
Photo by Michael D'Amico
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
Flickr Find #11
Kensington Rage & Life After Cars
2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
Jan. 31: Recent Additions BikingToronto Flickr Photo Group
Jan. 31: Toronto Stolen Bike Listings Update
Name Toronto's New Bike Magazine - Reminder
A Short Coldest Day Ride from the Globe
Photo of the Day: Toronto Island Quadracycle
From The Archives: January 31st
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives
Hi everyone,
It seems to be becoming a tradition here on BikingToronto that the winter is used to freshen up the design of the site to get ready for the coming warm weather (okay, it may not seem like warm weather will ever come right now... but have faith... haha).
BikingToronto had a major re-design about a year ago, and since then there's been things tweaked, added and removed, all to make the site a better experience for you, the reader.
Our new design has been in the planning stages for many months to provide you with:
1) A cleaner and more organized design that helps you find the information you are looking for. After all, this site is huge (with over 3000 pages as of this writing!)... so it's important to have things where you can find them.
2) Constantly updating sections like "Recent News", "Upcoming Events", "Recent Comments", "Active in the Forum" that are on every page of the site, so you can keep your fingers on the pulse of what is going on.
3) Easy access to our excellent RSS feeds and email newsletters. Why come to BikingToronto when BikingToronto can come to you? :)
The new design will be rolling out over the next week, so if you see a page that still has the old design... don't worry... it'll change soon.
Labels: bikingtoronto
Happy Friday! Time for the Weekly News Wrap-Up.
The majority of news this week was about the Bikes on the TTC Hoax that some cycling people sent out using an anonymous email website. The email faked a TTC press release (complete with grammar and spelling errors), making unreasonable claims such as the TTC is considering reserving cars on subway trains just for cyclists and their bikes. It's hard to make space for bikes when there isn't enough space for people on the TTC during rush hour.
The senders of the fake press release also stickered/vandalized collector booths across the transit system.
Sending fake emails and putting up fake stickers? Seems a little childish if you ask me. What do *you* think?
Links about this story:
The Toronto Star also did an article on the personal laser bikelanes covered in last week's Weekly Wrap-Up. It's like riding your bike in a Star Wars movie.

Photo by Mcl Digital Creations
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
Cycling - Toronto's Secret Commuting Alternative
Toronto BikePlan & Free Cheese
2007
More Helmet Hysteria
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
Another Winter Cyclist Profile from Spacing Toronto
Jan. 30: BikingToronto Community Activity Update
Jan. 30: Cycling News from Around the World
Today is the Coldest Day of the Year Ride
A Bicycle-Powered Moving Day
Photo of the Day: Night Cruising
From The Archives: January 30th
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives
Labels: news

Photo by Now and Here
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
Critical Mass New York has more Police Problems
First Ten Flickr Finds
2007
Toronto Bike News
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
TCAT News Bulletin: January 29th
Help Name Toronto's New Bike Magazine
The Winners of the BikeWeek Poster Contest
Jan. 29: Weekly Site Category Digest
Jan. 29: Weekly Site Daily Digest
Photo of the Day: Parade
From The Archives: January 29th
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives
NOW Magazine: TTC tricks
Labels: news

Photo by freespirit63
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
Flickr Find #10
2007
Toronto HPV Dinner Tonight
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
Jan. 28: Cycling Events This Week
Valentine's Sale in the Store
In Montreal, Michel Dallaire will design the new Bike Sharing System
YorkU Bike Winter Event this Thursday, Jan 31st.
Photo of the Day: Steam Crew
Jan. 28: Photos of the Week
From The Archives: January 28th
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives
There's something banging around the internet today about a supposed new campaign by the TTC to "warmly welcome" cyclists with signs that say when bikes ARE allowed on the transit system as opposed to when they are NOT.
The "TTC press release" (below) is probably fake, because it mis-spells things like TTC Chair Adam Giambrone's name as "Giambroni", but IF this is a hoax... it's a benign and relatively positive one.
Some signs at TTC booths have been altered as well... but it looks like something has been pasted over the old bicycle signs.


