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Recent TCAT activities and news items:
The City of Toronto is currently considering launching a public bikesharing program in the summer of 2009. Our initial public consultation reveals support for the implementation of such a program here.
One of the key decisions to be made is how the program would be financed. While the majority of the large-scale programs elsewhere are funded by private advertising companies in exchange for advertising on street furniture as well as the bikes themselves, this may not be the most popular option with the general public.
Two community cycling groups have released reports recently. The first is from Cycle 26, a group of Ward 26 cyclists. This report tracks the progress of the Bike Plan in terms of planned versus existing cycling infrastructure and makes suggestions for improvements. The second report is written by Luke Siragusa, a cyclist in Ward 29. It details hazards endangering cyclists on the Bloor St. viaduct and makes suggestions for improvements.
As a blogger on ibiketo nicely summarizes: "These kinds of white papers from the community are exactly what will catalyze Bike Plan, and make things happen. This makes it possible for our civil servants to pass the word - the will - of the people up the chain of command, and across the silos, breaking down the barriers which keep Toronto from moving ahead. More of these documents need to come in from the community, and put in writing what needs to be done."
Leaving the wheels at home and going by foot can be a pleasurable way to get around in winter. Yet for many, especially the elderly and disabled, this most basic form of mobility is jeopardized during the winter in Toronto due to the state of the sidewalks. The current practice of over-salting is not a good option. The bottom line is that City Hall needs to do a better job of clearing the sidewalks of ice and snow.
We recently featured Google's great new digs at Dundas Square with perks for cyclists. This gives us hope that the global campaign currently underway to persuade them to be more bike-friendly in their Google Maps have detailed maps for drivers and now public transit users. Now cyclists are asking for a Bike There feature. More than 40,000 people have already signed the on-line petition found here.
Transport Canada Urban Transportation Showcase Program is offering a series of new webinars. The first, on January 27th, 2009, covers 'The Urban Transportation Emissions Calculator' (UTEC), a free, user-friendly web-based tool developed by Transport Canada that estimates greenhouse gas and air contaminant emissions from urban transportation. Transport Canada's is paying for the first 85 Canadian connections to participate in each of the webinars above at no cost. You can learn more about the webinars and register here.
2. Built Environment & Active Transportation (BEAT) is a joint
initiative between the BC Recreation and Parks Association and the
Union of BC Municipalities. BEAT promotes changes in the design of the
built environment and planning for active transportation. They have
lots of good resources available, including a recently released report called Benefits of Investing in Active Transportation.
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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To learn how to donate to TCAT click here
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