BikingToronto - Information about Cycling in Toronto, Ontario

An interesting idea was posted the other day in the comments section of the Photo of the Day of Montreal's Bixi being demonstrated in Toronto.

BikingToronto reader Barry el Ditto posted this, and it makes complete sense... why have every Canadian City re-invent the bikesharing system:

Why don't all the cities in Canada that are interested in seting up public bike programs, just go with the BIXI model. It's been thought-out and it's ready to go; in our climate.

The ecoomies of scale would be tremendous.

Across Canada every city could have its own BIXI system. Just pick a different colour and logo for each different city.

This could be part of a Canadian national identity, yet still --through different colours and logos--retain a local identity.

Labels: infrastructure, news

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West End Bikeways Open House Meeting

The City of Toronto and the Toronto Cyclists Union are holding an open house to discuss West End Bikeway projects to be completed in 2009 and 2010 in the downtown west end. These projects have been identified in collaboration with cyclists over the past few months. We invite you to attend the open house to learn more about the proposed projects and share your thoughts with us.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Parkdale Public Library, Auditorium
1303 Queen Street West (between Cowan and Brock)

Councillor Gord Perks posted about this on his "Park Post" a few days ago... and includes very interesting links to a couple of PDF documents you may enjoy:

- Summary of all West End BikeWay Idea Submissions from Toronto Residents
- All Submissions mapped out on a map of the west end.

This Open House has been added to the Events Calendar, as well.

Labels: events, infrastructure

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Photo of the Day: VeloRaisin?

Photo by Shaun M.

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BikingToronto Archives: February 25

TCAT News Bulletin: February 25th
Stolen Bike: Zebra Chopper
Feb. 25: Cycling Events This Week
Photo of the Day: Post-its
Feb. 25: Photos of the Week
From The Archives: February 25th

2006
Mass Against The Machines

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008

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Video from the 2009 Ice Bike Races

In addition to the Ice Bike Race photo links posted earlier today, here's a video of some of Saturday night's fun from YouTube user ArbyW. There are six videos in total on his profile page.

If you know of more videos from Saturday night, please let me know in the comments below. :)

Labels: events, video

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2009 Ice Bike Race Photos

Here are some photo collections of the Ice Bike Races from Saturday night.

I didn't hear anything about it beforehand, but apparently they collected money for the cyclist that was purposely hit by a taxi (and subsequently lost his leg) and raised over $1000! Good job!

[Info from Bike Lane Diary, top photo from Shapelike_O_o on Flickr]

Labels: events, photos

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Photo of the Day: Bike Taxi

Photo by mtlicq

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BikingToronto Archives: February 24

Photo of the Day: Lansdowne and Lappin
From The Archives: February 24th

2006
Critical Mass & MAP in the Paper

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008

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Feb. 23: Cycling Events This Week

What's on this week:

Mon, Feb 23:
UofT BikeChain 6 -week Course: Bike Assembly and Maintenance

A six week Bicycle Assembly and Maintenance Course will be offered beginning on Feb 16. This course is co-sponsored by the Learning Enrichment Foundation, The City of Toronto, and the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada.
(more info)

Mon, Feb 23 and Wed, Feb 25:
E-Bike Legislation Hearings

Queen's Park will reviewing amendments to Ontario's Highway Traffic Act in public hearings, including amendments concerning "E-Bikes" or "Power Assisted Bicycles".
(more info)

Tues, Feb 24:
CBN 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)

Wed, Feb 25:
Ward 20 Bike Meeting

Join Councillor Vaughan and the Toronto Cyclist Union to discuss cycling issues in Ward 20 and help set priorities for the year ahead.
Location: Centre for Social Innovation, 215 Spadina Ave
(more info)

Wed, Feb 25:
CBN Workshop: Wheelbuilding - Part 1

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)

Thurs, Feb 26:
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)

Fri, Feb 27:
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)

If you haven't signed up yet, get this post in your email every Monday!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Labels: events, weekly

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Feb. 23: Photos of the Week

Photo of the Day: Yellow and Blue

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: Polar

Photo of the Day: Visitors

Photo of the Day: Bike, Auto, Streetcar

Photo of the Day: College Street Night

Photo of the Day: Planetarium

Photo of the Day: Sub Zero Spadina

Labels: photos, weekly

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Photo of the Day: Under The Bridge

Photo by paperclipsalad

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BikingToronto Archives: February 23

