
- Plans for the Bike Show display and more.
- Interested? Come out and join the discussion.
3) Remember these important dates!
Greetings cyclists. Just a quick note to remind you that Bike Week 2005 will kick-off on with the 16th Annual Group Commute and Pancake Breakfast on Monday, May 30 and run until Sunday, June 12. We are working diligently to bring you all of the exciting bicycle events you have come to expect. We are still looking for new events like group rides and commuter breakfasts. To find out more about hosting an event check the planning and promotions guide on the Web site. If you are planning to host an event this year be sure to return the registration form to us before the MARCH 25th DEADLINE. Keep pedaling!
www.toronto.ca/cycling/bikemonth/
4) See you at the show
Find out more about Bike Week, CAN-BIKE and more of the City's cycling programs by visiting us at the Toronto International Bicycle Show, National Trade Centre at Exhibition Place, March 4 to 6. Staff and Cycling Committee members will be on hand to answer all of your cycling related questions.
5) Is that a bike ... or is that a bike?
Pocket Bikes, Segway(TM) Human Transporter, Mopeds, Go-Peds, No-Peds, E-Bikes, Personal Mobility Devices... the array of new ways of getting around is ever-expanding. It's the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation to regulate any vehicle that operates on Ontario roads.
Here's the scoop from a recently released "Information Update on New Vehicles in Ontario" on what's legal and what's not:
- Limited-speed motorcycle/No-Peds can be operated as a motorcycle on roads in Ontario.
- Low-speed vehicles (defined as a motor vehicle, other than trucks, that are powered by an electric motor, designed to travel on four wheels and can reach a speed of between 32 and 40 km/h) cannot be operated on roads in Ontario.
- Electric and motorized scooters (Go-Peds) cannot be operated on roads in Ontario.
- Pocket Bikes (meant for closed circuit use only) cannot be operated on roads in Ontario.
- Personal Mobility Devices (Motorized Wheelchairs and Medical Scooters) - do not require registration, license plates, a driver's license or vehicle insurance. Disabled persons operating motorized wheelchairs are treated in the same way as pedestrians.
- Segway(TM) Human Transporter cannot be operated on roads in Ontario.
- Motor-assisted bicycles (mopeds) can be operated on roads in Ontario but are not allowed on 400 series highways.
- Power assisted/electric bicycles cannot be operated on roads in Ontario. This is currently under review by the Ministry of Transportation.
Municipalities regulate what is legal on sidewalks and on bike paths. Look for more on that in a future issue of Cyclometer.
6) Volunteers needed for Meals on 2 Wheels
St. Christopher House is looking for volunteer cyclists to participate in the Meals on 2 Wheels program in the downtown Toronto area. More than 140 fresh, hot and nutritious meals are delivered to homebound seniors and people with disabilities every day! St. Christopher House depends on the generosity of volunteers to be able to provide this essential service to countless isolated seniors in the community. In fact, for many clients who are isolated and live alone, Meals on Wheels provides an alternative to institutional care. In co-operation with other community services and volunteers, this program helps clients remain independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Please contact Jennifer Woodill if you can put your bike to work for a great cause! 416 532-4828 x105 or jenniferwo@stchrishouse.org.
7) Cycle Ontario Alliance/Ontario en Velo meeting
Lots of prizes to give away to members and supporters of Cycle Ontario Alliance/Ontario en Velo, at the annual general meeting Saturday, February 19, 2005 9a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Ontario Legislature Building rooms 228/230 on the second floor (Queen's Park). The east entrance will open at 8:45 a.m. for early arrivals.
All attendees MUST register in advance.
This is your chance, as a Cycle Ontario member, to:
- Review acheivements from 2004;
- Discuss priorities and direction for 2005 and beyond;
- Elect a new board of directors;
- Determine Cycle Ontario's action plan to respond to proposed helmet legislation for adults; and much more.
Nominations for the new board are wide open. If you want to make a difference through personnel management, grant development and community activism, this is your chance to step forward. For more information on the process please contact David Hunt and Nina Koskenoja: nominations@CycleOntario.ca
You must be a member to vote or speak. Memberships are available at the door or online. Once again, tasty breakfast pancakes and a veggie luunch will be available for $20. This must be ordered in advance, so please indicate it on your registration form.
8) CAN-BIKE 2005 schedule
The 2005 schedule will be available on February 15, at the CAN-BIKE Web site www.toronto.ca/cycling/canbike. You'll also find it in all Toronto Parks & Recreation FUN Guides, available soon for pick up at your local recreation and community centres or on-line at www.toronto.ca/parks/torontofun. Registration for CAN-BIKE opens up on February 15, and is ongoing. Check the Web site for updates and new courses added throughout the year. If you're interested in teaching CAN-BIKE there is one instructor course in the spring and one in the fall. Plan ahead and call 416-392-1311 for more information.
9) Ahead in the Bike Lane
Toronto Cycling Committee
Monday, February 14, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 1, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Bikeway Network Subcommittee
Wednesday, February 23, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 2, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Safety Subcommittee
Monday, February 21, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Promotions Subcommittee
Wednesday, February 16, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Toronto International Bicycle Show Toronto
Friday March 4 (noon - 9 p.m.), Saturday 5 (10 a.m. - 8 p.m.), Sunday 6 (10 a.m. - 6pm) National Trade Centre Hall A, Exhibition Place.
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.
Please take the time to forward this issue of Cycling News! to a fellow cyclist who may be interested.
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