BikingToronto

Photo of the Day: Past The Angel

2009-11-21T13:23:00.002-05:00

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Weekly News Wrap-Up: Bikelane Parking and Bike-Friendly Business Awards

2009-11-20T10:57:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday to you. Here's all the New stuff! :)

Bikelane Parking Action Alert
The Toronto Cyclists Union has a campaign going now to not only increase the amount of the fine someone gets for parking in a bikelane, but also to get parking enforcement officers to pay attention to bikelane parkers more: Lend your voice in support of added enforcement for parking/stopping

Nominations Open for Bike-Friendly Business Awards
Do you know a business that deserves to be recognized for embracing bikes and cyclists like they deserve to be? Here's news from Cyclometer: Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards. Consider honouring your local business or organization by nominating them for a 2009…

Eglinton LRT includes Bikelanes
It's good to hear that like other LRT lines, the Eglinton Crosstown plans include bikelanes. :) TTC to talk Eglinton line, critics wary A draft plan of the 35-kilo-metre route -- which runs from Pearson Airport in the west to Kennedy Station in the east -- will be considered…

Weekly News Wrap-Up: Public Bike System
Happy Friday to you. It's been a slow news week... and that's okay! :) The Walrus looks at Toronto's upcoming Public Bike System Interesting post on the Walrus' blog last month on the forthcoming Public Bike System (or Bixi Toronto) planned to launch in 2010: Driving the Lane: Toronto…

Photo of the Day: Into The Gold

2009-11-20T10:53:00.002-05:00

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Bicycling Travel Allowance in Union Contract

2009-11-19T10:53:00.002-05:00

A CUPE local in Ottawa has negotiated a bicycling travel allowance:

Members of CUPE 3942 who work as mental health and social services workers at the Ottawa Salus Corporation have bargained what is a first for a CUPE Local: a bicycling travel allowance. A section of the Local’s Collective Agreement that deals with expenses now allows for members to file claims for travelling by bicycle. Specifically, the language states:
An employee who has travelled by bicycle for work purposes in excess of 100 kilometres between April 1st and October 31st may claim an allowance of $0.20/km to a maximum of fifty dollars ($50.00) towards the upkeep of such bicycle and related safety equipment. Such claim itemizing bicycle journeys will be made by November 30th of each year.

While this rate of reimbursement falls short of what is granted for private motor vehicle use, it is still a bold step in legitimizing bicycles for work transportation purposes. Ottawa is one of Canada’s more bike-friendly communities. Members of Local 3942 will certainly benefit from this extension of allowances to a green form of transportation.

CUPE's website has some good pointers on making "green" transportation a priority for workplaces:

Transportation to, from and during work has a huge environmental impact. For example, single-occupancy driving day-in and day-out for work is not a green practice. Likewise, work-related air travel negatively impacts the climate.
There are greener transportation choices available, such as using public transit, bicycling, walking, carpooling, car-sharing, low-emission vehicles and other options. Green collective agreement provisions to support more environmental transportation would cover financial incentives and disincentives and support programs, such as:

* Employer-provided/supported public transit passes.
* Employer-provided/supported shoe allowances for workers who walk to work.
* Employer-provided/supported bicycle lock-up, showering facilities and flexible work schedules for bicycle commuters.
* Grants or loans to employees for bicycle purchases.
* Reimbursement for work-related bicycling kilometrage.
* Car-sharing schemes.
* Financial disincentives, such as employees paying for parking spaces for single-occupancy drivers.
* Employer-purchased legitimate carbon offsets for workers who must travel by air.