[photos by Martin Reis]
Possible Hoax "Press Release":
TTC launches the "WARM WELCOME" campaign
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Toronto Transit Commission announces it's new bike-friendly attitude for Toronto two-wheelers with the "Warm Welcome" campaign.
Starting today the TTC is changing the signage at all of it's subway stations, replacing the NO BICYCLES during rush-hour signs, to a more positive sign (a bike symbol in a green circle) displaying the times when bicycles are allowed.
TTC by-law No. 1, Section 17 has not changed, but the presentation of it has. Instead of prohibiting bicycles, the new signs welcome bicycles all day Saturday and Sunday/Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 3:30pm and 6:30pm to close.
The move is part of the Transit City Strategy, the first step in an effort to make the TTC a more integrated commuter system.
The effort hopes to encourage Toronto cyclists, especially those with long commutes, to continue biking all winter, knowing that when it's too cold or snowy, they are welcome to come aboard.
"To all you brave cyclists who ride all winter long, this is just a little change to help you go a long way." says TTC commissioner Adam Giambroni.
The TTC is currently studying the feasibility of other initiatives such as "bike priority" train cars, inviting cyclists aboard even at rush hour, as well as partnering with the new "Bike Share Program" to have bicycles available to borrow at every station.
The Warm Welcome campaign is timed to coincide with the City of Toronto's effort to promote winter riding and their "Coldest Ride of the Year" event scheduled for this Friday, Jan 30, noon, at the rear entrance of City Hall.
For more information, please contact
Toronto Transit Commission
Media Relations
(416) 393-3741
Also note that the link to the TTC booth photos have "Action1" in the URL... something usually found with "actions" put on by independent groups.
Labels: infrastructure, news

Photo by gbalogh
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
Cyclist Co-operation & Critical Mass Toronto
Flickr Find #9
Too Much Road Rage in Kensington Market
2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
Photo of the Day: Critical Mass Kensington
From The Archives: January 27th
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives

What's on this week:
CBN Bike Repair Workshop: Bearings and Wheeltruing
The classes are taught by experienced mechanics and provide an intimate, focused, learning environment. The number of participants is limited to 6 per class. (more info)
CBN Workshop: Wheel Building Part 2
The wheel building workshops will teach with standard wheels in a 3-cross lacing pattern. We will cover spoke calculations, lacing the wheels, truing and tensioning. Participants must take both classes. (more info)
UofT BikeChain Wheelbuilding Seminar
Bikechain is holding a two-day workshop giving you an introduction to wheelbuilding. We will be hiring an experienced mechanic for this event. The workshop will be held at Bikechain (see the introduction of this email for our location). All U of T community members are welcome. (more info)
Toronto Cyclists Union "Cinq à Sept"
This monthly event is intended to provide a space where bike union board, executive, management team, ward captains, volunteers, and members can come together and converse over a refreshing beverage. This event is not formal and is not a meeting. Rather, it is a space where the union can meet for the sake of meeting. (more info)
Wenches with Wrenches
Wenches with Wrenches brings women together in a safe, non-competitive and friendly learning environment. The workshops are run by women for women because, many times, women are just more comfortable learning from other women. (more info)
Coldest Day of the Year Ride
Come out to City Hall at noon for a group ride to Metro Hall on the statistically coldest day of the year. Warm up at Metro Hall with free hot chocolates and snacks. If you would like a table on Metro Square or to be a part of this event, please e-mail: cyclingevents@toronto.ca (more info)
Critical Mass Toronto
Join hundreds of cyclists for a group ride around downtown Toronto. Bloor & Spadina - meet at 6 pm, ride at 6:30 (more info)
Community Bicycle Network Open House and Donation Drive
Bring your old unused bikes and parts to donate to the CBN.
Free warm beverages and snacks! Meet the friendly staff. (more info)
Happy Monday!
Just in case you missed one of the extremely popular Photos of the Day, here's a re-cap from last week.
Photo of the Day: University Snow

Photo by Vanessa Y Rodriguez
Photo of the Day: Old Tyme

Photo by DawnOne
Photo of the Day: Island VelomobilePhoto of the Day: Orange FisheyePhoto of the Day: Handle BarsPhoto of the Day: Winter BlurPhoto of the Day: College and Yonge

