BikingToronto - Information about Cycling in Toronto <data:blog.pageTitle/>



posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

I just added some events to the Calendar, and while you'll get notified of them in our weekly Cycling Events This Week posts (or via the weekly email events newsletter), I thought I'd post you some links to events as I add them to the Calendar.

Mon, April 6 - Thurs, April 9
U of T Varsity $25 Spring Bike Tune-Up

Tuesday Nights starting April 21
Midweek Tuesday Night Race Series

Wed, April 8 - Fri, May 1
FutureBikes Art Show

Sun, May 3
Pedal The Don Bike Ride


Sat, May 23
CN Do The Don Trail Awareness

Sat, May 23
Don Valley Trail Clean-Up Project

Mon, May 25
Green City Bike Tours Kick-off

Tues, May 26
Cycle the Golden Mile

Tues, May 26
TBN Cedervale Prospecting

Tues, May 26 - Thurs, June 25
Tour de Dufflet 2009

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Back in December, BikingToronto posted the story of Lloyd Alter, a Toronto-based blogger at TreeHugger.com and cyclist, who was taking issue with Air Canada charging for having a folding bike in baggage:
Over at TreeHugger.com, Toronto cyclist Lloyd Alter (himself an architect and prefab housing builder, as well as "green blogger) is having a bit of a dust-up with Air Canada. It seems that although his Strida folding bike compacts into a bag smaller than Air Canada's maximum dimensions for luggage, they will still charge you $50 because there is a bike in the bag. This "Excess Baggage Fee" is waived if you try to fly with hockey bags, hockey sticks, skis or snowboards (all of which is much bigger than a folding bike), but not if you have a bike.

This case is now a legal one, before the Canadian Transport Agency, with Lloyd making the case that the "Additional Handling Fee" is discriminatory and unreasonable, as it requires (nor was given) any special treatment nor additional handling:
After I was charged for the handling of the bag, I deposited it on the same belt as all of the other luggage, and it came down the same ramp and landed on the carousel with all of the other luggage. On my return flight to Terminal 3 on American Airlines, it hit the carousel in the midst of conventional luggage, so Pearson Airport luggage handlers appear to have treated it like conventional luggage. At least at the portion of its journey visible to me, it received no special handling.

Also, notwithstanding M. De Serre’s listing of the tariffs on other airlines for bicycle transport, I have travelled with this bicycle on American Airlines, Porter Airlines and United Airlines and not one of them charged me this tariff because they considered it baggage.

I was travelling with a bag that met all of Air Canada’s restrictions on size and weight and was packaged in a fashion that required no special handling and so far as I can tell, did not receive any. None of the conditions that merit special handling fees applied; there were no operational constraints, and no special handling requirements. It was a bag. The fact that it contains a special folding bike is almost completely beside the point.


Read the entire legal submission by Lloyd on his personal blog, and his post on TreeHugger from December about this.

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by Stephen Young

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
Sunny Days, Sweeping The Clouds Away
Let's Get Critical

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
Mar. 31: Cycling Events This Week
More Detail about Dedicated Bike Lanes if the TTC Strikes
Dedicated Bike Lane Discussion in City Council Today?
Photo of the Day: Black on White
Mar. 31: Photos of the Week
From The Archives: March 31st

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 30, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Stolen: very unique hybrid

Heather added a discussion

Stolen: very unique hybrid
My bike was locked up with two locks in a location I foolishly thought was low risk (security everywhere). I'm an idiot. Date of theft: Friday, March 27 Stolen from: Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto (Bayview Ave. south of Lawrence Ave.)... (click to read more)

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 30, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

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: Couple


Photo of the Day: Amber


Photo of the Day: Spadina Skirt


Photo of the Day: Bike and Streetcar


Photo of the Day: Spadina Winter Commuters


Photo of the Day: Phoning on Spadina


Photo of the Day: Around the Corner

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 30, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



What's on this week:

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

All Week:
Does This Ring A Bell Photo Show (Opening Reception)
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.
(click for more info)

Mon, Mar 30:
CBN: Wenches with Wrenches - Spring Cleanup
Before spring gets into full swing, come on out for this two-hour workshop and find out what you should be doing to get your bike back into its smoothest running self (or at least as smooth as it'll get, if it's been badly neglected)!
more info
Wed, Apr 1:
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.
more info
Sat, Apr 4:
HelloVelo Bike Mechanics Course - Crank, Bottom Bracket and Chain
We will do maintenance on your bike’s bottom bracket, take apart the crank and size a chain properly. Completion of unit 1 is a good idea, but not required. Covering external, bearing, cartridge and the new BB30 standard.
more info


Need to know what's happening in Toronto concerning bikes?

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

Weekly Events Newsletter:

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 30, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by gbalogh

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 30, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
30 Kilometres, MAP, and History

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Today is BikeFriday
Toronto's Weekly Carnage

2008
Photo of the Day: A Ride in the Park
From The Archives: March 30th

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posted by Joe on Sunday, March 29, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by mospin

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posted by Joe on Sunday, March 29, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2007
World Class Cities Have Bike Rental "Street Furniture"
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Take the BikeTrain this Summer

2008
Photo of the Day: Getting Vertical
From The Archives: March 29th

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posted by Joe on Saturday, March 28, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark


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):
Serious SmileyTorontonians 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

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posted by Joe on Saturday, March 28, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by andyscamera

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posted by Joe on Saturday, March 28, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
"The Bum Is In Good Shape..."
Saturday's Ride, In Photos

2007
BikingToronto - Photo of the Day
Have Your Say in the City's 2007 Operating Budget Process
Make BikeFriday Your Own!
Biking the Dundas Streetcar Reconstruction - Clarification

2008
Mar. 28: Weekly News Wrap-up
Bike the TTC Strike - A Guide for Biking to Work
Mar. 28: Toronto's Weekly Carnage
Photo of the Day: September Sun
From The Archives: March 28th

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 27, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Free Movie Screening: Tales of a Yellow Bike
Join director Tina Hahn (Life’s a Twitch) for a trip—by bike—that takes us to Beijing, Amsterdam, Bogotá, New York, La Rochelle, South Bronx, Manhattan, Paris and back to Toronto. She’ll be at the Revue on Friday, March 27, from 7 p.m. for a free public screening of her film, sponsored by local MPP Cheri DiNovo.
(click for more info)

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 27, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Critical Mass Toronto
Join hundreds of cyclists for a group ride around downtown Toronto.
Bloor & Spadina - meet at 6 pm, ride at 6:30
(click for more info)

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 27, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Happy Friday everyone. Time for the Weekly Wrap-Up.

