Welcome to Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter to keep cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto.
CONTENTS:
1)
Post and Ring update
In response to recent reports of bicycle thieves breaking the rings on City post-and-ring racks, Transportation Services has temporarily suspended new post-and-ring installations until a secure solution is in place. A short-term solution is currently being tested, and is expected to be ready by mid-September. If the results of these tests are satisfactory, the City will resume new post-and-ring installations and replacement of damaged rings, using the temporary fix. The City is also working on a permanent solution for the 16,000 existing post-and-ring stands, to eliminate the problem completely. Options being investigated include a complete re-design of the bike ring. For more information and updates, please see the news release on our cycling web pages: www.toronto.ca/cycling/index.htm
It is important to note that, of the thousands of bicycle thefts each year in Toronto, the vast majority involve breaking the lock. Despite the recent publicity around the issue of bicycle theft, many bicycles can be seen locked with cheap locks, or locked to objects that are less secure than post-and-ring stands. Even a high-quality lock, when passed through the frame only, will not prevent the bicycle from being ridden away if the bike ring is broken, and thus represents a tempting target for thieves using this new method. Cyclists are advised to use the best quality locks, and to lock both the frame and at least one wheel, preferably using two locks. Using a U-lock and a cable forces thieves to use two different tools, and is even more of a deterrent. For more tips on how to lock your bike securely, please visit the Citys Bicycle User Group (BUG) web site:www.toronto.ca/bug/combat_theft.htm
If your bicycle was stolen and you believe a City bike ring was broken in the process, please report it to the Police and contact Transportation Services at 416-39-9253 or bikeplan@toronto.ca
2)
Bicycle Friendly Business Awards
It is that time of year again - time for all cyclists to nominate their favourite bicycle friendly business for a bicycle friendly business award. Help give your favourite business the recognition they deserve. Nominations are due September 8th, 5:00pm - so don't wait - send your forms in today! Visit www.toronto.ca/cycling/bfba to download a nomination form. Businesses can be nominated in more than one category and don't forget you can nominate your own business too!
3)
CAN-BIKE instructors make $18-$21/hr Hiring Now!
If you bike on a regular basis and want to share your enthusiasm for cycling
Train NOW and teach safe cycling as early as May 2007.
What do you have to do?
A) Be willing to make between $18-$21 dollars per hour
B) Successfully complete the CAN-BIKE 2 course starting September 17
C) Successfully complete the CAN-BIKE Instructor Workshop starting October 10.
Call 416-392-1311 or visit www.toronto.ca/cycling/canbike for details
4)
Escarpment Commission's Leading Edge 2006 Conference
Don't miss the Niagara Escarpment Commission's Leading Edge 2006 Conference
on sustainability, healthy communities and biosphere research! Taking place
in Burlington on October 4-6, 2006, this educational and interactive event
features over 15 plenaries, panels and workshops as well as 25 academic
presentations dealing with urban and rural planning, environmental
monitoring, transportation policy/design, energy, economics, media,
governance, biosphere protection and much more. Take advantage of the early
bird registration rates until Sept. 4th.
5)
Non-profit cycling org seeks individuals for long-term relationship
The Community Bicycle Network is currently seeking men to fill two vacant positions on the Board of Directors. To learn more about CBN, see www.communitybicyclenetwork.org. CBN is a community-based bicycle organization with the goal of promoting and stimulating healthy, active, and neighbourhood-friendly sustainable transportation initiatives within the City of Toronto. It houses an array of activities from bicycle repair and skills workshops, bicycle sharing and promotion programs, to speaker events and urban revitalization activities.
All CBN Board members serve as individuals committed to the purposes and mission of the CBN and to the important role of cycling and sustainable transportation in helping to shape the quality of life for all of Toronto's residents. Although Board members do not represent any particular community, constituency, or organization in Board service, the composition of the CBN Board should reflect as much as possible the character and nature of our community. We strive to maintain a gender balance on the Board, and encourage the commitment to anti-oppressive principles and accountability in our work.