Photo by Vanessa Y Rodriguez
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
News for the Urban Commute
Flickr Find #8
2007
Toronto's Weekly Carnage
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
Photo of the Day: Fire Rescue
From The Archives: January 26th
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives

Photo by Vanessa Y Rodriguez
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
A Critical Mass of Cyclist Energy
Flickr Find #7
2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Bike Theft Thursday
2008
Jan. 25: Weekly News Wrap-Up
Photo of the Day: Humber West Park Bridge
Jan. 25: Toronto's Weekly Carnage
From The Archives: January 25th
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives

Photo by DawnOne
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
Flickr Find #6
Harper's Hummer and the Layton-Chow Reunion
2007
BikingToronto Railpath And Hydro Map
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
Jan. 24: Toronto Stolen Bike Listings Update
Event: Friends for Life Bike Rally
Event: Friends for Life Bike Rally 10th Anniversary Launch Party
Event: Vote for the Friends for Life Bike Rally to lead the 2008 Pride Parade
TCAT News Bulletin: January 24th
Video: First Person Mountain Biking
Photo of the Day: Look Ma, No Brakes
From The Archives: January 24th
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives
Bring your old unused bikes and parts to donate to the CBN.
Free warm beverages and snacks! Meet the friendly staff.
Saturday January 31, 2009
12-6pm
761 Queen St W (map)
(416) 504-2918
www.communitybicyclenetwork.org
Labels: events
Happy Friday! Time for the Weekly News Wrap-Up.
The majority of news this week was about the Toronto Bike Awards that were handed out on Tuesday night by the City of Toronto and the Toronto Cyclists Union.
My report after attending the Awards can be found here, and BikingToronto was a sponsor of the Awards, and created a photo slideshow from the excellent photos in the BikingToronto Flickr Photo Group that ran throughout the awards. You can see that slideshow in this post.
This week's Headline Links:
- Headlines: Toronto Bike Awards RecapsUofT News: Bikechain Wins 2008 Best Overall Bicycle Friendly Business Award On Jan. 20, the City of Toronto presented U of T's Bikechain with the "Best Overall" Bicycle Friendly Business Award at the annual Bicycle Friendly Business Awards ceremony. Bikechain is the university's educational repair facility. Eye Weekly: Riding…
- Headlines: Bike Awards and Laser BikelanesSpacing Toronto: An idea to light bike lanes with lasers A very cool idea called Light Lane has been making a splash on the Interweb over the last few days. The basic concept is a laser gadget attached to a bike seat projects a temporary bike lane around a…
- Headlines: Jarvis St. about People, not CarsToronto Star: Jarvis St. must change with evolving environs Councillor Kyle Rae has led the charge to reclaim Jarvis. Specifically, he wants the reversible middle lane removed and space given to cyclists, pedestrians, trees and art.

Photo by DawnOne
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
2006: The Accidental Environmentalist
2007
Yes, This Friday Is BikeFriday
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
The BikeFriday Schedule for January 25th
Jan. 23: BikingToronto Community Activity Update
Jan. 23: Cycling News from Around the World
Photo of the Day: Schwinn with Streamers
From The Archives: January 23rd
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives

Anyone in Toronto posting photos of bikes (and probably submitting them to the BikingToronto Photo Group) on Flickr knows about Georgette Peters and her pre-occupation with photographing the funky bike bells of Toronto. Georgette is now putting on a month-long show of her photos at the Side Space Gallery (1080 St. Clair W. - just east of Dufferin):
Torontonians claim their own personal mobile space by "pimping out" their bikes with unique and whimsical bicycle bells.
For the past year, Georgette Peters has been documenting these bells with her Pentax K1000 film camera. This show is an up-close-and-personal look at our huge urban bike culture.
At the opening, there will be a Cantastoria performance of "Bicycle Revolution" by Clay and Paper Theatre.Does This Ring A Bell?
Side Space Gallery
1080 St. Clair W. (map)
Show runs from March 29 - April 30, 2009.
Opening Reception March 29, 3-6 pm
Labels: news

