The Latest info from the Toronto Coalition for Active Transport:
1. Urban Scrawl: The hazards of cycling in the city – Unsafe drivers or unsafe cyclists debate unfolds in the Post
National Post readers, and especially readers of Spacing’s Wire, I Bike TO, or BikingToronto, will likely know all about the recent series of articles in the National Post (and in their "Posted Toronto" blog) detailing the risks (and risky behaviour) associated with cycling in Toronto.
- First, a 16 year-old described her bike commute to work this summer, noting poor road quality and hostile motorists as a real hazard to riding in the city. You can find the article here
- Next, motorists had their turn to respond, calling attention to the fact that many cyclists put themselves in danger by ignoring traffic laws and riding unsafely. You can find that article here
- Finally, cyclists had their turn to respond, but for the most part agreed with motorists that there are too many riders out there giving cyclists a bad reputation as inconsiderate road users. This article can be found here
While TCAT recognizes that following mutual respect for road rules is essential for both motorists and cyclists, we were disappointed to see the discussion divert attention away from the other key hazards that cyclists (and pedestrians) face - namely from poorly designed and poorly maintained infrastructure, lack of funding to enforce safe driving behaviour and promote driver awareness of cyclists’ rights, and lack of support for education and promotion programs such as CAN-BIKE and the City’s Cycling Ambassadors.
In the coming days, TCAT may choose to respond formally to the Post’s series. If you have any additional ideas or points to make in this response, we would appreciate it if you shared them with us – send them to info@torontocat.ca.
2. Keeping cars out of the bike lane – Post and share Spacing’s poster
In synch with MyBikeLane.com’s anniversary, the Spacing Wire has ‘re-released’ their ‘Don’t park in my bike lane’ poster. TCAT thinks this is a clever way to bring attention to a serious problem in Toronto. It’s difficult enough to get road space dedicated to cyclists, they shouldn’t have to also deal with cars blocking these routes. Parking in bike lanes is dangerous for cyclists because it forces them out into traffic, often unexpectedly. This is an issue that can be at least partially solved through increased enforcement by police and driver education programs. Spacing’s poster helps with this second method. TCAT encourages you to share the poster with others and post it wherever you can – perhaps at your workplace.
Read the Spacing Wire post here
Download the poster here
3. Welcome Ontario Smart Growth Network – New group and over 50 individuals join TCAT’s growing list of supporters
It helps to be able to say how many individuals and groups support the work we do when we speak with City Councillors, City staff, and the media, or put out a publication. As part of our effort to grow the collective voice of TCAT, the Ontario Smart Growth Network has joined our list of supporters. Also, since July 2007, TCAT has added over 50 individuals to its list of supporters receiving TCAT News.
The TCAT Steering Committee welcomes OSGN and the many individuals to TCAT.
Labels: advocacy