Interested individuals should inquire at personnel@communitybicyclenetwork.org.
6)
TWRC surveys users on Queens Quay Martin Goodman Trail by Martin Koob
The trial run of the Martin Goodman Trail on Queens Quay is now complete. If you have had a chance to try it out there is an opportunity to send in your feedback to make suggestions to improve it and convince the powers that be that this should be made permanent.
I made 4 trips along this temporary section of the trail during the 10 days that it was open and what a difference it makes. Normally the ride through Toronto's central waterfront is a tortuous one. The two lanes of traffic are normally squeezed down to one and a half by a row of illegally parked busses or cars. Cars weave around them narrowing the space available for cyclists trying to squeeze through. The idling of the busses and cars pollutes the waterfront air with noise and exhaust fumes.
The last 10 days the ride was a dream, with the two east bound lanes of motorized vehicles replace with a wide bike path and stretches of grass and rows of geraniums. The Martin Goodman Trail was, temporarily, a connected continuous path from the Humber bay to the Eastern beaches. It was not a dream in the sense that it was perfect. There are definitely some kinks that need to be worked out. There were too many crossings of the path from parking lots and lane ways to the south. These will have to be combined and reduced. The traffic signals at the intersection did not work for west bound cyclists creating some confusion. These crossings would have to be improved for the permanent version with bike signal lights for trail users. The transitions from the two way path south of the streetcar tracks to the west bound bike lanes on Queens Quay has to be improved with a proper crossing to the north side of the street.
It was not a dream in the sense of a dream that you wake up from, although today we woke up to the old Queens Quay that will choke up with traffic. It is a dream in the sense of an ambitious plan. The dream of a continuous waterfront trail could come a large step closer to reality through the West8 design that was chosen as the plan for revitalizing the central waterfront.
The trial over the past few weeks helped Torontonians realize that it wasn't a fantasy. The obstacles that seemed insurmountable disappeared under rolls of sod west of York Street and behind rows of fences east of there. The idling busses found somewhere else to park. The taxis in front of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel queued up on the hotel's ramp. The crossings into the properties on the south side of the street were manageable but could use improvement.
The response that I saw from people using the trail was very positive. Even passers-by expressed surprise and delight as they realized what had happened. I stood around the bike arch for a while and watched reactions. The bike arch must have been the most photographed tourist attraction that week.
It is important for Toronto residents to make this positive response known to the politicians and the TWRC to ensure this dream becomes a reality. You can fill out the TWRC online survey. There is a place for written comments. Let them know what you liked, let them know what needs to be improved and let them know you want to see this become permanent as soon as possible. A call or e-mail to the Mayor and your Councillor would also help to build momentum behind this project.
7)
The cyclist who hit me has no idea...
A couple of years ago, in the fall, when I was in my early 80s, I was walking west on the sidewalk next to a Loblaws store when I stepped sideways a bit to get around a trash bin. A bike being ridden behind me knocked me down on the pavement. The rider was a young man in his mid-to-late 20s and was dressed as if he worked in an office. The cyclist was very sorry and he and another man picked me up and put me on a planter at the back of the sidewalk. He asked whom he should call for me and at my suggestion he called my daughter-in-law who said she would come down and get me. The young man apologized to me and took off on his bike this time riding on the road. My daughter-in-law took me to the emergency department of the hospital. I was in quite a bit of pain. My daughter-in-law was very angry that the cyclist had hit me when he was riding on the sidewalk AND that he had left me and taken off at the scene.
My hip was broken and I was admitted to the hospital to have it repaired. The police came to the hospital to see me but I had no identification for the bike rider as now-a-days there is no bike license to make a note of in order to identify the rider. The young man who hit me has no idea how seriously I was injured. I wonder if he is still riding on the sidewalk.
8)
2006 Commuter Challenge Ceremony
On August 3rd, 2006, the Grassroots BUG attended a ceremony in the Member's Lounge at City Hall to commemorate their victory at this year's BUG Commuter Challenge. Councillors Joe Mihevc and Sylvia Watson were on hand to present the Grassroots BUG with this years champions scroll. Congratulations must go out to the Grassroots BUG who were able to recruit an astounding 37 riders to this year's Group Commute and Breakfast at Nathan Phillips Square on May 29th, 2006.