Photo by Squeaky Rat
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
2006: Alaskan Inspiration
2006: Flickr Find #5
2007
2007: Toronto Bike News
2007: BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
Jan 25th: The First BikeFriday of 2008!
Globe: Winter bicycling? It's snow big deal
BikeWinter: Coldest Day of the Year Ride is Wed, Jan 30th
Jan. 22: Weekly Site Category Digest
Jan. 22: Weekly Site Daily Digest
Photo of the Day: Rider Reflected
From The Archives: January 22nd
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives

The Jarvis Streetscape Improvement project is having a Public Open House tomorrow, and bikelanes are on the agenda. A good summary of the issues is provided by the Toronto Cyclists Union:
Few streets downtown so desperately need bike lanes, and are so obviously suited to having them, than Jarvis south of Bloor. The city is planning to narrow Jarvis from five lanes to four, but are not yet convinced that bike lanes should be part of the mix. Opposition is forming from drivers who want to keep it a five lane commuting route. A public meeting is being held this Thursday, Jan. 22; we urge you to come out and support bike lanes on Jarvis.Date: Thursday, January 22nd, 2009
Time: Open House 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Currie Hall, 105 Maitland StreetThe Toronto Cyclists Union believes there is ample room on Jarvis Street for bike lanes, as well as safe sidewalks and attractive landscaping. It is the city's responsibility to make sure all users of the road are taken care of, and taking care of cyclists will go a long way to making Jarvis a more interesting, vibrant street, and less of a north/south commuter highway.
Past BikingToronto posts about this issue:
- Turning Jarvis from a Street for Cars to a Street for Everyone
- A Bike-Friendly Idea for the Jarvis Street Revitalization

Labels: events, infrastructure

I, along with hundreds of people braved the cold last night and packed myself into the Gladstone Hotel for the 2008 Toronto Bike Awards - a presentation of the City of Toronto's Business Friendly Business Awards and the Toronto Cyclists Union "Golden Spokes".
Along with the award presentations, we were also treated to music by the band GUH, spinning by DJs Dorian and Dorian, a short musical called "Bicycle Revolution" by Clay and Paper Theatre, and a surprisingly provocative "Winter Cyclist Reverse Strip Tease" (in which people put *on* layers).
Here, from the City's website, is the Bicycle Friendly Business Award Judging process:
This year, the BFBA panel of judges will be made up of recipients from the 2007 awards. Previous award winners are in a unique position to offer their own expertise from their experiences with integrating cycling into the workplace.
Judges will consider the countless ways to encourage cycling, looking for creative approaches, including the following suggestions:
- Secure/monitored bicycle parking
- Shower and change facilities on-site
- Discounts for cyclists
- Employee training in bike safety and mechanics (such as CAN-BIKE courses)
- Participate in Bike Week events
- Support for cycling events and functions
- Employees who cycle to work
- Cyclist-friendly dress code
- Use of bicycle services (e.g. bicycle couriers, bike trailer deliveries)
- Encouragement of cycling through employee programs and events
- Existence or formation of a Bicycle User Group (BUG)
Here's the full list of Award Winners.
TORONTO BICYCLE FRIENDLY BUSINESS AWARDS
Best Bike Parking: Ryerson University
Bicycle Commute Award: Quadrangle Architects
Best Skills Development: Bike Pirates
Best Small Business: Cervelo
Best Large Business: Ryerson University
Bicycle Friendliest Suburban Business: ZM Cycle and Fitness
Best Overall Business: Bike Chain
TORONTO CYCLISTS UNION GOLDEN SPOKES AWARDS
Most Cycling Friendly Councillor: Adrian Heaps
Cycling Volunteer of the Year: Alison Palmer
Leadership in Cycling: Dave "Mez" Meslin
TORONTO COALITION FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION AWARD
Active Transportation Champion: Centre for City Ecology and Jane’s Walk
IBIKETO AWARDS
Cycling Advocacy Group of the Year: Coalition for Active Transport
Cycling Advocate of the Year: (Ecojustice lawyer) Albert Khol
[Top Photo of the Bike Pirates accepting their "Best Skills Development" Award]
[Both photos by Martin Reis]

