Thursday, August 31, 2006
Back to the Status Quo on Queen's Quay
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Bike Lane Diary: 1000 Pictures and counting
Photo by SteekerThanks to all who contributed images to Bike Lane Diary.
Bicycles make cities beautiful.
Beautiful places to live.
Quietly as the summer ends ...
The Toronto Bike Plan dies.
(Another year with no significant new bike lanes nor other infra-structure
improvements ... again)
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Pack mentality
Double Ring Post Test
Monday, August 28, 2006
Triptych in the rain
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Summer Readings
Saturday, August 26, 2006
August Critical Mass 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
After CM
Good Morning, Mr. Rain
Bike Friday Rocks!
Thanks to all who rode and Jaimie from CFRB who was the only reporter on a bike!
Joe, you are a hero! Come out and ride next Bike Friday, last Friday of September.
Or should we just ride every Friday??
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Calling all Cyclists! Bike Friday Tomorrow!
Bike Fridays offers riders company. Annual bike week not enough: Critics
(The Star) ... Joseph Travers thinks it's a shame that Toronto celebrates cycling once a year, with Bike Week. He thinks the city should promote it more often. So Travers is doing it on his own. Tomorrow is the first Bike Friday, when he's hoping to attract new and experienced cyclists from across the GTA to travel together in a convoy to their work destinations on the last Friday of every month.
(read on in the comments)
Sunny Day Ride
Shot during the TTC strike earlier this year. Sorry it took so long to edit this.
Slightly sped up in order to squeeze it onto YouTube. Music by Alphonse Mouzon.
Link
Janet Attard Bike Stencil Archive
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Odds & Ends
Reward
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Cars ARE Weapons
Cars becoming weapon of choice, traffic experts say
(Globe and Mail)
People seeking to settle scores are increasingly getting behind the wheel and taking aim at their adversaries, traffic experts say after a weekend in which one person was killed and four seriously injured in what police suspect were deliberate attacks.
"Some people choose a gun or their fists, but some choose their cars," said Detective Constable Paul Lobsinger, who works on the hit-and-run squad with Toronto police. "I am seeing them more often than I used to. Often it's a case of impatience or rage." (Read on in the comments)
(Globe and Mail)
People seeking to settle scores are increasingly getting behind the wheel and taking aim at their adversaries, traffic experts say after a weekend in which one person was killed and four seriously injured in what police suspect were deliberate attacks.
"Some people choose a gun or their fists, but some choose their cars," said Detective Constable Paul Lobsinger, who works on the hit-and-run squad with Toronto police. "I am seeing them more often than I used to. Often it's a case of impatience or rage." (Read on in the comments)
Critical Mass for Action on Climate Change Friday!
Hurricane Katrina Anniversary Critical Mass for Action on Climate Change.
Spadina & Bloor this Friday.
Meet 6 p.m. Ride 6:30 p.m.
The Unofficial Ring Post Sub-committee
No Accident!
The flawed presumption that murder and maiming by car is an "accident"Published August 17th, 2006 by C.I.C.L.E.
Contributed by Simon Baddeley :: UK
The social blindness surrounding road death statistics (compared for instance to reactions to rail "crash" fatalities) means that neither the victim nor their friends and neighbours know how to take on board an event whose gravity is still widely contested. Imagine the circumstances surrounding loss in war or someone murdered by a stranger: such terrible things can at least be subsumed under imperfect but still widely understood mores about giving and seeking comfort and consolation. (Read on in the comments)
Monday, August 21, 2006
Streets to Screens! Thursday!!
Join us for outdoor films and a party to launch Streets to Screens, the Toronto Public Space Committee's fundraising film series!**Thursday August 24**
8pm, Bellevue Square Park, Kensington Market, FREE
10pm, Supermarket, 268 Augusta, $3 or Pay What You Can
Come to Bellevue Square Park in Kensington Market for a free outdoor screening. We'll be showing 7 family-friendly films courtesy of the National Film Board, projected from the biodiesel & solar-paneled Sumkidz schoolbus.
The screening will be followed by an afterparty at Supermarket at 10pm with DJs Earl Grey and King-stun, drinks, and dancing PLUS a sneak preview of the fall season films.
For more info: Link
When is a bike lane a bike lane?
I ripped this photo off from a post below. It is a photo of the night group ride, it is a great year for people pushing for more rides together, passing through the temp "bike lanes" through Queens Quay. Of course there is a car parked in the bike lane.
Toronto has done a miserable job of creating new bike lanes, even worse job of enforcing what we already have.
Can the politicians really take credit for building new bike lanes if it is simply a stripe on the road? Should the definition of a bike lane include that it not be used as a parking space and properly enforced? This is in addtion to it being properly designed and maintained 365 days of the year?
If it is then why do we let them get away with doing so little?
Thank you for your donation of $43.
Wow! This is a really hot looking car, the new Chevy Camaro. Vrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooom! Vrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrooooooooooooom!