9)
I Bike TO T-shirts at CBN
Want to stylishly announce your love for cycling in this fair city? Do it with an "I bike TO" t-shirt! These shirts are designed by Joe Travers of Biking Toronto, and are available in a variety of colours exclusive to the CBN. Twenty dollars supports the CBN and its award-winning programs AND promotes what we all do... bike Toronto.
10)
From Scorchers to Alley Cat Scrambles: The Amazing History of the Bicycle in Toronto - Sat, Sep 16 2006 2:00 pm
In preparation for the fast approaching Car Free Day, the Sierra Club of Canada, Ontario Chapter has been invited to journey back in time to a day when Toronto truly was a car free zone. Join fellow members and their guests as we visit 'From Scorchers to Alley Cat Scrambles: The Amazing History of the Bicycle in Toronto' at the Market Gallery. Curator Steve Brearton will be personally guiding us through this astounding collection, chronicling the profound impact the bicycle has
had on the social, political and economic life of our fair City.
Join us afterward (approximately 3:30pm)at the nearby C'est What Pub for drinks and discussion (full menu available). Special guests from the Community Bicycle Network, the Toronto Cycling Committee, Take the Tooker and the brand new Toronto Coalition for Active Transport (T CAT) have been invited to partake. Discover what's being done for the future of cycling in Toronto and learn how you can help leverage the upcoming municipal election in favour of improved cycling infrastructure.
From Scorchers to Alley Cat Scrambles: The Amazing History of the Bicycle in Toronto
2:00 PM Saturday, September 16th, 2006
The Market Gallery 2nd floor, South St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front
Street E., 416 392 7604
Drinks and Discussion to follow (approx. 3:30 PM) | C'est What Pub 67 Front Street E., downstairs
This is a free event, directed to Sierra Club members but open to all.
For information on the Market Gallery:
www.stlawrencemarket.com/gallery/index.html
For information on C'est What:
www.cestwhat.com/
11)
Dusk to Dark Bike Event - Sept 15 - historic Fort York
On September 15th., 2006, the first dusk to dark ride will take place, taking cyclists on a route along the city's waterfront. This is a ride modelled after the successful 'tour la nuit' ride which takes place every year during Montreal's bike week in early June. This year, their ride saw over 13,000 people participate. This being our first ride we are hoping to draw over 200 riders. All the money raised goes back into cycling culture and infrastructure with this years money going towards a one of a kind bike parking pad to be built at Historic Fort York.
12)
Upcoming CAN-BIKE Courses
For details visit www.toronto.ca/cycling or call 416-392-1311
Saturday September 9
CAN-BIKE Adult Learn to Ride 1
9-12pm or 1-4pm, Trinity Bellwoods
Sunday September 10
Kids CAN-BIKE
9:30-1:30pm, High Park
CAN-BIKE Adult Learn to Ride 1
10-1pm or 2-5pm, Birchmount
Sunday September 17
CAN-BIKE Adult Learn to Ride 1
9-12pm or 1-4pm, Etobicoke
CAN-BIKE 2
9:30am-4:30pm, Lamport
Saturday September 23
CAN-BIKE 1
9-3pm, James S. Bell
Sunday October 10
CAN-BIKE Instructor Workshop, 9:30am-4:30pm, Exhibition Place (CAN-BIKE 2 pre-requisite) Join the team of CAN-BIKE instructors at $18.41 - $20.32/hr. Four-day course.
13)
Ahead in the Bike Lane
September
Toronto Cycling Committee
Monday, September 18, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 2, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Bikeway Network Subcommittee
Wednesday, September 27, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 4, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Education and Safety Subcommittee
Monday, September 25, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Promotions Subcommittee
Wednesday, September 20, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Committee Room 2, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
Cycling and Transit Working Group
Tuesday, September 12, 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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