A GPS device manufacturer recently published a ranking of the most congested major cities in North America and Europe based on the speed of automobile travel during peak travel time versus non-peak travel time. Canadian headlines drew attention to Vancouver's ranking as the worst in Canada. Toronto ranked 9th in North America.
City of Toronto Transportation Services and local Councilor Bailão are holding a community meeting to collect public input on modifications to the Sterling and Dundas West intersection near the West Toronto Railpath. This is the location where cyclist Jenna Morrison was killed by a large truck last year.
Date: Monday July 30, 2012
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: St. Helen's Church (1680 Dundas Street West - East of Lansdowne Ave.)
TCAT's fifth annual Complete Streets Forum was held April 23, 2012 at Toronto's Evergreen Brick Works, and gathered designers, planners, engineers, and advocates to discuss the implementation of Complete Streets across Canada. 250 participants were engaged in workshops, keynotes, interactive panel discussions, and networking throughout the day.
This month, the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario released its report reviewing all 129 accidental cycling deaths in Ontario between 2006 and 2010. The report notes that every cycling death reviewed was preventable and includes 14 recommendations, each supported by data from the cases reviewed. These recommendations fit into four categories put forward by the report; Infrastructure, Education, Enforcement, Legislation.
TCAT was pleased to attend a preview of the MOVE Expo, a transportation multi-sensory tour at Evergreen Brick Works that explores the past, present and future of transportation; an exploration of the innovative ideas and technologies needed to build and connect our communities in efficient and sustainable ways. The exhibit will run until October 28th and is definitely worth checking out.
Cycle Toronto (formerly the Toronto Cyclists Union) encourages you to attend a community meeting regarding the Wellesley-Hoskin bike track project, on Wednesday June 27th from 6-8:00 pm at 444 Sherbourne St. This public open house will provide an opportunity to discuss the project, provide input on the development of the roadway, and review the designs for improved bike lanes.
The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) holds a symposium each year on different themes of particular relevance to planners. The theme for 2012, happening on Sep 20-21, is Healthy Communities & Planning for Active Transportation. Symposium features include:
The University of British Columbia Medical Journal recently published an article by Kay Teschke and other members of the Cycling in Cities research team (of which TCAT is a member) considering the health risks and benefits of recent efforts to encourage cycling in North American cities from a health perspective.
CBC radio has a new weekly cycling column "Bambrick on Bikes" with Yvonne Bambrick. Last week's show provided an update on the status of various bike lane projects throughout Toronto, including projects on Dupont and Bloor-Danforth. Responding to a question about the potential impact that bike lanes could have on local business, Yvonne referenced TCAT's research reports on the topic.
The Complete Streets Forum 2012, organized by the Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT), took place on April 23, 2012 at Evergreen Brick Works. An on-line PDF version of the Summary Report is available to download here. Printed copies will also be available for pick-up or mailing. If you'd like some copies to distribute, please email TCAT.
Happy Bike Month! Throughout the month of June, communities across Canada will celebrate Bike Month. The month kicked off Monday, May 28 with the Toronto Group Commute, where commuters from around the city cycle together toward Yonge and Bloor for festivities including a pancake breakfast at City Hall. There are dozens of events all month long, including group rides and tours, workshops, and clinics.