"We don't have a lot of parking. It's not our competitive advantage. People walk, cycle. That's what brings Roncesvalles its vitality. "Small businesses need parking, but at the end of the day we need to build a community around pedestrians and cyclists.

"I support this compromise. People are not going to give up their cars overnight," said Saundercook, a father of five who described himself as a pedestrian, cyclist and driver. He is also chair of the city's pedestrian committee.

A 77-year-old cyclist struck by a garbage truck in Streetsville Monday morning, has died in hospital. Police say a garbage truck hit the 77 year-old man from behind in the northbound curb lane of Queen St., just south of Ellen St.

Navigating local roads should be easier for cyclists if proposed bike routes get installed over the summer and fall. Lanes on Shaw and Dupont Sts., Marlee Ave., and Vaughan Rd. are part of a plan to add 50 km to Toronto's cycling network in 2008.

I've come to Portland, Ore., to attend the Towards Car Free Cities Conference. With gas in Toronto pushing $1.40 a litre, it seems like the right place to be.