Welcome to Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter to keep cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto.
CONTENTS:
* This issue of Cyclometer is full of meetings - important meetings about plans and policies related to the future of the City. Please take the time to add your voice to others on your vision for cycling in Toronto.
1)
City set to 'Cycle Right' - Police Traffic Enforcement Campaign June 13 - June 28, 2005
A two-week traffic campaign kicked off at police headquarters on Monday June 13, in an effort to ensure cyclists and motorists share the road safely.
The annual "Cycle Right" traffic blitz was developed to educate cyclists about the dangers of aggressive riding, improve cyclists' compliance with traffic laws and ensure the safety of everyone on Toronto roadways.
"You have the responsibility whether a driver, a cyclist or pedestrian to know that there are rules of the road," Const. Stephen Burns said. "Everybody has to have equal access to the road."
One cyclist is injured every 8.6 hours on city streets and each year about 1,200 cyclists are involved in collisions. However, police say that the blame for those collisions is usually split 50-50 between drivers and cyclists. Officers will be watching out for motorists who endanger the lives of cyclists, including opening vehicle doors improperly and those who park in designated bike lanes as well as cyclists whose aggressive riding puts themselves, pedestrians and motorists at risk. Cyclists riding on sidewalks, through red lights, weaving through traffic or riding the wrong way down one-way streets are common infractions.
"In order to ensure safety, motorists are reminded to check their blind spots," acting Insp. Walter McCourt said regarding drivers making turns, coming out of driveways and opening car doors. In 2004, officers laid over 2,200 charges and cautioned more than 800 cyclists. There are 169 bicycles in the Toronto Police Service fleet, 40 of those belong to the parking enforcement section. Over 1,000 TPS members are CAN-BIKE trained on using bicycles on the job.
2)
Public Open House on upcoming Don Valley Trail system closure on June 23, 2005
Later this year from approximately September/October 2005 through to early Spring/late Summer 2006, the Don Valley Trail system from Queen Street to Lakeshore Boulevard will be closed to public use while CNR's Kingston Rail Bridge over the Don River is expanded. As part of this project, the trail system will be improved, however during the construction period trail users will be required to divert to alternate routes to by-pass the construction zone. Signage informing of the closure and providing details on alternate routes will be posted later this summer.
The Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) with its partners including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Toronto are in the process of providing flood protection to 210 hectares of land currently at risk to flooding west of the lower Don River, which includes the entire Precinct Planning areas of the West Don Lands and East Bayfront.
The recently completed Class Environmental Assessment for the Lower Don River West Remedial Flood Protection Project (prepared for the TRCA) recommended two major components to address this flooding. First, is the construction of a flood protection landform and second is the expansion of the CN Rail Bridge (south of Eastern Avenue and north of the Gardner Expressway overpass). The proposed additional third span on the West Side of the bridge will increase the hydraulic flow capacity of the Don River under the bridge during periods of very high water.
As a component to the bridge expansion, the Don Valley Trail will be upgraded in this location by regularizing its routing (e.g. improving visibility) and providing a new and expanded underpass for the trail underneath the bridge. In addition, the project will include design for a new underpass of the Bala Rail Line which will connect the Don Valley Trail system to the future Don River Park, West Don Lands development, and downtown.
TRCA, in consultation with various stakeholders, is overseeing the expansion of CNR's Kingston Rail Bridge and the creation of the new Bala Rail Underpass, and has selected a design team to initiate detailed design for the project. The bridge expansion construction will require the closure of the Don Valley Trail from Queen Street south to Lakeshore Boulevard from September/October 2005 to Summer 2006. This will require trail users to divert to alternate routes to by-pass this construction zone. Detailed signage will be posted to this effect this summer identifying the timing and location of the closure and alternate routing in the vicinity.
Further information will also be made available at a Public Open House to be held at Metro Hall, Committee Room 307, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., on June 23, 2005.
Further information, inquiries can be made to Ken Dion, Watershed Resources Senior Planner, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority at 416-661-6600 ext. 5230 and/or Sean Harvey, Parks Planner, South District & Central Waterfront, City of Toronto at 416-392-8874.
3)
Toronto Cycling Committee Meeting - Monday June 20, 2005
Here's what's on the agenda for this month's Cycling Committee Meeting. Visitors are welcome.