UNISON – a British trade union – has been very active in helping to develop Green Staff Travel Plans for its members that build on many of these points.

via the Biking Toronto Forum

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Photo of the Day: That's The Ticket

2009-11-19T08:17:00.002-05:00

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Bikelane Parking Action Alert

2009-11-18T09:41:00.002-05:00

The Toronto Cyclists Union has a campaign going now to not only increase the amount of the fine someone gets for parking in a bikelane, but also to get parking enforcement officers to pay attention to bikelane parkers more:

Lend your voice in support of added enforcement for parking/stopping in bike lane infractions, and to double this fine from $60 to $120.
RE: Toronto Police Services Board meeting, Nov 19, 2009

The Toronto Cyclists Union will be making a written and in-person deputation asking that the fine for parking / stopping in a bike lane be doubled to $120, and that Toronto Police - Parking Enforcement be compelled to have it's officers begin prioritizing the ticketing of all manner of vehicles stopped or parked illegally in bike lanes throughout the city.

**Please take 5 minutes before 10am on Thursday November 19th to email your support for both of these requests being made on your behalf by the Toronto Cyclists Union.

The Union is also giving people some sample text to email to the Toronto Police Services Board in advance of the meeting... which I have made into an autofilled email link (clicking on this should pre-populate an email in your email client - I've tested it in Outlook, at least):

Subject: Bike Lane Parking Enforcement and Fine Increase

As a cyclist (and occasional driver) in Toronto, I would like to express my support for an increase in the set fine amount for parking / stopping in a bike lane to $120.

Additionally, I believe that Parking Enforcement Officers should prioritize more rigorous enforcement of the no-stopping in bike lanes bylaw.

Cars, delivery trucks and buses parked in bike lanes are a serious threat to the safety of cyclists in Toronto. Cyclists are most vulnerable when they are forced to move out of a bike lane to go around motor vehicles stopped in the lane dedicated to the safe passage of cyclists.

Sincerely,
Your name
Toronto Cyclists Union member / supporter.

Click here to open an auto-filled email, and customize it to your liking. :)

via the Biking Toronto Forum

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Photo of the Day: Stretch

2009-11-18T08:15:00.002-05:00

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BIXI is ready for Toronto, is Toronto ready for BIXI?

2009-11-17T22:15:00.002-05:00

Great post from The Urban Country about some previously unreleased details about the Bixi public bike system that Toronto is getting next year:

Photo by James D. Schwartz / The Urban Country

After a successful launch in Montreal last May, BIXI has served more than 1 million users – an amazing accomplishment for its first year.

The system is however shutting down now as Montreal prepares for the ensuing winter. On November 1st, BIXI started taking down the less frequently used stations and BIXI rentals will no longer be available after November 30th – making its triumphant return in May 2010.

But fear not Torontonians - I have been told the BIXI system in Toronto will have no such restrictions! The city plans to keep Toronto’s BIXI system open all-year-round! A detail that has previously not been released and I had to pry out of City Hall.

A recent article on BIXI in Toronto by Walrus Magazine re-ignited my BIXI nostalgia. You see, I had tested out the BIXI system in Montreal in July for 4 days and although the system isn’t perfect, I was amazed at the possibilities it has for cycling culture in Toronto.

The City of Toronto had indicated it would release more details in Fall 2009 in its May 26th Staff Report – but these details have yet to be released.

The Walrus Magazine article unfortunately left me with more questions than it had answered, so I began my own quest to get more information on a BIXI system for Toronto.

Nominations Open for Bike-Friendly Business Awards

2009-11-17T16:32:00.001-05:00

Do you know a business that deserves to be recognized for embracing bikes and cyclists like they deserve to be? Here's news from Cyclometer:

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards.

Consider honouring your local business or organization by nominating them for a 2009 Bicycle Friendly Business Award. When you nominate a cycle friendly business, you’re recognizing their efforts to encourage cycling in our city.

Previous award winners have proven their commitment to cycling through a variety of initiatives such as providing secure bike parking, shower and change facilities, and offering economic incentives for employees who cycle to work.

These businesses and organizations demonstrate leadership in encouraging cycling by employees and/or customers. By supporting this cycling friendly mentality, you will help in creating incentive for other businesses to follow suit.

The 2009 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards will be presented at a special ceremony on Tuesday, January 19, 2010, in partnership with the Toronto Cyclists Union.

