Welcome to Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter to keep cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto.
CONTENTS:
1. Pedal Your Way to the Vote!
Monday, November 10th is the day you can help change your city! With the election quickly approaching it is important to cast your vote. You've probably seen the signs and heard the news everywhere. Why not take a look at your local Ward candidates?
This form (no longer available - see Election results for 2003) will help you identify what ward you are in, and who is riding in your ward.
Now comes the fun part. Who supports your view of the ideal city? Why not attend a local debate, or read about the issues in your local newspaper? Have you checked to see if your ward candidates have a website?
Finally, where to vote? 416-338-1111 is an information line that can do two things. First the operator can tell you if you are on the voters list. If not, don't worry, just bring a piece of ID which states where you are currently living. Second they can tell you where your local Polling station is. Most polling stations are a short walk (or shorter bike ride) from your residence!
Have any more questions? Check out the City of Toronto Elections website.
2. Bikeway Initiatives in the West End
Work is beginning on the upgrade to the Eglinton West Path in the west end of the City. This path upgrade is part of the Bikeway Network proposed in the Toronto Bike Plan. The portion of the path from Kipling Avenue to Islington Avenue was deemed to be the top priority, and work on this section will begin on November 17. This work should be completed by Spring 2004.
Bicycle lanes have been installed on Royal York Road from just north of Lake Shore Boulevard to Cavell Avenue, just south of the rail underpass. These lanes will improve cyclist access between the Waterfront Trail and the Mimico neighbourhood.
3. TCC Discusses St. Clair West Traffic Improvements - Nov 17, 7:00 PM
The Toronto Cycling Committee (TCC) will be meeting November 17th, 7:00 PM at Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St W.) in the Committee Meeting Room #2 to discuss issues relating to cycling in the city. As this is the final TCC meeting before the new city council is formed forming a nominations subcommittee will be a primary focus. We will also hear presentations regarding the St. Clair West Transit Improvements, the Bicycle Friendly Business Awards, and the Toronto Bike Plan year end progress report.
Everyone is more than welcome to come and join the discussion. Hope to see you there!
4. Bicycle Friendly Business Awards - Congratulations to La Palette!
Last month we welcomed seven new businesses to the esteemed ranks of the Bicycle Friendly Business Awards. All of these businesses make our city a better place to live and work! This month we want to feature our Overall Winner, La Palette, and tell you about what made them so unique.
La Palette is a restaurant in the Kensington Market area which serves a unique dining experience. The entire business is supported by bicycle! Every employee cycles to work and
none own a car. What about supplies? All beer and wine deliveries are made by tricycle and pedicab. Recently they purchased a Cargo Bike to their fleet. (Over the summer Cyclometer recipients learned all about the full capabilities of cargo bikes when Chala, one of the City of Toronto Cycling Ambassadors carried 160Kg from City Hall to 590 Jarvis St.)
But the staff of La Palette isn't just concerned with their own business, they love their community! La Palette has worked with other community members and businesses to set up a research project for making the Kensington Market area a car free zone. In co-operation with Red Pepper, Spectacle Arts and the Kensington Community they are helped to organize a street festival to demonstrate how fun car freedom can be.
To visit La Palette you can find them at 256 Augusta Avenue or by calling 416-929-4900. Discover the rest of the Bicycle Friendly Business Award recipients!
5. BRR! Time to Check Out the Cold Weather Cycling Tips
The Bicycle User Group (BUG) Network encourages cyclists at a workplace, in a neighbourhood, community or a school to work together to improve conditions for cyclists, or just to enjoy going on rides together. With the days getting shorter and temperature getting cooler many people think of putting their bikes away for the winter. Contrary to popular belief many cyclists continue to ride year round through the streets and trails of Toronto. It all has to do with proper cycling gear!
Dressing for the occasion will not only make you a warmer cyclist, but it will also help you to ride safely in all situations. Along the way, take a moment to check out the wonderful colours of Autumn!
Check out the BUG Network's Tips for Cold Weather Cycling.
6. Potholes can Flatten your Day
We get a lot of phone calls about potholes in our streets. Potholes are a minor inconvenience to automobiles, resulting in a minor bump, but to cyclists they can be much more hazardous. Potholes can result in a flat tire, a bent rim, or worse a major fall onto the roadway. To make things interesting the fallen leaves you see at the side of the road can hide some potholes. Dark weather can also contain surprises that can leave you in a rut.
Thankfully there's several things you can do about potholes. First is to be aware that they exist. Do you see a pile of leaves in the bike lane? It is probably best to do a shoulder check for cars, signal, and move around the leaves. If you're riding in the dark lights are not only mandatory they can help you spot possible potholes waiting to surprise you.
If you want to be proactive you can phone 311 to have the leaves in your roadway cleared. To report damaged roadways and potholes please call 416-599-9090 ext. 164.
7. One More Tool Against Theft - Register Your Bike
You spent the time to lock up your bike with an expensive U-Lock and a cable lock. You secured the wheels and removed the accessories. You doublechecked everything before you left. But your bike is gone! It is a good job you submitted your serial number to the police. Now there is a chance it can be recovered.
Bike theft is a major issue when leaving your bike on the street. The Toronto Police Service is working to reduce theft by offering bicycle registration. The process is simple. Print out the PDF form from their website, and bring it to your local police station or mail it to the address listed on the form.
If the stolen bicycle is found by the Police the information you supplied can be used to properly return the bicycle.
8. Ahead in the Bike Lane
- Toronto Cycling Committee Meeting:
Monday, November 17, 2003, City Hall Cttee Rm #2, 7:00 PM
- Education and Safety Subcommittee:
Cancelled
- Communications and Promotions Subcommittee:
Thursday, November 20, 2003, City Hall Cttee Rm #3, 7:00 PM
- Road and Trails Subcommittee:
Wednesday November 26, 2003, City Hall Cttee Rm #4, 7:00 PM
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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