Photo of the Day: Blue Bike
From The Archives: February 23rd

2006
MAP in the Globe and Mail?
Cyclists Already Know They Are The Future

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Toronto's Weekly Carnage

2008

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Photo of the Day: Polar

posted by Joe on Sunday, February 22, 2009

Photo by bikeroo

Labels: photooftheday, photos

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BikingToronto Archives: February 22

posted by Joe on Sunday, February 22, 2009

2006
Flickr Finds, 11-20

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008

Feb. 22: Weekly News Wrap-up
Video: Toronto Winter BikeLane Maintenance
The Bicycle Film Festival is looking for submissions for 2008
Photo of the Day: Missing You
Feb. 22: Toronto's Weekly Carnage
From The Archives: February 22nd

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Video Reminder: 2009 Ice Bike Races are Tonight!

posted by Joe on Saturday, February 21, 2009

Tonight is the 2009 edition of the Ice Bike Races at Dufferin Grove Park. It's always entertaining (if cold). Come out and watch the professionals who stud their tires with screws, and then the "Rubber Race" at the end of the night, where all the ordinary cyclists have a race full of wipe-outs. :)

Date:
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Time:
9:00pm - 11:00pm
Location:
Dufferin Grove Hockey Rink
Street:
Dufferin Grove Park (map)
City/Town:
Toronto, ON

BikePirates is hosting an after-party following the races. They are located at 1292 Bloor Street West.

If you're on facebook, check out the Facebook Event page for the races.

Videos from past years:

Labels: events, video

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Photo of the Day: Visitors

posted by Joe on Saturday, February 21, 2009

Photo by Sue, Toronto

Labels: photooftheday, photos

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BikingToronto Archives: February 21

posted by Joe on Saturday, February 21, 2009

2006
St. Clair Streetcar ROW - City Wins in Court

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
2 Days Until BikeFriday!

2008

BikeWeek has been expanded to BikeMonth!
Bike-Friendly ChocoSol Traders profiled in the Toronto Star
Stuff: Bike Storage, Made Swedish
BikeMonth Event Submission Deadline is March 27th
Feb. 21: Recently in the BikingToronto Flickr Group
Feb. 21: Toronto Stolen Bike Listings Update
Memorial for Eugene Yao, Urbane Cyclist Founder
Reminder: TCAT General Meeting is Tonight
Photo of the Day: Visibility
From The Archives: February 21st

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Weekly News Wrap-Up: Businesses Love Bikes, Podcasts and E-Bikes

posted by Joe on Friday, February 20, 2009

It's Friday once again, which means it's time for the Weekly News Wrap-Up.

Proof that BikeLanes are Good for Business
The latest TCAT news bulletin is reporting on a new report from the Clean Air Partnership that shows that bicycle-friendly infrastructure not only doesn't hurt business, it actually helps it, using a study of Bloor St. in the Annex from July 2008... (read more)

Podcasting about Cycling comes to Toronto

Toronto now has a podcast all about cycling. It's called "Caught in the Headlights" and, according to its creator and host, Scott Ossington, is: [about anything] that vaguely relates to cycling and some that have nothing to do with cycling, but what the host might think would interest cyclists.… (read more)

E-Bike Legislation to be Discussed at Queen's Park
Later this month (February 23 and 25th, to be exact), Queen's Park will reviewing amendments (in Bill 126 - PDF file) to Ontario's Highway Traffic Act in public hearings, including amendments concerning "E-Bikes" or "Power Assisted Bicycles", including what they are... (read more)

If you're not reading this in your email ... enter your email address here to get this Wrap-Up delivered straight to your inbox every Friday!

Or, if you *are* reading this in your email, forward it to your cycling friends and tell them to sign up!

Labels: news, weekly

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Photo of the Day: Yellow and Blue

posted by Joe on Friday, February 20, 2009

Photo by NOonionplease

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BikingToronto Archives: February 20

posted by Joe on Friday, February 20, 2009

2006
Graphic Cycling, Driving Apathy!
Flickr Find #20

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008

Feb. 20: BikingToronto Community Activity Update
Feb. 20: Cycling News from Around the World
Duke's Cycle Victim of Massive Fire
Photo of the Day: Business As Usual
From The Archives: February 20th

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E-Bike Legislation to be Discussed at Queen's Park

In March (March 9, 11, and 23rd, to be exact), Queen's Park will reviewing amendments (in Bill 126 - PDF file) to Ontario's Highway Traffic Act in public hearings, including amendments concerning "E-Bikes" or "Power Assisted Bicycles", including what they are:

"power-assisted bicycle" means a bicycle that,

(a) is a power-assisted bicycle as defined in subsection2 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations made under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada),
(b) bears a label affixed by the manufacturer in com-pliance with the definition referred to in clause (a),
(c) has affixed to it pedals that are operable, and
(d) is capable of being propelled solely by muscular power;

[summary courtesy of Cyclometer]

Other parts of the E-Bike amendment include provisions that people under 16 can't operate them, that they must have all the proper lights and safety equipment, and that helmets are mandatory.