Nominate a business or organization on-line or receive a paper copy by calling 416-338-5086 or emailing cyclingevents@toronto.ca.

Award categories:

Best Bike Parking
Bicycle-Friendliest Suburban Business
Bicycle Commute
Best Small Business (up to 99 employees)
Best Large Business (100 employees and over)
Best Skills Development
Best Overall
The nomination deadline is Tuesday, December 17, 2009 at 5 p.m.

The City of Toronto would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2009 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards: Toronto Cyclists Union, Dufflet Pastries, Live Metal Works.

via the Biking Toronto Forum

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Eglinton LRT includes Bikelanes

2009-11-17T16:30:00.001-05:00

It's good to hear that like other LRT lines, the Eglinton Crosstown plans include bikelanes. :)

TTC to talk Eglinton line, critics wary

A draft plan of the 35-kilo-metre route -- which runs from Pearson Airport in the west to Kennedy Station in the east -- will be considered by the Toronto Transit Commission today.

While about 10 kilometres of the line would be buried through mid-town Toronto, its path through suburban sections of Etobicoke and Scarborough calls for a prohibition on left-hand turns at many major intersections and the creation of U-turn lanes mid-block so vehicles can change directions to access businesses or north-south corridors.

It would also create bike lanes along much of Eglinton.

Full Article

via the BikingToronto Forum

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Photo of the Day: The End of the Day

2009-11-17T08:51:00.002-05:00

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Cycling Events This Week: Nov. 16 - 22

2009-11-16T09:19:00.002-05:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Mon, Nov 16 6pm-7:30pm
Help Shape TCAT's Platform

TCAT welcomes all supporters and friends to attend a short evening of discussion and consultation to join us in shaping TCAT's Platform for 2010.

http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=460&replies=1#post-1640

Wed, Nov 18 10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

The nature of the Wednesday day rides known as the "Wednesday Wheelies" might be the best-kept secret in the TBN. Wednesday Wheelies are social, tourist-level rides that cover routes similar to the popular Country Cruises, but which have the glorious advantage of roads, often busy with traffic on a Sunday, being nearly deserted mid-week.

http://www.tbn.ca/cycling/wheelie.htm

Wed, Nov 18 6pm-9pm
Green Drinks Toronto @ Grace O'Malley's

[Grace O'Malley's, 14 Duncan Street (just north of King Street - 2 Blocks west of St Andrew Subway, Toronto, ON] (Google Map)

Every month people who work or have an interest in the environmental field meet up for a beer at informal sessions known as Green Drinks.

We have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, students, government and business . Come along and you'll be made welcome. Just say, "are you green?" and we will look after you and introduce you to whoever is there. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171544544484

Photo of the Day: Passing

2009-11-16T09:16:00.002-05:00

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Duncans City Ride: The World Now Knows Toronto Has Cycle Chic

2009-11-15T14:40:00.003-05:00

Congratulations!
416CycleStyle
CopenhagenCycleChic

via Duncan's City Ride

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Photo of the Day: Streetcar Speed

2009-11-15T14:10:00.002-05:00

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Weekly News Wrap-Up: Public Bike System

2009-11-13T11:59:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday to you. It's been a slow news week... and that's okay! :)

The Walrus looks at Toronto's upcoming Public Bike System
Interesting post on the Walrus' blog last month on the forthcoming Public Bike System (or Bixi Toronto) planned to launch in 2010: Driving the Lane: Toronto Prepares for Public Bicycling Toronto’s updated plan, modeled after Montreal’s two-year old BIXI and the 20,000–strong Vélib “shared bicycle” program in Paris, proposes…

Photo of the Day: Live Your Dreams to the Max

2009-11-13T11:57:00.002-05:00

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Photo of the Day: Slick Streets

2009-11-12T13:01:00.002-05:00

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Photo of the Day: I'll Follow The Sun

2009-11-11T07:39:00.002-05:00

There's one day of the year when the setting sun aligns with the Toronto street grid creating a stonehenge solstice effect. We're almost there. King Street on Sunday, Oct. 18th.

