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Albert Koehl, environmental lawyer and founding member of Bells on Bloor, presents a compelling proposal in a recent Globe and Mail article for the province to step in to fast track improvements for Toronto's cyclists. Ontario's growth plan directs cities to ensure that bicycle and pedestrian networks are integrated into transportation planning “to provide safe, comfortable travel for pedestrians and bicyclists.” Unfortunately many municipalities, including Toronto, are not adhering to the growth plan and continue to maintain a “business as usual” approach.
Koehl argues that if the province set up a mechanism to enforce its growth plan, the municipal debates about bike lanes could move from “if” to “how.” Finding a way to eliminate excruciating day-long debates at City Hall over each and every new bike lane would be a welcome relief.
As reported last month in TCAT News, the City plans to launch a public bicycle system in Toronto in 2010. TCAT is following with keen interest the progress of two new North American bikesharing systems.
In Montreal, BIXI (its name comes from bicycle and taxi) has become so popular that the city will be expanding its bike-sharing service from 3,000 to 5,000 bikes ahead of time. A press release from Stationnement de Montréal, the operator of BIXI, can be found here. And in Washington, D.C. their SmartBike program is set to celebrate its one-year anniversary in August with close to 1,000 members. The District of Columbia Department of Transportation recently surveyed its members and published the results on its bike-sharing blog.
Bikechain is a free, full-service educational bicycle repair facility for University of Toronto students which also hosts bicycle-related seminars and events. Bikechain is currently hiring a coordinator for the year 2009-2010. The deadline for application is on Friday, July 17, 2009. The job posting can be found here.
TCAT welcomes Dandyhorse magazine, the most recent organization to join our growing list of supporters. Dandyhorse is Toronto's magazine about all things cycling. Just launched last summer, production of its third issue is already underway. Dandyhorse is available at retailers across the city.
If you know of other cycling or pedestrian related calendars to include, please let us know by e-mailing info@torontocat.ca
TCAT is continually looking to increase its list of supporters. It helps to be able to say how many people and organizations support the work we do when we speak with City Councillors, City staff, and the media, or put out a publication. Please send this message to any groups or individuals you think would be interested in learning more about TCAT, receiving our weekly e-Bulletin, or volunteering with TCAT.
To learn more about TCAT, visit our web site at www.torontocat.ca, e-mail info@torontocat.ca or call 416.392.0290
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