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