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Photo of the Day: Red, and Green, and Yellow, and Purple, and Blue ...

2009-11-10T08:09:00.002-05:00

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The Walrus looks at Toronto's upcoming Public Bike System

2009-11-09T23:11:00.003-05:00

Interesting post on the Walrus' blog last month on the forthcoming Public Bike System (or Bixi Toronto) planned to launch in 2010:

Driving the Lane: Toronto Prepares for Public Bicycling

Toronto’s updated plan, modeled after Montreal’s two-year old BIXI and the 20,000–strong Vélib “shared bicycle” program in Paris, proposes a start-up service area bounded by High Park in the west, Broadview Avenue in the east, Bloor Street in the north and Lake Ontario to the south. The projected system — roughly 300 rental stations with an initial capacity of 1,000 bicycles, to be increased to 10,000 over the next decade — will inevitably place a greater number of commuters on some of the city’s busiest roads. As a public transportation venture, a bicycle system presents a unique safety imperative. But are bike lanes the solution? Beyond their formidable logistic and financial considerations, would separate lanes ease the competing interests of cyclists and motorists?

I call city councillor Adrian Heaps, chair of the Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee. Beyond novelty users at the program’s inception, he expects that a public bicycle system will appeal to three distinct categories of riders: those who typically use taxis to travel short distances, those who currently use car-share services for shopping trips, and, in non-winter months, tourists. Ultimately, the councillor says, the TCAC’s goal is to reduce car traffic in the downtown core, not to convert drivers outright. Ideally, cyclists and drivers would learn to share without incident. Heaps, though, is skeptical about the partitioning of bike lanes on existing roads as an easy remedy. “Putting a bucket of paint on the road doesn’t make a safer bike corridor,” he says. “It comes down to mutual respect.”

Full Article

Discuss this on the Biking Toronto Forum

Cycling Events This Week: Nov. 9 - 15

2009-11-09T13:47:00.002-05:00

What's on this week:

View more than the next week on the BikingToronto Events Page.

Tues, Nov 10 10am
Bloor Corridor Visioning Study Public Meeting

The City of Toronto is proposing an amendment to the Official Plan to introduce area-specific policies for properties on Bloor Street West, between Avenue Road and Bathurst Street.

http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=462&replies=1#post-1642

Wed, Nov 11 10am
TBN's Wednesday Wheelie Ride

Thurs, Nov 12 7pm
VeloSocial Bike Party

This group is dedicated to the monthly VeloSocial party in Toronto. The first Monday of every month we all get together and hang out and watch bike videos, drink some pints of Amsterdam Blonde, dance & listen to DJs, rock the open mic, yamn some spicy pad-thai, and grab some goodies at the info and merch table.

http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=36270116494

Fri, Nov 13 9:30am
2010 Capital Budget Committee Public Hearings

Each November the City's Budget Committee decides which divisions and what projects to allocate its capital budget for the next year. The committee sets aside one day to get feedback from the general public on these decisions.

http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=463&replies=1#post-1643

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Weekly Events Newsletter:

Photo of the Day: Viaduct Night

2009-11-09T13:45:00.002-05:00

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Weekly News Wrap-Up: Huge Cycling Budget Increase and MEC Sells Bikes!

2009-11-06T12:28:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday to you. Here's all your news from the past week!

Mountain Equipment Co-op raises ire of bicycle industry
Apparently a large sports retailer getting into the bike business is somehow a no-no? Mountain Equipment Co-op, which has built its retailing reputation on a feel-good image of environmental and social responsibility, has ignited anger in an unlikely place – the bicycle industry. Its foray this month into bike…

HUGE Cycling Budget Increase for 2010?
Now, I'm not an expert in how the city allocates funds for cycling... I do know that of the whole cycling budget, some goes to the Parks & Rec department for trail upkeep, and some goes to the roads department for bikelanes... and some goes other places, but all…

Photo of the Day: BMX Crew

2009-11-06T12:27:00.002-05:00

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