Below you'll find links to news posted to BikingToronto.com, links to headlines, recent events added to the Events Calendar (I've started adding a few BikeMonth events), and active topics in the Forum.

News Posts:
  • Waterfront Toronto Unveils Queens Quay Plan
    Waterfront Toronto has just released plans for the new "people-friendly" Queens Quay that we got a taste of back in 2006 with "Quay to the City" (photos at the end of this post). This of course includes the "connection" of the east and west portions of the Martin-Goodman Trail…


News Headlines:

CityNews: Is Your Bike Ready For Spring?

If you're an avid cyclist - and Toronto boasts one of the world's biggest such populations - you've probably been tempted to get the two wheeler out during the last few weeks, as winter weather finally begins to retreat.

Toronto Star: Quashing bike route angers activists

A last-minute protest by a group of Markham residents has derailed years of hard work by other community volunteers, says the chair of Markham's Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Toronto Star: Map of the Week - Cycling Accidents

That possibility emerges from the Star's online Map of the Week, where data blogger Patrick Cain plots the 1,068 bicycle accidents reported to Toronto police in 2008.

Toronto Star: Getting ready for snow-free roads

As the snow peels back on Toronto sidewalks, it is possible, finally, to dream of spring and of an alternative to trash-strewn and overcrowded streetcars rendered even smaller by commuters in their burly winter coats.

New Events Posts:
Janet Bike Girl: Open Studio Show & Sale on Mon, May 25

Guaranteed Bike Lane on Mon, May 25th

Giro T.O. on Sunday, May 24

Active in the Forum:


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posted by Joe on Friday, March 27, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

CityNews: Is Your Bike Ready For Spring?

If you're an avid cyclist - and Toronto boasts one of the world's biggest such populations - you've probably been tempted to get the two wheeler out during the last few weeks, as winter weather finally begins to retreat.

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 27, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by ericparker

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 27, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
Let The Sun Shine In...

2007
Cyclists Suffer from Environmental Angst
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
We Can Help Toronto Pursue Green Goals

2008
Mar. 27: Recently in the BikingToronto Flickr Group
Mar. 27: Toronto Stolen Bike Listings Update
Tomorrow, March 28th is BikeFriday!
Photo of the Day: Heels on Wheels
From The Archives: March 27th

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 26, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Date: Monday, May 25, 2009

Start time: 11:00 AM
End time: 07:00 PM

401 Richmond St West
Studio S-26 Basement
Toronto

Come and visit my studio! There is something for the whole family, from infant organic cotton onesies, infant and children's organic t-shirts, women's and men's organic t-shirts, all hand stenciled with various bike images. There will also be framed bike artwork for sale and a variety of my stencils will be on display.
Web site: www.flickr.com/janetbikegirl

Check the Events Calendar for more events.

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 26, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Guaranteed Bike Lane
A team of ARC Cyclist Safety Ambassadors will be on hand to place safety markers around motor vehicles parked within painted bike lanes, to assist cyclists to safely navigate around the hazard.

When: Monday, May 25, 2009 - 7:30 to 9:30 am
Where: College Street West, somewhere between McCaul and Huron.

more info


Check the Events Calendar for more events.

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 26, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Giro T.O.
Giro T.O. is a charity bike ride aimed at raising funds to help Villa Charities give more amore to the seniors who cared for us, provide more invaluable job training to young adults with intellectual disabilities and increase the cultural programming that enriches the lives of thousands annually.

Sunday, May 24, 2009
Columbus Centre
901 Lawrence Avenue West
Toronto, ON M6A 1C3

(click for more info)


Check the Events Calendar for more events.

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 26, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

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.
(click for more info)

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 26, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark


Waterfront Toronto has just released plans for the new "people-friendly" Queens Quay that we got a taste of back in 2006 with "Quay to the City" (photos at the end of this post). This of course includes the "connection" of the east and west portions of the Martin-Goodman Trail with a physically seperate two-way cycling path on the southern portion of the street (a good idea of how this will work is in the photos at the end of this post):

Waterfront Toronto yesterday unveiled its lofty $192-million plan, which seeks to overhaul the lake-side road between Bathurst and Parliament streets. The transformation would turn Queens Quay into a European-style boulevard, with wide, tree-lined pedestrian walking lanes, an extended waterfront boardwalk, increased green space, more expedient public transit and a widened cycling trail.

The proposed renovations would eliminate two traffic lanes south of the dedicated streetcar lane currently in place, allowing for increased walking room framed by two rows of trees next to the waterfront. The remaining two lanes north of the streetcar lane, both of which currently run westbound, will either be reduced to a single westbound lane with dedicated parking or converted into one lane flowing in each direction.

Chris Glaisek, Waterfront Toronto's vice-president of planning and design, said the goal is to make Queens Quay more "Main Street" than main thoroughfare.

"It should be local. It should be a retail destination. It should be the heart of a neighbourhood," he said...

"It should be a place that you say, 'I want to go to Barcelona because I want to see the Ramblas,' or 'I want to go to Paris because I want to see the Champs d'Elysee,' or 'I want to go to Toronto because I want to see Queens Quay.' "


Photos from 2006's Quay to the City:





Quay to the City, Aug. 11-20, 2006

Quay to the City, Aug. 11-20, 2006

Quay to the City, Aug. 11-20, 2006



News Articles about this:

National Post: Waterfront "grand gateway" proposed
Toronto Star: Lakefront plan gives pedestrians top priority
Globe and Mail: Group plans a facelift fit for Queens Quay
Toronto Sun: Facelift for Queen's Quay

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 26, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by ericparker

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 26, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
Toronto HPV Dinner Tonight
First 2006 Weekend Ride

2007
The March Issue of Cyclometer Is Out!
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Bike Events This Week - March 26-31, 2007

2008
Judge rules against Sikh challenge of helmet law
Getting Google Maps to pay Attention to Bikes
Mar. 26: BikingToronto Community Activity Update
Mar 26: Cycling News from Around the World
Photo of the Day: Return of the Bikes
From The Archives: March 26th

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posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Parkdale High-Park MPP Cheri DiNovo is sponsoring a free screening of "Tales of a Yellow Bike" this Friday at the Revue Cinema:
Day: Friday, March 27th, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Revue Cinema - 400 Roncesvalles Avenue (map)
Cost: Free!