If you live in Ontario be happy to know that you donated $43. of your money to build this hot looking car. So tell me how are you going to afford the gas when this car finally hits the streets? Gas should be hitting at least $2 by 2009 if not sooner. I think this is an investment where I look you in the face and say "SUCKER!"
Fix the ring posts!
Editorial: Repair the bike locks
Aug. 21, 2006. (The Star)
"Toronto is a city of bicyclists, who strive to save the air and the
roads while adroitly dodging motorists and ever-rising gas and parking
prices. So it is disconcerting to learn those ubiquitous post and ring bike
stands that have dotted the city for 20 years are vulnerable to
breaking with a simple two-by-four piece of lumber.
Eight cases of attacks on the stands by lumber-wielding thieves have
been confirmed and another six are under investigation,
Even red-faced city biking officials have had to admit after
conducting their own destructive attacks that the $200 stands are
"vulnerable."
City officials are looking at ways to strengthen or modify the 16,000
bike lock-ups, but warn that all the options are relatively expensive.
Individual cyclists can thwart thieves by using two hefty locks and
the techniques on how best to use them that are outlined in a 20-page
city booklet. But that is a confusing and costly alternative.
What should be done is that the city spend the money to fix the stands.
In a city where an estimated 7,000 bikes are stolen every year, the
price is a good investment."
Aug. 21, 2006. (The Star)
"Toronto is a city of bicyclists, who strive to save the air and the
roads while adroitly dodging motorists and ever-rising gas and parking
prices. So it is disconcerting to learn those ubiquitous post and ring bike
stands that have dotted the city for 20 years are vulnerable to
breaking with a simple two-by-four piece of lumber.
Eight cases of attacks on the stands by lumber-wielding thieves have
been confirmed and another six are under investigation,
Even red-faced city biking officials have had to admit after
conducting their own destructive attacks that the $200 stands are
"vulnerable."
City officials are looking at ways to strengthen or modify the 16,000
bike lock-ups, but warn that all the options are relatively expensive.
Individual cyclists can thwart thieves by using two hefty locks and
the techniques on how best to use them that are outlined in a 20-page
city booklet. But that is a confusing and costly alternative.
What should be done is that the city spend the money to fix the stands.
In a city where an estimated 7,000 bikes are stolen every year, the
price is a good investment."
Bike Friday = A Very Cool Idea!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Used
Toronto Night Ride 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
Queen's Quay Photos
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Exclusive to BLD. New TTC token design.
We have the scoop! This is the next to last final mock up of the next TTC token to enter circulation spring 2007. Apparently the only thing left to decide is the size of the token. Although keeping the token size in line with the current design would allow the TTC to continue to use the same automated token collectors, cost will have no consideration in the final decision.The TTC chose this design over all of the other designs as it felt this design best represents it. Critics too admire the coin though wonder if the fare is too low. They wonder if the fare increase will be enough to cover the $100 million the TTC gave away to buy, untendered, new subway cars considering they are in need of 1 billion dollars. Chinese built subway cars are $100 million less expensive than those built in Thunder Bay, unfortunately the Chinese are not welcome here. Even Councillor Giambrone, touted as the future Chairman of the TTC, made it clear that a 5 to 10 cent increase in the fare results in a net gain of about $15 million. The $100 million in lost savings, Giambrone supported giving it away, would require by conservative estimates a 70 cent increase in the fare. The reduction in ridership cause by the fare increase was not factored into those numbers.
No word yet on how all of these increases will affect the poor, hopefully they have enough saved up for a bus ticket to Thunder Bay.
The Bicycle Thief?
Eyesore of the Month
Bay Street north of Bloor(Will check out the bicycle ARC de Triumphe today.
So there will be Eye Candy tomorrow!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Meanwhile on Craig's List
"Reply to: sale-194812063@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-08-16, 9:42AM EDT
If you have lost your bike between August 9th and August 15th then hope is all not
lost. Please fill out the details below to see if your bike has been saved.
Bike Type:
Bike Color:
Bike Brand:
Any other specific details: Contact info:
Replies with more specific questions will only be sent to those who have convinced
me that it is your bike that has been saved." (Thanks to Steve for the tip)
Date: 2006-08-16, 9:42AM EDT
If you have lost your bike between August 9th and August 15th then hope is all not
lost. Please fill out the details below to see if your bike has been saved.
Bike Type:
Bike Color:
Bike Brand:
Any other specific details: Contact info:
Replies with more specific questions will only be sent to those who have convinced
me that it is your bike that has been saved." (Thanks to Steve for the tip)
Moonlight Ride Saturday
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Probable alien abduction
Reports, yet to be confirmed, indicate Steeker may have been taken by a clown army that arrived in an UFO. For a description of Steeker please see photo, he is known to frequent this blog. He has not been seen or heard from for at least 3 days. If you do spot him please dial 1-800-THEY-STOLE-ME immediately.
