Welcome to Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter to keep cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto.
CONTENTS:
1) Bike Month Guide deadline
A. Are you planning a cycling event this spring?
Bike Month is from May 25th to June 25th, with Bike Month event guides distributed around Toronto throughout the month of May. If you would like your event, program or initiative to be included in the Bike Month Guide, please apply by Friday March 27, 2009 at 4 p.m. Bike Month event guides are distributed to all Toronto Bike shops, Public Libraries, Community Centers, Civic Centers, as well as a growing list of businesses and community hotspots. E-forms and paper forms.
Please direct any questions to cyclingevents@toronto.ca or by calling 416-392-7592.
B. Bike Month crew seeks volunteers
There's lots to do. If you have time, skills or preferably both, the Bike Month office would like to hear from you. There are always lots of miscellaneous jobs during events which can be facilitated by volunteers. There is no minimum time requirement you must commit to in order to be a general Volunteer during Bike Month.
If you are interested in committing at least 10 hours a week volunteering during the months of May and June there are also unpaid positions open for:
a Bike Month Volunteer Organizer, Bike Month Materials Distribution Co-ordinator, and a Cycling Events Facebook Administrator. More information.
Please direct any questions to cyclingevents@toronto.ca or by calling 416-392-7592.
2) CAN-BIKE job opportunities!
Get certified to teach cycling with the City of Toronto. Get paid for what you love doing - cycling! Here are the positions available:
CAN-BIKE Instructor ($19.63 - $21.66 per hour)
Empower your fellow cyclists to ride safely and confidently. Run weekend and evening courses ranging from most basic learn-to-ride to the most advanced on-road cycling techniques. The first step is to get your CAN-BIKE 2 certification. More information or call 416-392-1311 for schedule and further details.
Kids CAN-BIKE Camp Counsellor ($15.96 per hour)
Get the dream camp job this summer (full-time, June 15 - August 21): spend your days sharing your love of cycling with kids. Under your guidance the campers, age 9 - 13, will gain cycling skills and road smarts, with an exciting Bike Hike Adventure at the end of each week. Apply before March 13.
CAN-BIKE 2 certification is a prerequisite. More information or call 416-392-4524.
Please pass this information along to anyone you think might be interested.
3) Coldest Day of the Year Ride report
The second annual Coldest Day of the Year Ride went off on January 30 from City Hall with a healthy 70 - 80 excited riders following on our
initial event last year, including two cycling polar bears. Participants got free "Bike Winter 2009" thermoses and emergency bike lights from Mountain Equipment Co-op, and fine hot chocolates drinks from the Fairmont Royal York hotel (where the ride ended). Councillor Adrian Heaps (Scarborough - Rouge Valley) addressed the crowd and then led the ride.
The sun shone, it wasn't actually too terribly cold (only -6C), and people were quite happy to hit the streets in the name of winter riding. Thanks to all those who came and to our co-sponsors Mountain Equipment Co-op, Fairmont Royal York, as well as to supporters ZM Cycle Fitness and Crimestoppers.
4) Bike Art Show winners announced!
And we have the winners for 2009's Bike Art Show. See winning entries.
Congratulations to Jay Morrison, Linda Vanrekamp (who made a bicycle quilt!), and Bruce Lyon who came out top three in the popular vote, receiving fine prizes from our sponsors Crumpler Bags, Pages Bookstore and Dufflets Pastries.
5) Icycle Ice Race Returns - February 21
Toronto's annual bike race on ice returns February 21! With handbuilt ice tires rolling hundreds of tungsten screws per wheel, a gaggle of Toronto and out-of-town cycle messengers (and other die-hard ice-racers too) will be out in force on the ice rink in Dufferin Grove Park (one block south of Dufferin subway
station).
Studded race participation will cost but the rubber-only scratch race at night's end will be free. Bring a helmet if you're racing. Spectators are advised to dress warmly and yell loudly.
An afterparty will be held by the Bike Pirates, which is also a fundraiser for the injured Chris Kasztelewiscz.
Start time: 9 p.m.
End: Midnight
Defending champion: Jim 'Ice Bear' Kuz
Afterparty: 1292 Bloor St W. (at Lansdowne)
Ladies race: Yes
Bizarre costumes: Very possibly
Further information: Derek Chadbourne/The Bike Joint 415-532-6392
6) Toronto 'Winning Campaigns Training' Workshop from Thunderhead Alliance
The American bike advocacy coalition Thunderhead Alliance is presenting "Winning Campaigns" for leaders of provincial and municipal bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations, be they board members, staff or super volunteers.
The Thunderhead Alliance is partnering with the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation and the Toronto Cyclists Union to bring their signature Winning Campaigns Training to Toronto in March. Join your fellow bicycle and pedestrian advocacy leaders to learn from expert coaches and each other through the Alliance's proven curriculum on choosing, directing, and winning campaigns to increase bicycling and walking. After three days of fun and inspiring work with
leading experts in advocacy, you'll come away with the tools and confidence to not only advocate for improvements, but win them!
Location: Toronto, ON
Dates: Friday, March 27, 2009 through Sunday, March 29, 2009
Early registrations must be received by: Sunday, March 1, 2009 and cost $50
Regular Registrations cost: $75
You can register on-line.
7) Ahead in the Bike Lane
- Icycle Race - February 21, Dufferin Grove Park Rink, 9 p.m.
- Thunderhead/TCU workshop - March 27-29
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.
Please take the time to forward this issue of Cyclometer to a fellow cyclist who may be interested.
To change your e-mail address or edit your subscription, please unsubscribe and subscribe again with the new information.