Join director Tina Hahn (Life’s a Twitch) for a trip—by bike—that takes us to Beijing, Amsterdam, Bogotá, New York, La Rochelle, South Bronx, Manhattan, Paris and back to Toronto.

She’ll be at the Revue on Friday, March 27, from 7 p.m. for a free public screening of her film, sponsored by local MPP Cheri DiNovo.

Tales of a Yellow Bike, produced for OMNI Television, gives us an insider’s view of cycling promotion and bike-sharing programs around the globe. Hahn’s an experienced editor and filmmaker, and it shows. The crisp editing makes the most of fascinating interviews with both long-time cycling activists and municipal officials in various countries, punctuated with footage of the free-wheeling Maogosha Pyjor — former co-ordinator of the Toronto-based Community Bike Network’s now defunct Bike Share program — and dozens of others cycling their way around cities of varying degrees of bike-friendliness.

The images aptly convey the tremendously liberating quality of biking at its best. Footage of cycling paths in Bogotá and other cities will make many Torontonians green with envy. This film will make you want to pedal your way home.

Added to the Events Calendar, of course.

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posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by Kaibot

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posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
TCAT News Bulletin: March 25th
How People Commute in Toronto
Mar. 25: Weekly Site Category Digest
Mar. 25: Weekly Site Daily Digest
Photo of the Day: Slushy at Spadina
From The Archives: March 25th

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Tonight is the Bikechain Winter Recovery Seminar - from 6:30 - 8 pm.

UofT BikeChain Seminar: Winter Recovery
You have wounded your bicycle by riding through corrosive salty slush. Heal it!
Is your bike encrusted with filth? Is your chain making angry noises? Are cables on your bike stuck? If you've said yes to any of these questions, you will find this seminar helpful.
(click for more info)

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Toronto Star: Quashing bike route angers activists

A last-minute protest by a group of Markham residents has derailed years of hard work by other community volunteers, says the chair of Markham's Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Toronto Star: Map of the Week - Cycling Accidents

That possibility emerges from the Star's online Map of the Week, where data blogger Patrick Cain plots the 1,068 bicycle accidents reported to Toronto police in 2008.

Toronto Star: Getting ready for snow-free roads

As the snow peels back on Toronto sidewalks, it is possible, finally, to dream of spring and of an alternative to trash-strewn and overcrowded streetcars rendered even smaller by commuters in their burly winter coats.

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by Kaibot

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
Car Free Friday!

2007
Less Cars on Yonge Street and King Street
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
Mar. 24: Cycling Events This Week
Photo of the Day: Wet Speed
Mar. 24: Photos of the Week
From The Archives: March 24th

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 23, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

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: Fenced


Photo of the Day: Spadina


Photo of the Day: City Hall Blur


Photo of the Day: Honest Eds


Photo of the Day: Red Rider


Photo of the Day: Sunnyside Path


Photo of the Day: Bike Watching

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 23, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



What's on this week:

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


Mon, Mar 23:
Pages Books Art Window by Janet Bike Girl
Janet Bike Girl has an art installation for the world to see at Pages Bookstore! Visit Pages Book & Magazines located at the intersection of Queen St West and John St and check out her art in their window.
(click for more info)
Mon, Mar 23:
CBN: Wenches with Wrenches - Wheeltruing
Ever wondered how on earth you straighten your wheel when it gets wobbly? Or you've heard that such a mystery can be enacted, but haven't had the nerve to try it on your own wheels? Find out how you'll know IF a damaged wheel can be saved!
(click for more info)
Mon, Mar 23:
Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee Meeting
Committee Room 2
2nd Floor, City Hall
100 Queen Street West, Toronto
(click for more info)
Tues, Mar 24:
UofT BikeChain Seminar: Winter Recovery
You have wounded your bicycle by riding through corrosive salty slush. Heal it!
Is your bike encrusted with filth? Is your chain making angry noises? Are cables on your bike stuck? If you've said yes to any of these questions, you will find this seminar helpful.
(click for more info)
Thurs, Mar 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.
(click for more info)
Fri, Mar 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
(click for more info)
Sat, Mar 28:
HelloVelo Bike Mechanics Course - Frame, Cockpit, Saddle and Pedals
We’ll take a look at the bike as a whole and then focus on your key contact points, how to adjust them and keep everything in good working order. From classic steel beasts to the latest carbon fibre, we will cover it all.
(click for more info)
Sun, Mar 29:
Does This Ring A Bell Photo Show (Opening Reception)
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.
(click for more info)



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

Weekly Events Newsletter:

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 23, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by Kaibot

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 23, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
One Week Until BikeFriday!
Toronto's Weekly Carnage

2008
Photo of the Day: IceBike Race Blur
From The Archives: March 23rd

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posted by Joe on Sunday, March 22, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by Kaibot

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posted by Joe on Sunday, March 22, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
The Start of the 2006 CBN Speaker Series

2007
More West Toronto Railpath News
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Cycling Poker Run this Saturday
The West Toronto Railpath Lives!

2008
Photo of the Day: Tracks
From The Archives: March 22nd

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posted by Joe on Saturday, March 21, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by intrepidacious

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posted by Joe on Saturday, March 21, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
More Interesting Links
Spring Ahead...

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
A BikeStation at the New Nathan Phillips Square
The Most Cost Effective Sustainable Transportation

2008
Mar. 21: Weekly News Wrap-up
Photo of the Day: Winter Montage
Mar. 21: Toronto's Weekly Carnage
From The Archives: March 21st

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 20, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by ravensview

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 20, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
Mar. 20: Recently in the BikingToronto Flickr Group
Mar. 20: Toronto Stolen Bike Listings Update
Queen West Cyclist in hospital after crash yesterday
Toronto Police want your opinion on Traffic Issues
Photo of the Day: Get Tricky
From The Archives: March 20th

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 19, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

The weather is getting warmer, and that means getting your bike ready for spring.

Have a checklist of things you like to do to get your bike ready? Need advice on how to go about it?