Is broadband doing away with the Bike Courier?
Post and Ring Thing
Monday, August 14, 2006
Lifeguard on the Don
Just about the only part of this whole city that scares me at night is the bit of bike path that connects Cherry/Lakeshore with the eastbound bikeway on Lakeshore. Especially the bit that's enclosed by fences and entirely unlit just before the double gate that slows you to a walking pace.
Saturday night I was on my way home from the Islands and stopped to chat with a friend just as I was making the choice of (a) scary unlit bike path, (b) scary highway-esque strip of Lakeshore or (c) detour down to gravelly Commissioner's. I finally decided to take the path, but not until I found an eastbound cyclist to ride with. I ended up riding to Coxwell and Dundas with the first person who happened along: a very congenial 43-year-old Moroccan ex-lifeguard who likes to ride a loop between Jamieson/King and Coxwell/Danforth to stretch his legs (when he's not playing with his four-year-old daughter). I don't know his name, but he's one of those folks who makes me feel good about liking and trusting this city as much as I do.
– Sarah
Saturday night I was on my way home from the Islands and stopped to chat with a friend just as I was making the choice of (a) scary unlit bike path, (b) scary highway-esque strip of Lakeshore or (c) detour down to gravelly Commissioner's. I finally decided to take the path, but not until I found an eastbound cyclist to ride with. I ended up riding to Coxwell and Dundas with the first person who happened along: a very congenial 43-year-old Moroccan ex-lifeguard who likes to ride a loop between Jamieson/King and Coxwell/Danforth to stretch his legs (when he's not playing with his four-year-old daughter). I don't know his name, but he's one of those folks who makes me feel good about liking and trusting this city as much as I do.
– Sarah
Used regularly, it can help prevent heart disease.
There are so many bogus uses of bikes in advertising (most egregiously, to sell cars)! But this, I liked. Even on a transit shelter. (Greenwood & Danforth)–Sarah
Hauler!!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Memorial Ride for Dianna Conyen, 46
You steal it, you break it.
Cyclic Systems anti theft system. First shown in 1997, not made it to market yet.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Cars: From Cradle to Grave
Friday, August 11, 2006
Crank removal a shameless ad.
Chase ...
Bicecl For Sale
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Parked
Sarah's first contribution (thanx Martino!) Don't know the story behind this cute little trike on Queen East.Zoobombers vs. The Cops (Portland) - Video of the Month
Fixed and Dangerous?
Fixies. Illegal? Cartoon by Graham Roumieu with apologies for not crediting his work properly to begin with.
The Rise and 'Fall' of the Bicycle Doc (BBC Radio)
Fausto Coppi Lives
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
BBC Bike Shorts
Bike Theft City
Now you see it, now you don't
(The Star)
You'd think the safest place in the city to park your bike would be in front of police headquarters on a busy weekday.
It ain't so - as I found out yesterday when a thief made off with my treasured Trek hybrid, a gift to replace another stolen bike. It was locked to one of the city's 13,000 post and ring lock-ups curbside at 40 College St., and disappeared sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
But that's not unusual, since Toronto is a mecca for bike theft, with some 3,971 stolen last year - and that's just the number reported to police. (Unfortunately, no surveillance cameras are aimed at College St. that might have caught the brazen bandit, a constable on the duty desk told me.) (Read on in the comments)
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Fink Landis Mania
Heading north and getting the creeps.
Customer1: "See that, she almost bought it. Not quick enough across the street."
Shopkeeper: "Big accident last week, one guy dead".
C1: "Teen died last year a little south on 11".
S: "See on Hwy 17, two died".
C2: "Tourist time brings out the worst".
S: "Yes, many accidents. They try to drive 3 in 2 lanes. Very stupid".
C3: "Sir you have an emergency out here!"
...
This conversation is real but the names were changed. In the sad reality of northern Ontario people relate to one another but who they know has killed in an auto collision or the details of an auto accident. Something you do not hear about in Toronto but we have similar discussions, usually centred around cancer. Whether you meet family or friends in northern Ontario the conversation will soon come auto death. Very creepy.
The emegency in this conversation was a gas pump losing its connection and spewing its gas all over the place. I started to say farewell to the our car when some chap rushed in and capped the gas pump, he got covered in gas. He risked his life to save a few cars and jet skiis. This did not stop any customers from driving into the puddles of gas demanding gas for their cars. Had they driven fast enough to spray some of that gas it would have incinerated their cars.
Bicycle Mural Art (Harbord)
Monday, August 07, 2006
Ontario Place Shuts The Door (Again!)
The Composted Art Car - (Kensington Market)
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Auto Confinement (by Wendy Lucas)
The obsession with the automobile has created a culture of anger. Those who drive exhibit anger at the planet - strip the resources and ozone layer from the earth, at the government - taxes, poor road quality, and road laws. They are also angry at people - charging at cyclists, yelling at other drives for all sorts of infractions including parking spaces. whic