- Union Station Revitalization Initiative - presentation
- Designing Toronto's Future Streets
- Nathan Phillips Square Redesign Competition
- Toronto Bike Plan Progress Report
- Meeting with the Mayor's Office about Implementing the Bikeway Network
- Bicycle Friendly Campuses Project
- Update on the "Door Prize" Campaign
- West Don Lands and East Bayfront Flood Protection - CNR Kingston Rail Bridge Expansion Bridge - Don Valley Multi-Use Trail Improvements and Temporary Closure
Interested? Come out and join the discussion. See Ahead in the Bike Lane for time and place or visit www.toronto.ca/cycling
4)
"The Door Prize" Campaign
On June 20, 2005, the City in partnership with the CAA will begin a targeted blitz to alert motorists of the dangers of opening a car door into the path of a cyclist. A brand new "Door Prize" card will be handed out with the sticker for the drivers' side mirror. Check our website at www.toronto.ca/cycling/ for more information on this campaign.
5)
Buses/Streetcars and Cyclists - safety comes first
Here's a quick update on what you need to know as a cyclist about riding safely with buses/streetcars and large vehicles:
- Yield to bus law came into effect January 2nd, 2004
In an effort to keep people moving in our cities and make transit more attractive to riders, a new law requiring drivers to yield to buses leaving bus bays came into effect on January 2, 2004. This law applies to cyclists as well as drivers. So be safe and don't leap frog with buses. If you are not able to stay in front of the bus, wait behind for a few minutes and let the bus get far enough in front so you don't have to negotiate passing. You can be charged for failing to yield to a bus and the fine is $90. For more information go to:
www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/faq/other.htm#ytb
- Stop behind streetcars unloading passengers
By law, you must pass streetcars on the right. When they stop to pick up or drop off passengers, you must stop two metres behind the rear door until all passengers have boarded or reached the sidewalk. If a safety zone has been designated for the passengers, this law does not apply.
- Any large vehicle - Keep a space cushion around you
There is no room for mistakes around large vehicles (buses, trucks, and streetcars). The message for both drivers and cyclists is 'keep your distance'. Whenever possible, stay behind, don't pass in the same lane, and be especially wary at intersections with turning vehicles and when starting from a stop.
6)
Getting there is ALL THE FUN at Bike Week 2005
The response to this year's Annual Group Commute and Pancake Breakfast was truly overwhelming. I've heard a lot of numbers thrown around about the number of cyclists that came down Yonge Street and I think it is safe to say that over 500 people took part. This is the biggest ride ever. In addition to the five traditional start points, individuals and community groups organized seven other start points. We also had strong councillor support this year. Councillors Chow, Fletcher, Giambrone, Davis, De Baeremaeker, Mihevc, Pitfield, Saundercook and Watson all joining the ride from the start point closest to their respective wards. Mayor David Miller led the group from Yonge and Bloor. The media was also out in force. Global's "Eye in the Sky" helicopter followed the group's progress down Yonge St. At City Hall the Mayor had time to talk live to reporters from City TV and Global before taking the stage to declare Bike Week officially launched and hand out the proclamation to the Cycling Committee. Hundreds more cyclists joined the breakfast at City Hall. The weather was fantastic and by all accounts everyone had a great time. These good times rolled through the lunch hour as Nathan Phillips Square was taken over by cycling groups and environmental organizations demonstrated the bicycle's contribution to the making Toronto a more livable city for the more than one thousand people who drifted through the square. The lunchtime event was also covered live on CTV's noon news. This has definitely been the biggest launch day ever. At the time of writing this, Bike Week is still rolling on so be sure to read next months issue of Cyclometer for a complete run down of all the good times.
Keep pedaling. www.toronto.ca/cycling/bikemonth/.
7)
City seeks resident input on Designing Toronto's Future Streets - public meetings
The City of Toronto wants to hear from residents, members of the development industry and other interested parties to get their feedback on a range of standardized designs for new residential streets and lanes. The City will be hosting a series of workshops to find out what Torontonians think about the design of their streets.
Workshops
West Public Workshop
Tuesday, June 14
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Assembly Hall, North Room
1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive
East Public Workshop
Wednesday, June 15
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Scarborough Civic Centre, Cttee Rm. 1 & 2
150 Borough Drive
North Public Workshop
Tuesday, June 21
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Fairview Library, Room A
35 Fairview Mall Drive
South Public Workshop
Thursday, June 23
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Metro Hall, Room 310
55 John Street
Residents interested in attending are encouraged to register by calling 416-392-9365.
The design of new residential streets must satisfy a broad range of objectives established to improve the quality of life for all its residents and visitors and make Toronto a clean and beautiful city. These objectives include:
- Creating a safe and comfortable pedestrian environment;
- Allowing adequate access for emergency vehicles, as well as cars and bicycles;
- Improving access for persons with disabilities;
- Increasing the number of trees in the city;
- Allowing for clean and efficient waste collection services;
- Providing sufficient space to accommodate telecommunications, energy and water infrastructure provided by utility companies and the City, and creating maintenance and servicing efficiencies.