We've got an "open discussion" how-to thread set up in the Forum so that people can share tips and questions about this.

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 19, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by Mike Manalang

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 19, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2007
Bike to York Plans and a Meeting
Take the Tooker Meeting this Wednesday!
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
The Portable Bloor BikeLane
Mar. 19: BikingToronto Community Activity Update
Mar 19: Cycling News from Around the World
Stolen: Gold Velo Sport (Sherbourne & Wellesley)
Photo of the Day: Surfing on Ice
From The Archives: March 19th

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posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

There's a new thread on the forum... asking for advice about how to get a Kryptonite U-Lock off of a bike when the key has broken off inside:
I just snapped off the key to my u-lock inside the lock. I tried to force the rest of the key in to try and turn it but it's pretty much cooked. What exactly does one do in this situation?

Locksmith? Hacksaw?

I'm worried that my bike is going to get stripped before I figure out how to get it off.

Click here if you have any advice for this Toronto cyclist.

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posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by gbalogh

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Discuss this topic and a lot more on the BikingToronto Forum


posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
2008: The Year of the Bicycle?
Video: Toronto Critical Mass - February 2008
Star: Downtown density will prevail over slums of suburbia
Stuff: Sweden's V-Bike
Mar. 18: Weekly Site Category Digest
Mar. 18: Weekly Site Daily Digest
Photo of the Day: Tricky Turn
From The Archives: March 18th

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

The weather is getting warmer, so unfortunately, even with the huge Igor Kenk bust last year, we're going to see more bike stealing on the streets of Toronto.

BikingToronto has dedicated an entire section of the Forum to Stolen Bikes - with one thread reserved exclusively for listing stolen bikes, in the hopes that visitors may recognize one on the street and help re-unite the bike with the owner.

Check out the Forum section here and the Stolen Bike Listing Thread here.

For some good news to end of this post, I'll leave you with the story of Darryl the Chopper Bike... a Stolen Bike story with a happy ending!

My bike is RIGHT here, back at home. Am never leaving it where I cant see it again!

How did I get my bike back?? As soon as my bike went missing I posted Craigslist and emailed EVERYONE, who posted it EVERYWHERE, (THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH) because who would be dumb enough to steal a zebra covered art chopper bike???

There are a lot more details Im leaving out, sleuthing, photos, asking all the neighbors, calling 14th div, for advice, but long story short, with the help of some good friends he's back.

I then got an anonymous email from my LOST AND FOUND posting on Craigslist, telling me vaguely where my bike was. Then I got another, with more information- that it was in a bar, and was used against a bar tab!!

Apparently the idiot who stole it took it for a joyride then to a bar and left it as collateral. He tried to rip off the fur and the stickers and couldn't, or maybe he realized it was too original, so he ditched it. Lucky for me!!!

When I called the bar this morning as soon as it opened the kind lady there knew right away what I was talking about. I raced down (I have never run so fast) to a sketchy bar on Bloor street and there he was. Darryl!!! I gave her flowers as a thank you and everyone told me how much they loved my bike and how they wondered who owned it. They were so kind.

Later when I thought about it, the reason they still had it and were trolling on Craigslist is that they probably thought that they could sell it, but seeing it all over the net (thank you all!), they probably realized that this bike was not only hot, it was HOTTT! I didn't even think to ask them about the thief.

Crying with joy, I inspected him quickly and rode Darryl home like a bat out of hell. His fur was torn a bit and they had tried to remove the stickers, but hes really no worse for wear.

THANK YOU EVERYBODY. Thank you stranger who emailed me, whatever your intentions. Thank you universe!!! Darryl's home.

 Now we just have to find the bike thief and nail him!!

[from the Stolen Chopper Bike "Darryl" Recovered! post]

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by David Vincent Johnson

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Discuss this topic and a lot more on the BikingToronto Forum


posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
NOW Magazine: Cycling part of a Green Revolution
Video: 1963 Bike Safety Film, with Monkeys
Mar. 17: Cycling Events This Week
TCAT News Bulletin: March 17th
Photo of the Day: Sunlight Crossing
Mar. 17: Photos of the Week
From The Archives: March 17th

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 16, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

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: High Park


Photo of the Day: Thimble



Photo of the Day: Men's Race


Photo of the Day: Women's Final


Photo of the Day: Denison Square


Photo of the Day: Starting Line


Photo of the Day: Ice Race

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 16, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



What's on this week:

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


All Week:

Pages Books Art Window by Janet Bike Girl
Janet Bike Girl has an art installation for the world to see at Pages Bookstore!
Visit Pages Book & Magazines located at the intersection of Queen St West and John St and check out her art in their window.
(more info)

Mon, Mar 9:
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)

Fri, Mar 20:
Bike Pirates Film Night: The Bicycle of Ghislain Lambert
The Bike Pirates are hosting a film night to celebrate the Spring equinox. The chosen film is "The Bicycle of Ghislain Lambert"
(more info)

Sat, Mar 21:
HelloVelo Bike Mechanics Course - Wheels, Tires and Brakes
How to maintain, your wheel systems and to get your brakes working optimally. Want to change your own brake pads or true your wheel? This is the class for you.
(more info)


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

Weekly Events Newsletter:

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 16, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by bikeroo

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 16, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
Car Free News: Central Park & Public Space

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
BikeFriday is in 2 Weeks!
Public Comments about Leslie Street and Eastern Avenue Bikelanes
Cyclists and the Dundas Streetcar Track Reconstruction
Toronto's Weekly Carnage

2008
Photo of the Day: Husband Hunting
From The Archives: March 16th

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posted by Joe on Sunday, March 15, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by thru the night

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posted by Joe on Sunday, March 15, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
8 Secrets To Cycling In Traffic (Complete Series)

2007
More Councillor Comments about BikeLanes and the Budget
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
Photo of the Day: Winter Courier
From The Archives: March 15th

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posted by Joe on Saturday, March 14, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by Julie JP

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posted by Joe on Saturday, March 14, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
8 Secrets To Cycling In Traffic (Part 8 of 8)

2007
The BikeChain Wins the Vote! (But Still Needs Help)
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Students make plea for bike repair shop
"Bike to York" Meeting Today at 4:30 PM

2008
Photo of the Day: St. George
From The Archives: March 14th

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 13, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Happy Friday everyone. Time for the Weekly Wrap-Up.