You can read the amendments for yourself in the online document (PDF file) here. It's the first paragraph under "Miscellaneous Amendments" on page "iii".

My first impression is that they're trying to legislate E-Bikes as if they are like motorcycles. That's applicable for some types of E-Bikes (like the one pictured above), but definitely not all.

What do you think?

More info about times and dates of the hearings:

The Clerk's Office has confirmed the details for the hearings. They are as follows:
The two sessions are scheduled for Feb 23rd and 25th, Toronto. When the house is in session, the meeting notices are posted the Thursday before the committee is going to meet. So in this case, you can expect the notice to be on the website on Thursday Feb 19th. Here is the link:

http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/committee-proceedings/committee_business.do?locale=en&BillID=2118&CommID=&ParlCommID=8856&BusinessType=Bill&detailPage=notices

Locations/times: Queen's Park, Room 151, in the centre hall, off to side in grand staircase. Monday February 23rd will be 2 - 6pm, and Wednesday February 25th will be 4 - 6pm.

Things can rapidly change so it would be advisable to call the phone number 416-325-3509 or go into the link to ensure that the hearings are still taking place.

Written submissions are also being accepted until 12:00 noon on February 20th.

[info courtesy of Cyclometer]

Labels: news, politics

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New in the Forum: Securing Bike Tips and Rainy Commutes

Securing Bike Tips

Have you thought of using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) tags that are fitted inside the bike. I am working with 15 UK Police forces who are fitting the tags to bikes in an effort to prevent cycle theft.
(read more)

Today's Commute

I definitely need real rain gear.. not winter gear. .. as I sit here, at school, soon to be going home.. my feet are still soaked, and I will soon find a soaked jacket in my longer as I leave.
(read more)

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Photo of the Day: Bike, Auto, Streetcar

Photo by ulfcytel

Labels: photooftheday, photos

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BikingToronto Archives: February 19

BikePirate profiled on Spacing Toronto
TTC rolls out new hybrid buses with bikeracks
Feb. 19: Weekly Site Category Digest
Feb. 19: Weekly Site Daily Digest
Photo of the Day: Blue
From The Archives: February 19th

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Bike Events This Week

2008

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Podcasting about Cycling comes to Toronto

Toronto now has a podcast all about cycling. It's called "Caught in the Headlights" and, according to its creator and host, Scott Ossington, is:

[about anything] that vaguely relates to cycling and some that have nothing to do with cycling, but what the host might think would interest cyclists.

The first two "episodes" are mainly about the TTC Bike Hoax ("Guerrillas Stickered my TTC") and the Bike Pirates ("Prepare to be Boarded").

It is online courtesy of Derek Chadbourne of the Bike Joint bike shop on Harbord (a few streets west of Bathurst).

Oh ... one technical note - if your computer hates quicktime files (which the podcasts are) like mine does - you can still listen ... in a roundabout way. I personally had to paste the itunes link for each podcast into Winamp (Windows Media Player froze up repeatedly when I tried using that). Leave a comment on this post if you need help doing this, and I'll help you out.

Labels: news

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Forum: Bloor and Keele Bike Thief Spotted?

Click Here If you'd like to discuss this in the Forum.

joe started a discussion called Bloor and Keele Bike Thief Spotted?

A recent posting on Craigslist has got a photo of a suspected bike thief in the Bloor St. and Keele St. neighbourhood:

"If you live near Indian Road Crescent and Glenlake and had a large bike stolen on Saturday February 14, 2009 just a few minutes after noon, this man was observed by a few nighbours myself included, first without a bike, then with a bike heading south towards Parkdale.

This is a white male, in his late 20's early 30's about 5'10" with patterned, stylistically short facial hair. This picture was taken of him shortly before he was seen riding away on a bike (he was confronted by nieghbours about the bike as he laughed and rode off).

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Photo of the Day: College Street Night

Photo by Karri O.

