December 7, 2010

7 Dec 2010

Recent TCAT activities and news items:

  1. TCAT Recipient of TCF Vital People Grant!
  2. Join TCAT's Steering Committee - Jan 17
  3. Your Input into Active Transportation Changes in Highway Traffic Act - December 17
  4. City of Toronto Requesting Input about their Bike Map
  5. Copenhagen reducing traffic congestion with bike highways
  6. Toronto's bicycle lanes to be plotted on Google Maps

1. TCAT Recipient of TCF Vital People Grant!

The Clean Air Partnership and TCAT are pleased to announce that Nancy Smith Lea, TCAT Director, has been awarded the prestigious Vital People grant from the Vital Toronto Fund at the Toronto Community Foundation. The Vital People grant program supports and recognizes valued leaders who are making outstanding contributions working at not-for-profit organizations.

The funds from the Vital People grant will be used to develop new leadership and media skills to deepen and enhance TCAT’s impact leading it to be more effective, dynamic and wide-reaching. The impacts of the grant have the potential to go far beyond organizational benefits. The implementation of complete streets in Toronto results not only in improved conditions for cyclists and pedestrians but also leads to vibrant, healthy communities.

Read the full media release here.

2. Join TCAT's Steering Committee - Jan 17

Use your skills and experience to help transform Toronto streets into Complete Streets!

TCAT is looking for new Steering Committee members to provide strategic advice on how to advance TCAT’s mandate and assist with securing new funding.

Steering Committee members are asked to commit to approximately 10 hours per month to TCAT, including 1-2 hours for monthly meetings, for at least a two-year term.

Potential steering committee members should submit an expression of interest by email to info@tcat.ca no later than Monday, January 17, 2011. Please include:

  • A brief description of why you wish to join the steering committee and the skills you can offer
  • Your CV

For more information, please click here for the full description and background.

3. Your Input into Active Transportation Changes in Highway Traffic Act - December 17

The Regional Public Works Commissioners of Ontario (RPWCO) is currently reviewing the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) to determine what amendments may be appropriate to support and promote active transportation in Ontario.

TCAT has been invited to provide feedback into this process. In turn we are soliciting input from TCAT supporters in order to assist us in submitting a response that reflects your views. We will incorporate all responses as best we can and submit a coordinated response.

Please provide your responses to the following questions by Dec 17th:

  1. Do you think the Ontario Highway Traffic Act needs improvement to promote active modes of transportation? Please explain why.
  2. How do you think the Ontario Highway Traffic Act could be improved to enable each of the following active modes of transportation? a) Walking, including with the help of mobility devices; b) Cycling; c) In-line Skating; d) Other (e.g., skateboarding, etc.)
  3. In your opinion, are there any sections of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act that hinder active transportation?
  4. If you answered "yes" to Question 4, should these sections/provisions be amended and, if so, how?
  5. Which sections of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act do you think need clarification with respect to active transportation issues? Please explain why.
  6. Are there other active transportation related issues that you think are not covered by the Ontario Highway Traffic Act? Please explain.

In TCAT's original platform released in 2006, we highlighted the importance of implementing all recommendations from the 1998 Regional Coroner's report on Cycling Fatalities and Injuries, including amendments to the HTA. If you or your organization have information about other changes that need to be made to the HTA to facilitate safe cycling and walking, we would like to hear from you.

This is an opportunity for you to voice some of your concerns and suggestions relating to the HTA, and articulate the impacts this could have on your daily activities.

4. City of Toronto Requesting Input about their Bike Map

Each year the City of Toronto produces free bike maps. These maps are a great resource for cyclists planning their route to work, school, shopping, or simply to explore.

The development of next year's bike map has begun, and the City's Cycling Infrastructure and Programs Unit is requesting input from the general public about which features are the most useful. A brief survey is now online here.

5. Copenhagen reducing traffic congestion with bike highways

Already considered one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, Copenhagen recently announced that its busiest bicycle street will now be transformed into its first bicycle highway. This plan is expected to ease both bicycle congestion in the crowded bike paths, but also unclog car traffic as well.

In this era of fiscal restraint, it's important to remember that payoffs from cycling are the least expensive way to move the greatest number of people around the city. So much so in fact, that Roger Geller, Portland's head traffic engineer, during his visit to Toronto last year, characterized the payoffs from cycling investment as a "cheap date."

TCAT recently released a research report titled "Building Better Cycling Arteries in Cities: Lessons for Toronto" that features case studies from different cities about how best to accomodate cyclists on arterial roads. Download a PDF of the report here.

Cycling events:

Walking events:

If you know of other cycling or pedestrian related calendars to include, please let us know by e-mailing info@tcat.ca

TCAT News - Help spread the word!

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.tcat.ca, e-mail info@tcat.ca or call 416.392.0290

To subscribe to TCAT News, click here

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Please consider making a financial contribution to support TCAT's work. To find out how to make a charitable donation, click here.