Let's get right to the links:

Headlines: Markham Pedestrian and Cycling Trail Controversial
The three-metre-wide path would connect the main streets of Unionville and Markham for pedestrians and cyclists. The crushed stone surface would discourage inline skating and racing bikes, and the trail wouldn't be maintained in the winter so use would be confined mostly to… (click here for more)

Headlines: Biking Toronto's Green Spaces
First, obtain a copy of the official Toronto Cycling Map. Second, obtain a bicycle. Finally, arrange for warm weather. There is no better means to discover the often hidden green oases of Toronto, a city as flat as Amsterdam… (click here for more)

OMB Stops Walmart - Good News for East End Cyclists
Last week saw some great news come from the Ontario Municipal Board (there's a sentence I thought I'd never type...) in the form of them siding with the City of Toronto against SmartCentres and their plan for "Big Box" retail (including a rumoured WalMart) along Eastern Avenue in Leslieville: Toronto… (click here for more)

Recent activity in the Forum:

Next Week's Wrap-Up

I'll be offline most of next week (don't worry, BikingToronto will still be updated regularly...) so if I get a Wrap-Up post out there it may be a sparse one... but still full of cycling goodness.


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or forward this to a friend and get them to sign -up.

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 13, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by shapelike 0_o

(Click here for photos and click here for video from the 2009 Ice Bike Races)

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 13, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
News From Abroad: Naked Bunnies Like To Bike
8 Secrets To Cycling In Traffic (Part 7 of 8)

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
BikeChain Workshop - Bottom Brackets, and the Flat Fix of Doom!

2008
Photo of the Day: Frosting
From The Archives: March 13th

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 12, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Toronto Star: Path bitterly divides residents

The three-metre-wide path would connect the main streets of Unionville and Markham for pedestrians and cyclists. The crushed stone surface would discourage inline skating and racing bikes, and the trail wouldn't be maintained in the winter so use would be confined mostly to the warmer months...

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 12, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by shapelike 0_o

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 12, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
8 Secrets To Cycling In Traffic (Part 6 of 8)

2007
Rob Ford is Famous... Again
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Commuting with Psychopaths
Bike to York - Redefine the Possible

2008
Photo of the Day: Sidewalk Parking
From The Archives: March 12th

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posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Globe and Mail: John Barber's Top 5 Green Spaces

First, obtain a copy of the official Toronto Cycling Map (http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/map). Second, obtain a bicycle. Finally, arrange for warm weather. There is no better means to discover the often hidden green oases of Toronto, a city as flat as Amsterdam and comparably dense.

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posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by seanTcurran

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Discuss this topic and a lot more on the BikingToronto Forum


posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
8 Secrets To Cycling In Traffic (Part 5 of 8)

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
Mar. 11: Weekly Site Category Digest
Mar. 11: Weekly Site Daily Digest
Photo of the Day: Fender
From The Archives: March 11th

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Last week saw some great news come from the Ontario Municipal Board (there's a sentence I thought I'd never type...) in the form of them siding with the City of Toronto against SmartCentres and their plan for "Big Box" retail (including a rumoured WalMart) along Eastern Avenue in Leslieville:

Toronto is declaring victory after the Ontario Municipal Board sided with the city, blocking a big box retail complex in Leslieville.

In a 56-page ruling, released today, vice-chair James McKenzie said the proposals "do not constitute good planning" and "will very likely destabilize" the area known as the South of Eastern Employment District near the intersection of Lake Shore Blvd. E. and Leslie St.

The SmartCentres proposal called for multi-level retail, service, commercial, office and entertainment uses, covering nearly 700,000 square feet.


This is great news for Toronto cyclists because not only will a 1,700 parking lot NOT be built, but the proposed SmartCentre plan called for multiple multi-lane driveways to be built across the multi-use path that runs along the north side of Lakeshore Boulevarde.



The development would have turned a nice and well-used multi-use path...



... into an intersection like the one at Lakeshore and Leslie:




News links about this:

More BikingToronto posts about SmartCentre's Leslieville plans:

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by Martinho

(Click here for photos and click here for video from the 2009 Ice Bike Races)

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
8 Secrets To Cycling In Traffic (Part 4 of 8)
Does Someone Need An Intervention?

2007
Politicians get Foot-in-Mouth Disease
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Take The Tooker to Canadians for Kyoto Rally
BikingToronto Site News

2008
Photo of the Day: Fenced
Mar. 10: Photos of the Week
From The Archives: March 10th

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 09, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



What's on this week:

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


All Week:

Pages Books Art Window by Janet Bike Girl
Janet Bike Girl has an art installation for the world to see at Pages Bookstore!
Visit Pages Book & Magazines located at the intersection of Queen St West and John St and check out her art in their window.
(more info)

Mon, Mar 9:
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, Mar 9:
CBN: Wenches with Wrenches - Ball Bearings
We will talk about how to repack bearing points on your bike, and there will be an opportunity to do hands-on work on your own bike, the better to remember when you want to try it on your own!
(more info)
Tues, Mar 10:
West End Bikeways Open House Meeting
Please be advised that City staff will be hosting an open house for this project on Tuesday March 10th, 2009 at the Parkdale Public Library, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The purpose of the open house is to share with the community the preferred bikeway projects for the West End study area as identified by staff in consultation with the public.
(more info)
Wed, Mar 11:
UofT BikeChain Seminar: Maintenance Basics
Interested in learning how to give your bike a basic tune-up, but don't know where to start? We've got just the thing for you! Come to our free evening seminar on the Basics of Bike Maintenance!
(more info)

Thurs, Mar 12:
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.
(more info)

Fri, Mar 13 - Sun, Mar. 15:
Toronto International Bike Show
The Toronto International Bicycle Show is the best place to shop for bicycles and accessories, preview the newest trends in cycling from the top manufacturers and distributors plus enjoy thrilling action-packed events.
(more info)

Sat. Mar 14:
Martin Goodman Trail Winter Ride
The ride meeting point will be Balzacs Coffee Shop in the Distillery District, we're aiming to leave the coffee shop by 4:30, so that we have an hour to ride the MGT before sunset at 5:36. There will be city staff on the ride to field questions about snow clearing and related winter issues.
(more info)


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

Weekly Events Newsletter:

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 09, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

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: Beach


Photo of the Day: Panning


Photo of the Day: Portlands


Photo of the Day: Spokes


Photo of the Day: Fisheye Sunrise


Photo of the Day: Winter in Tommy Thompson Park


Photo of the Day: Cycling on the Leslie Spit

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 09, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by Martinho

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 09, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
8 Secrets To Cycling In Traffic (Part 3 of 8)

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Dead Cyclists Always At Fault, Says Councillor Rob Ford
Toronto's Weekly Carnage

2008
Photo of the Day: Locked in Ice
From The Archives: March 9th

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posted by Joe on Sunday, March 08, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by jamesamazing

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posted by Joe on Sunday, March 08, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
Cute As A (Biking) Button
8 Secrets To Cycling In Traffic (Part 2 of 8)

2007
320 New TTC Buses To Have BikeRacks!
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
UofT Student? Support the BikeChain!