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BikingToronto Archives: February 18

2006
Say It Loud, Say It Proud

2007
January's Photos of the Month
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008

Feb. 18: Cycling Events This Week
Photo of the Day: Viaduct Mass
Feb. 18: Photos of the Week
From The Archives: February 18th

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Proof that BikeLanes are Good for Business

The latest TCAT news bulletin is reporting on a new report from the Clean Air Partnership that shows that bicycle-friendly infrastructure not only doesn't hurt business, it actually helps it:

Contrary to common public perception, the evidence shows that removing on-street parking to install a bicycle lane or widened sidewalk would likely increase not decrease commercial activity. "This report should alleviate concerns that downtown business owners have about on-street bicycle lanes", said Eva Ligeti, Executive Director of the Clean Air Partnership.

The study interviewed 61 merchants and 538 patrons of businesses in the "Annex" section of Bloor Street (between Spadina and Bathurst) in July 2008.

On the question of installing a bike lane and removing half the on‐street parking, almost 75% of businesses thought their business would improve or stay the same, while slightly more than 25% thought the change would bring in fewer customers.

Overall, most visitors get to Bloor Annex on foot, followed by public transit, bicycle and finally car. Amongst those who live or work in the area, two‐thirds walk, 14% cycle, another 14% take public transit, and only 5% drive. For those who do not live or work in the area, 54% take public transit, 20% walk, 16% drive, and 10% cycle.

It's a no-brainer to probably most of us who are interested in bikes and pedestrian-friendly urban planning, but is shocking news to those in society that think that only people who own or exclusively use cars buy things.

Read more in the TCAT news item, or check out the entire document (PDF) for yourself.

Labels: infrastructure, news

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New in the Forum: Electric Bikes, Side Street Routes, your Daily Commute, and more!

Let's Create a Side Street Map

Lots of new stuff in the Forum over the weekend... here's some quick links for you to join whatever discussion(s) look interesting to you.

Electric Bicycles

Does anyone know if there is an electric/green bicycle that exists where when you pedal you are storing the motor energy rather than having to suck it from a battery?
If it exists, where would I find her in Toronto?
(read more)

Today's Commute

Sometimes I like living a 45 min bike ride away from school, but, most of the time, I'd prefer a 20 minute ride better. Being at Bathurst and Bloor type distance from Yonge and Dundas would be a nice distance. Living right on campus (Ryerson) would be nice, buut, then I don't know when I would ever ride. heh
(read more)

Cop pushes cyclist

I'm not surprised, I have encountered a few things like this personally that are just plain unbelievable.
(read more)

near the train tracks that is not a mistake. There is a hotel, and I cut through the parking lot. Though, this is somewhat useless because the humber river can be taken instead.
(read more)

Bike on the Left Hand Side of the Lane

- dooring issues relieved
- getting squeeze into the curb relieved
- I personally find cyclists are more visible if they are not hugging the curb
- drivers would have a better ability to judge how close they are to cyclists
(read more)

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Photo of the Day: Planetarium

Photo by dark desert highway

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BikingToronto Archives: February 17

2006
Winter Arrives Just In Time For IceBiking!

2007
News About BikeFriday
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008

Photo of the Day: Rusty
From The Archives: February 17th

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Feb. 16: Cycling Events This Week

What's on this week:

Mon, Feb 16:
UofT BikeChain 6 -week Course: Bike Assembly and Maintenance

A six week Bicycle Assembly and Maintenance Course will be offered beginning on Feb 16. This course is co-sponsored by the Learning Enrichment Foundation, The City of Toronto, and the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada.
(more info)

Wed, Feb 18:
CBN Workshops: Intro and Flat Fixing

- Participants will remove their own rear wheel and tire and go through a tube repair and installation.
- Bike fit
- General safety issues (loose parts, damage, etc)
- Lubrication
(more info)

Sat, Feb 21:
2009 Ice Bike Races

Winter cyclist race against each other on an hockey rink with studded tires. After-party at BikePirates.
(more info)

Get this post in your email every week!

Weekly Events Newsletter:

Labels: events, weekly

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Feb. 16: Photos of the Week

Photo of the Day: Kensington Night

Happy (Family Day) 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: Cabbagetown

Photo of the Day: Yorkville Steps

Photo of the Day: Blue Ride

Photo of the Day: Bloor Sunset

Photo of the Day: Humber Bridge Twilight

Photo of the Day: Velo Yellow

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Photo of the Day: Sub Zero Spadina

Photo by PunMaster2000

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BikingToronto Archives: February 16