Photo by Chewie2008
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
Flickr Find #4
2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
Vancouver: Awash in rental bikes.
Stuff: Stay Dry with RainGo
Rules for Riding Bikes in Japan
Cycling Events This Week: Jan. 21-27
Photo of the Day: Practice Safe Cycling
Photos of the Week: Jan. 14-20
From The Archives: January 21st
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives
Just a reminder to you... the Toronto Bike Awards are tonight!
The City of Toronto in partnership with the Toronto Cyclists Union will present the Bicycle Friendly Business Awards and the Cyclists Union own awards, the Golden Spokes.
Don't miss this unveiling of BFBA winners and a good party to boot! This is a fundraiser for the Toronto Cyclists Union.
The Golden Spokes are awards handed out by the Toronto Cyclists Union recognizing individual or group efforts to improve cycling in Toronto. They are a celebration of cycling and serve to illustrate how many people across Toronto are committed to bicycling and want to work together to make Toronto a more bike-friendly city.
January 20, 2009
Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. W.)
Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
$10 or Pay What you Can
BikingToronto is a sponsor of the event... and I have put together a slideshow of photos from the BikingToronto Flickr Photo Group that will be playing during the awards. I've embedded it below.
Let me know in the comments if you're planning on attending, and we can meet up.

Photo by sevenman
Labels: photooftheday, photos
2006
Should Cyclists Weep For The Future?
2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2008
Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.
Labels: archives
Labels: news
Labels: news

What's on this week:
Mon, Jan. 19
Last Day of the BikeWinter Art Show
As with last year, submissions in this show are eligible to be printed as BikeMonth posters and publications this coming spring.
Tues, Jan. 20
Toronto Bike Awards
City of Toronto Bicycle Friendly Business Awards and the Toronto Cyclists Union's Golden Spoke Awards
Fri, Jan. 23
Ontario Cycle Tourism Forum
The Ontario Cycle Tourism Forum will be held January 23, 2009 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, and will bring together cycle tourism stakeholders to discuss business development opportunities and challenges of this growing tourism market segment in Ontario.
Sat. Jan. 24
Cycling Advocates Legal Workshop
This one day training session is intended to educate cyclists and alternative transport activists about the legal tools available to protect us such as: - Court actions - Petitions - Freedom of Information requests - Environmental assessments - Administrative tribunals - Prosecutions - Interventions in court proceedings - Environmental Bill of Rights - And more...
Check out the Events Calendar for even more Events.
Happy Monday!
Just in case you missed one of the extremely popular Photos of the Day, here's a re-cap from last week.
I also just caught up on the Weekly Photo updates from the Holidays - which you can check out here:
- Photos of the Week: Dec. 15 - 21
- Photos of the Week: Dec. 22 - 28
- Photos of the Week: Dec. 29 - Jan. 4
- Photos of the Week: Jan. 5 - 11
Photo of the Day: New Wellesley St. BikelanesPhoto of the Day: Locking UpPhoto of the Day: Riding the StormPhoto of the Day: GraphicalPhoto of the Day: Keep in TouchPhoto of the Day: Honest Ed'sPhoto of the Day: Winter Bikelane
Happy Monday!
I usually re-cap the Photos of the Day every monday, but was offline during the holidays, so I'll use the next few posts to catch you up. :)
Here's what photos were photos of the day from Monday, Jan. 5 through Sunday January 11 of 2009.
You can also keep up with all the Photo of the Day posts through the special RSS feed, or with a daily email subscription.
Photo of the Day: Mona LisaPhoto of the Day: U of T Yellow BikePhoto of the Day: Yonge and DundasPhoto of the Day: New Toy on King St.Photo of the Day: Grand King WestPhoto of the Day: HopePhoto of the Day: Downtown Parking
Happy Monday!
I usually re-cap the Photos of the Day every monday, but was offline during the holidays, so I'll use the next few posts to catch you up. :)
Here's what photos were photos of the day from Monday, Dec. 29 of 2008 through Sunday January 4 of 2009.
You can also keep up with all the Photo of the Day posts through the special RSS feed, or with a daily email subscription.
Photo of the Day: Art GalleryPhoto of the Day: CyclemaniaPhoto of the Day: Pink Hat at Yonge and DundasPhoto of the Day: Snowed InPhoto of the Day: Snowy MorningPhoto of the Day: Harbord WinterPhoto of the Day: First Snow


