2008
Photo of the Day: Snowcovered
From The Archives: March 8th

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posted by Joe on Saturday, March 07, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by ckbo

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posted by Joe on Saturday, March 07, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
8 Secrets To Cycling In Traffic (Part 1 of 8)

2007
Bikeracks on New Buses?
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
Mar. 7: Weekly News Wrap-up
Subway Station Stairs to get Bike Tracks
Elsewhere: How Danish Bike Paths Get Plowed
Photo of the Day: Finding a Path
Mar. 7: Toronto's Weekly Carnage
From The Archives: March 7th

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 06, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Happy Friday everyone. Time for the Weekly Wrap-Up.

I'm expanding the wrap-up a little this week - giving you links to not only the news-related posts from BikingToronto, but also some new events that have been added to the Events Page and some How-To links.

First, the News:
  • The Toronto Cyclists Union Release Position on E-Bikes
    On March 9, 11, and 23rd The provincial legislature will be having public hearings about proposed changes to the Highway Traffic Act, including the definition of "E-Bikes" or "power-assisted bicycles". The Toronto Cyclists Union has released their position on this matter… (click for more)

Events:
  • Pages Books Art Window by Janet Bike Girl
    Janet Bike Girl has an art installation for the world to see at Pages Bookstore! Visit Pages Book & Magazines located at the intersection of Queen St West and John St and check out her art in their window. Pages Art Window is a stand-alone section... (click for more)


How-To Forum Discussion

We started up a successful and useful "How to Bike in the Winter" Discussion Topic back in November, and since we're starting to see warmer weather now... it seems to be a perfect time to discuss:

How To Get Your Bike Ready for Spring:
It's been a long cold snowy winter... and we're itching for warm weather to get our bikes out on the roads more...

But what should be done to get our two-wheeled friends back into riding shape after a long winter spent in basements or garages? Or what's the best way to clean the salt and gunk off our bikes if we've been riding all winter?

Share your knowledge, or ask questions, and we can help Torontonians get their bikes ready for warm weather!
(Click here to discuss this in the Forum's How-To Section)

(Click here to learn more about the How-To Discussions)



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posted by Joe on Friday, March 06, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by cornelius crab

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posted by Joe on Friday, March 06, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
Do Cyclists Dream of Spandex-Clad Sheep?

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
MyBikeLane.com comes to Toronto!

2008
The Toronto-Niagara BikeTrain Rides Again
Stuff: New Light Source Lasts 12+ Years without a Charge
The New Ryerson Student Centre to have Bicycle Only Parking
Mar. 6: Recently in the BikingToronto Flickr Group
Mar. 6: Toronto Stolen Bike Listings Update
Photo of the Day: Chinatown
From The Archives: March 6th

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 05, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

On March 9, 11, and 23rd The provincial legislature will be having public hearings about proposed changes to the Highway Traffic Act, including the definition of "E-Bikes" or "power-assisted bicycles" (you can read some more details in this BikingToronto post).

The Toronto Cyclists Union has released their position on the proposed definition of E-Bikes (which seems to include both bicycles with a small electrical assist as well as motor-scooter style bikes with removable pedals - like the accompanying photo):

The Toronto Cyclists Union believes that e-bikes/bicycles should be nothing other than traditional style bicycles, primarily powered by pedalling, that have minimal power assist – not capable of exceeding 20kms/hr, and simply available to boost the cyclists ability to get up hills and keep the cyclist moving when they need a short break on longer distance rides.

Any electric ‘bike’ that resembles a scooter should be considered an e-scooter and be subject to the rules that apply to that type of vehicle.

The Toronto Cyclists Union strongly recommends the following:


- That support, encouragement and resources for the implementation of additional cycling infrastructure across Ontario accompany any e-bike promotion initiative pursued by the MTO
- That the MTO do more to promote traditional cycling as an active form of transportation in tandem with, and perhaps even as a priority over, e-bikes
- That both the Driver education training guidelines, and Driver’s License testing be updated to include much more content (tbd) regarding how cyclists use the roadways, and the need/requirement to share the road.


Read more at the Toronto Cyclists Union website.

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 05, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by stinc.

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posted by Joe on Thursday, March 05, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
Bike TV

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Bike Events This Week
BikeFriday is a SmartCommute!

2008
City to finalize Transportation Services Operating Budget
Stuff: Extreme Folding Bike
Video: From Tragedy to Advocacy in NYC
Popular February 2008 Posts
Mar. 5: BikingToronto Community Activity Update
Mar 5: Cycling News from Around the World
Video: The Purple Traffic Calming Wizard
Photo of the Day: More Snow
From The Archives: March 5th

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posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Remember the study report from the Clean Air Partnership about bikelanes being good for business in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood?

There is now a webinar presentation of the results available on March 25th:

Is your community considering investing in its public realm through an improved pedestrian environment or increasing transportation options through the installation of on-road bike lanes? Often, such proposals involve removing some on-street parking and are met with opposition from merchants who fear that the reallocation of road space would hurt business.

A recent study in Toronto found that 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. The study – conducted in July of 2008 – surveyed the opinions and preferences of merchants and patrons on Bloor Street and analyzed parking usage data in the Annex area.

The Clean Air Partnership is pleased to invite you to participate in a webinar profiling the findings of the study, the tools and methodology used and a discussion on how a similar study could be conducted in your community. The findings of this study will also be presented in May at Velo-City 2009 in Brussels – the world’s largest conference devoted to bicycling.