Once finalized and implemented the new standards will provide certainty and clarity for developers, while ensuring the City achieves the quality required by its existing and future residents and businesses.
In addition to attending a workshop, residents can submit their comments to the project team through the project web site at www.toronto.ca/involved and clicking on the Designing Toronto's Future Streets icon. The Web site also features detailed information about the project, staff reports and proposed street cross-sections, an online survey for the public and members of the development industry and more. The project team will also be inviting residents of selected areas throughout the City to participate in walking tours of their neighbourhoods to discuss the features of their streets.
For more information, contact Louis Tinker, Public Consultation Co-ordinator at 416-392-4331 or email to dips@toronto.ca.
8)
Province And City Conducting Sessions on Toronto Legislation on June 22, 2005
The Government of Ontario and City of Toronto have announced they will be jointly consulting the public on a new legislative framework for Toronto.
The province is currently working with the city to develop proposed legislation to provide Toronto with the tools it needs to thrive in the global economy and as the economic engine of Ontario. The Strong Toronto, Strong Ontario consultations will allow members of the public to provide input to MPPs and City Councillors.
"This is important legislation for the people of Toronto and all Ontarians," said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Gerretsen. "By building a strong Toronto, we are in turn building a strong Ontario."
"A new City of Toronto Act could give Toronto's government broad new powers that no city in Canada has had before," said Toronto Mayor David Miller. "Both governments want to hear from Torontonians while the legislation is being developed."
The province and the city are co-hosting simultaneous Strong Toronto, Strong Ontario consultations on Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. The five sites will be linked through video conferencing:
St. Lawrence Market - North
Front St. & Jarvis St. (northwest corner)
Mid-Scarborough Community Centre
2467 Eglinton Ave. E. (at Kennedy Rd.)
Etobicoke Collegiate
86 Montgomery Rd. (north of Bloor St.)
Mitchell Field Community Centre
89 Church Ave. (south of Finch Ave., east of Yonge St.)
Elmbank Community Centre
10 Rampart Road (Martin Grove Rd. & Finch Ave W.)
Please call Access Toronto at 416-338-0338. TTY Line 416-338-0889. Registration phone lines are open weekdays, 8 am to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, from 10 am to 2 pm. Seating at the consultations is limited.
For more information, visit www.toronto.ca/david_miller/torontoact.htm.
9)
Ahead in the Bike Lane
* Please see articles for dates, locations and times of other meetings.
Toronto Cycling Committee
Monday, June 20, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 1, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
Bikeway Network Subcommittee
Wednesday, June 29, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
Safety Subcommittee
Monday, June 27, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
Promotions Subcommittee
Wednesday, June 22, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
CAN-BIKE COURSES - Please visit www.toronto.ca/cycling/canbike and check the 2005 schedule for complete details or call 416-392-1311.
Saturday, June 18
CAN-BIKE ALR1 9am-12pm or 1-4pm Cummer Park
Sunday, June 19
CAN-BIKE ALR1 9am-12pm Agincourt RC
CAN-BIKE ALR2 1-4pm, Agincourt RC
Saturday, June 25
CAN-BIKE ALR2 9am-12pm or 1-4pm Cummer Park CC
Sunday, June 26
CAN-BIKE ALR1 10am-1pm, Birchmount CC.
CAN-BIKE ALR2 2-5pm, Birchmount CC
Wednesday, July 6
CAN-BIKE 2 6-9pm, Lamport Stadium
Saturday, July 9
Kids CAN-BIKE 1-5pm, Birchmount CC
CAN-BIKE ALR1 9am-12pm or 1-4pm Etobicoke Olympium
CAN-BIKE ALR2
9am-12pm, Etobicoke Olympium
1-4pm, Centennial RC
Sunday, July 10
CAN-BIKE ALR1
9am-12pm, Etobicoke Olympium
9am-12pm, Agincourt RC
10am-1pm, Earl Bales CC
CAN-BIKE ALR2
1-4pm, Agincourt RC
1-4pm, Etobicoke Olympium
1:30-4:30pm, Earl Bales CC
Wednesday, July 13
CAN-BIKE 2 6-9pm, Lamport Stadium
Sunday, July 17
CAN-BIKE ALR1
9am-12pm, Centennial RC
1-4pm, Earl Bales CC
CAN-BIKE ALR2 1-4pm, Centennial RC
CAN-BIKE Cycling Freedom for Women 1-5pm, Earl Bales CC
Monday, July 18
Kids CAN-BIKE
10am-1pm, Palmerston Library
2-5pm, Palmerston Library
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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