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Issue # 124
December 2006 |
Welcome to Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter to keep cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto.
CONTENTS:
1)
New Motion for Mandatory Helmet Use
On Thursday, December 14, John Milloy, MPP for Kitchener Centre will introduce a Motion in the Ontario Legislature aimed at enhancing cyclist safety.
Milloy's Motion will ask the provincial government to make helmets mandatory for all those who cycle on Ontario's roadways as well as request that the government enhance helmet education programs for cyclists, in-line skaters, and skateboarders. Finally, the Motion also asks the government to ensure that any safety campaign address broader issues, including the role motorists have in ensuring the safety of cyclists on our roads.
A Motion is different than a Bill. While a Bill proposes new Legislation, a Motion seeks the agreement of the Members of the Ontario Legislature on a certain issue in order to encourage the government to introduce legislation or a specific policy in response.
The debate will take place on December 14 from 10AM - 12 NOON at Queen's Park. To view the Motion in its entirety, please visit: http://www.ontla.on.ca. Scroll down to Ballot Item Number 68.
2)
Bike Lockers Still Available
Are you thinking of riding through the winter but you'd like a dry place to park your bike? Look no further! There are still a few Bike Lockers available at the following locations:
- Downsview subway station
- Finch Subway station
- U of T (371 Bloor West - SE corner of Bloor and Spadina - rear parking lot)
- Exhibition Place (near the GO Station)
Stay tuned for new locations: Metro Hall and Toronto Island Ferry Docks - coming soon!
3)
A great gift idea for a new or experienced cyclist.
Finding it difficult to shop for holiday gifts? What about 'gifting' a CAN-BIKE course for friends or family. It's a great way to have some fun, learn some new skills and meet some new people. The CAN-BIKE schedule is available for 2007 with a wide variety of CAN-BIKE courses for every level and age of cyclist. Check out our courses for kids from 9 - 13 years and our pre-driving course for teens. Commuter or recreational riders will enjoy some new challenges and gain some interesting safety strategies. As we say in our brochure under our CAN-BIKE Cycling Freedom for Women courses, "She who succeeds in gaining the mastery of the bicycle will gain the mastery of life." by Frances E. Willard, 1850. Great value at a low cost! The 2007 CAN-BIKE schedule will be posted shortly at: www.toronto.ca/cycling/canbike/index.htm
4)
Merchants of Green Coffee Takes the Bike Pledge!
Merchants of Green Coffee joined the City of Toronto last week in its efforts to make Toronto more bicycle friendly by signing the Bike Pledge and becoming part of the Bicycle Friendly Recognition Program (BFRP). The Pledge helps businesses and organizations lead by example by emphasizing on the need for clean, sustainable, and cost-effective transportation choices. By signing, Merchants of Green Coffee has joined 18 other businesses and organizations across the City in promising to become even more bike friendly within the next three years. All participants in this program receive a "Bicycle Friendly Business" sticker to display in their store windows, as well as a formal letter from the Mayor thanking them and recognizing the importance of this commitment.
5)
Steve Merker, Executive Director of the OCA, moves to Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
November 21, 2006 (Toronto, ON) - The Ontario Cycling Association (OCA), the provincial governing body for cycling in Ontario, announced today that Steve Merker, its Executive Director, will take up new challenges at the end of the year to pursue a career opportunity with the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.
"Steve has made significant contributions to cycling and has built a strong rganization," said Jim Crosscombe, OCA President. "I sincerely wish him the best of luck in his new endeavour, and I am confident that he will be able to bring as much to his new organization as he did for the OCA."
Under Merker's stewardship, the association increased revenues from $535K to almost $1 million, grew membership numbers from 7,500 to 10,000, helped facilitate the Citizen Permit membership program, On-line registration, and refocused a commitment to improving support to the High Performance program. With several new projects in the pipeline for 2007, there is nowhere to go but up.
Merker observed "We have achieved much of what we planned for the organization; however, there is still some great upside for the OCA. Focusing on youth programs and financial responsibility will ensure the continued long term success of the OCA. At this moment I would like to wish all athletes, coaches, organizers, my colleagues across the country, and indeed all staff, the very best for the future."
Steve worked hard to help revitalize the Ontario CAN-BIKE Instructor Committee and was a key resource in the Bicycle Safety Partnership's KIDS CAN-BIKE CAMP this summer. Thanks, Steve.
6)
Winter Riding TIPS:
If you decide to ride through the winter there are many helpful tips to make your commute an enjoyable winter activity. The following are a few things to think about as the weather starts to get colder.
- If you are inflating your bike tires outside in cold temperatures, be careful not to pump them up to the maximum allowable pressure. The air pressure in your tires will increase if you bring your bike indoors to a considerably warmer temperature and they could burst!
- Never underestimate the value of fenders. Fenders will keep you nice and dry on those slushy, wet winter days.
- Bike locks can freeze in cold weather and leave you stranded. Keep your lock key hole oiled or use graphite lock lubricant to prevent freezing. You can also carry a lighter in case your lock freezes and you need to thaw it out. And remember, when you lock your bike try to keep the key hole facing down to prevent water from getting inside.
For these and more winter tips visit the Bicycle User Group Network website at www.toronto.ca/bug/cold_weather.htm
7)
Ahead in the Bike Lane
Look for information on the Toronto Cycling Committee in the next issue of Cyclometer.
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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