Date: March 25th, 2009
Time: 2:30 pm Eastern Standard Time
Host: The Clean Air Partnership
Presenter: Fred Sztabinski

This webinar is offered to participants free of charge.

Participation is limited to the first 40 registrants.

To register for this webinar please click here.

To read the study report please click here (PDF).

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posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by stinc.

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posted by Joe on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
BikeChain Co-ordinator Profile up on Spacing Toronto
Video: Dukes Cycle
Video: NYC Bike Move
Slush Puppies: How to Enjoy Biking in the Winter
Duke's Cycle to Rise from the Ashes
Mar. 4: Weekly Site Category Digest
Mar. 4: Weekly Site Daily Digest
TCAT News Bulletin: March 4th
Photo of the Day: Snow Speed
Stolen: Green Gary Fisher Big Sur
From The Archives: March 4th

Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 03, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

The Bike Pirates are hosting a film night to celebrate the Spring equinox. The chosen film is "The Bicycle of Ghislain Lambert":
In the 70s, there was Merckx and there were the others. Ghislain Lambert was one of the others. This is his story, a quite simple one. The story of a modest Belgian bike racer. His greatest ambition in life? To become a champion. His greatest tragedy? Not having the legs his heart deserves. [imdb]

Date: Friday, March 20, 2009
Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: 1292 Bloor Street West (map)

Hot chocolate courtesy of ChocoSol.

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 03, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Janet Bike Girl has an art installation for the world to see at Pages Bookstore!

Visit Pages Book & Magazines located at the intersection of Queen St West and John St and check out her art in their window.

Pages Art Window is a stand-alone section of the Pages storefront. The window is dedicated to the display of local Toronto artists and local artist Janet Bike Girl will be featured for the next three weeks. Come and visit at any time of the day!

Pages Books & Magazines
256 Queen St W (map)

Note: You can pick up your own copy of Stencil Nation by Russell Howze from Pages Bookstore. For more information about Stencil Nation please visit www.stencilnation.org

For more information please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/janetbikegirl

[photo by Janet Bike Girl]

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 03, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

Here are the 10 blog posts that saw the most action in February.

1. Elsewhere: Bike Polo Hits New York City
Passing by the corner of Chrystie and Broome Sts., one could easily miss the hottest new sporting event in town. That’s because the arena is tucked below ground level in a funky, 7,000-square-foot asphalt pit. Here a bunch of daredevils in jeans and scruffy shirts play a lively game of polo on bicycles, as they circle and glide back and forth at a mesmerizing pace.

2. 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!

3. Two New Electric Bike Stores in Town
Whether or not you've seen them, or like them, or think they have a right to use bikelanes, you're about to see a lot more of them. Electric Bike manufacturer and retailer Daymak has just opened up two new stores in Toronto (at Richmond & Jarvis and Bloor & Dundas).

4. Rachel McAdams: Another Celebrity Who Loves Biking Toronto
What did you do during your sabbatical?
I bought a house in Toronto. I spent time there with my family members and friends. I traveled to Europe. I started doing yoga. Actually, I really got into yoga -- Kundalini -- and love it. I also started a website with friends [greenissexy.org]...

How do you live green?
I don't own a car. In Toronto, my bike is my car.

5. Ellen Page: Halifax Actor, Oscar Nominee, and Cyclist
Ellen Page is desperately seeking a bike mechanic. Which might seem strange, because for weeks now she’s had a sedan, complete with tinted windows and a black-suited driver, at her beck and call. It’s just one of the perks of being a Hollywood awards season hopeful. Back home in Nova Scotia, however, her wheels are decidedly less glamorous. “I don’t own a car where I live,” she says. “The way I get around is by foot and by bike."

6. 2009 Ice Bike Races
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.

7. Weekly News Wrap-Up: Winter Riding and Training Bike Mechanics
3 main stories this week... first off, the Toronto Star and the Toronto Sun do write-ups of the Coldest Day of the Year Ride... an event put on by the city to show that even though Toronto winters get cold, it's still fun to ride. It took place on Jan. 30th... statistically the coldest day of the year.

8. 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"...


9. The ROM adds Public Art Bike Racks
Not all things are going bad for cyclists on Bloor St. The Royal Ontario Museum has unveiled 12 artful bikeracks that not only secure bikes but serve as sidewalk sculpture. Each takes it's inspiration from an exhibit within the museum.



10. Proof that BikeLanes are Good for Business
"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. "


For more popular posts, check out the "popular" label page.

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 03, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by gbalogh

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posted by Joe on Tuesday, March 03, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
Encouraging Biking with Organized Rides

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day

2008
Mar. 3: Cycling Events This Week
Stuff: PackNGo Panniers
Mountain Biking Strategy - Call for Comments
Stuff: Glo Gloves: Gloves with Turn Signals!
BikePirate Photos from the IceBike Races
Photo of the Day: Harbord
Mar. 3: Photos of the Week
From The Archives: March 3rd

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 02, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



On the 3rd anniversary of the launch of Take the Tooker and the 5th anniversary of the passing of Canadian climate and cycling activist Tooker Gomberg, members of Take the Tooker and Bells on Bloor will join some Bloor merchants to ride en masse along Bloor St. to City Hall. There they will unfurl their 120 foot mobile bike lane before submitting their 5000-signature petition calling for bike lanes on Bloor.
Wed. Mar. 4, 2009
  • 12:30 p.m. - cyclists arrive at City Hall and unfurl the 120 ft. mobile bike lane under the Mayor's office
  • 12:40 p.m. - all cyclists will park their bikes and walk up to the Mayor's office to submit their 5000 name petition calling for bike lanes on Bloor.
More information available in Take the Tooker's press release (PDF).

[Photo by Gabi]

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 02, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

TheStar.com: Merchants warming up to bike lanes

Any suggestion to remove street parking in favour of bike lanes is usually met with hostility from merchants who think it will cost them business. But cycling advocates and environmentalists say that bit of conventional wisdom is an urban myth – one that needs to be challenged in the face of increasingly congested roads and plans for boosting public transit and other green initiatives.

SpacingToronto: Can bikes and scooters get along?

Last summer an interesting debate got underway in Toronto. Electric scooters started appearing in the bike lane and some cyclists weren't too happy about that ... Ontario's Ministry of Transportation will soon wrap up a pilot project to test power-assisted bicycles in the hopes of developing a policy on their vehicular classification. In Amsterdam, the distinction between electric and gas-powered is moot - all scooters are allowed to use bike lanes as long as they don't exceed a 40 km/h speed limit

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 02, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



What's on this week:

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


Mon, Mar 2:
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, Mar 4:
CBN Workshop: Wheelbuilding - 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)
Sat, Mar 7:
HelloVelo Bike Mechanics Course - Derailleurs and Shifters
This class will teach you the right way to remove, dismantle, install and tune both your front and rear derailleurs. We’ll also cover the popular shifting systems and by the end you’ll be able to fine tune your gears perfectly.
(more info)


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

Weekly Events Newsletter:

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posted by Joe on Monday, March 02, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

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: Summer


Photo of the Day: Waiting



Photo of the Day: Joggers and Bikers


Photo of the Day: Shadow Racing


Photo of the Day: VeloRaisin?


Photo of the Day: Bike Taxi


Photo of the Day: Under The Bridge

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Discuss this topic and a lot more on the BikingToronto Forum


posted by Joe on Monday, March 02, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by gbalogh

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Discuss this topic and a lot more on the BikingToronto Forum


posted by Joe on Monday, March 02, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2006
Let's Celebrate Cycling On Friday

2007
BikeFriday is in 4 weeks!
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Toronto's Weekly Carnage

2008
Photo of the Day: Elves
From The Archives: March 2nd

Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.

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Discuss this topic and a lot more on the BikingToronto Forum


posted by Joe on Sunday, March 01, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark



Photo by Mcl Digital Creations

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Discuss this topic and a lot more on the BikingToronto Forum


posted by Joe on Sunday, March 01, 2009 Share/Save/Bookmark

2007
BikingToronto Photo of the Day
Ghost Bike Installation for Bianca Gogel

2008
Photo of the Day: Track
From The Archives: March 1st

Explore old BikingToronto with posts like this or the Archives Page.

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On The Blog

  • New Events on the BikingToronto Calendar
  • Update: Air Canada and Folding Bikes
  • Photo of the Day: Pastel BikePosts
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 31
  • Mar. 30: New in the Forum
  • Photos of the Week (Mar. 23 - 29)
  • Cycling Events This Week: Mar. 30 - Apr. 5
  • Photo of the Day: Rainy on Dundas
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 30
  • Photo of the Day: Couple
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 29
  • Reminder: "Does This Ring A Bell?" Photo Show Opens Tomorrow
  • Photo of the Day: Amber
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 28
  • Reminder: Free Screening of "Tales of a Yellow Bike" is Tonight
  • Reminder: Toronto Critical Mass is Tonight
  • Weekly News Wrap-Up: Get Your Bike Ready for Spring and Meet the new Cyclist-Friendly Waterfront
  • Headlines: Is Your Bike Ready for Spring?
  • Photo of the Day: Spadina Skirt
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 27
  • Janet Bike Girl: Open Studio Show & Sale on Mon, May 25
  • Guaranteed Bike Lane on Mon, May 25th
  • Giro T.O. on Sunday, May 24
  • Reminder: Toronto Cyclists Union "Cinq à Sept" is Tonight!
  • Waterfront Toronto Unveils Queens Quay Plan
  • Photo of the Day: Bike and Streetcar
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 26
  • Free Screening of "Tales of a Yellow Bike" This Friday
  • Photo of the Day: Spadina Winter Commuters
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 25
  • Reminder: U of T BikeChain Winter Recovery Workshop
  • Headlines: Cycling Accidents Map and Getting Ready for Spring
  • Photo of the Day: Phoning on Spadina
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 24
  • Photos of the Week (Mar. 16 - 22)
  • Cycling Events This Week: Mar. 23-29
  • Photo of the Day: Around the Corner
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 23
  • Photo of the Day: Fenced
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 22
  • Photo of the Day: Spadina
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 21
  • Photo of the Day: City Hall Blur
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 20
  • Contribute to the How-To: Get Your Bike Ready for Spring
  • Photo of the Day: Honest Eds
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 19
  • Broken Key in Kyptonite U-Lock Advice
  • Photo of the Day: Red Rider
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 18
  • Warmer Weather equals more Stolen Bike Listings
  • Photo of the Day: Sunnyside Path
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 17
  • Photos of the Week (Mar. 9 - 15)
  • Cycling Events This Week: Mar. 16-22
  • Photo of the Day: Bike Watching
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 16
  • Photo of the Day: High Park
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 15
  • Photo of the Day: Thimble
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 14
  • Weekly News Wrap-Up: No Walmart Good for Cyclists and Cycling Toronto's Green Spaces
  • Photo of the Day: Men's Race
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 13
  • Headlines: Markham Pedestrian and Cycling Trail Controversial
  • Photo of the Day: Women's Final
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 12
  • Headlines: Biking Toronto's Green Spaces
  • Photo of the Day: Denison Square
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 11
  • OMB Stops Walmart - Good News for East End Cyclists
  • Photo of the Day: Starting Line
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 10
  • Cycling Events This Week: Mar. 9-15
  • Mar. 9: Photos of the Week
  • Photo of the Day: Ice Race
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 9
  • Photo of the Day: Beach
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 8
  • Photo of the Day: Panning
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 7
  • Weekly News Wrap-Up: E-Bikes, New Events, and Getting Your Bike ready for Spring
  • Photo of the Day: Portlands
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 6
  • The Toronto Cyclists Union Release Position on E-Bikes
  • Photo of the Day: Spokes
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 5
  • Webinar: Bikelanes are Good for Business
  • Photo of the Day: Fisheye Sunrise
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 4
  • Bike Pirates Film Night: The Bicycle of Ghislain Lambert
  • Pages Books Art Window by Janet Bike Girl
  • Popular February 2009 Posts
  • Photo of the Day: Winter in Tommy Thompson Park
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 3
  • Take The Tooker Bloor Ride
  • Headlines: Businesses Love Bikelanes and the legal status of E-Bikes
  • Mar. 2: Cycling Events This Week
  • Mar. 2: Photos of the Week
  • Photo of the Day: Cycling on the Leslie Spit
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 2
  • Photo of the Day: Summer
  • BikingToronto Archives: March 1



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