April 2, 2008
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Recent TCAT activities and news items:
- St. Clair Avenue Transit Improvements Project - Phase 3 Public Open House, April 9
- Toronto Cyclists Union - Advocacy Training, April 13
- Jarvis Street Streetscape Improvement EA - TCAT clarification
- West Toronto Railpath - Construction expected to begin in May
- Ontario Bike Plan - COA releases visionary document
- Bike Summit 2008 - Speakers added & other information
- 'Bike the Strike' - Tips and useful information from BikingToronto
- Google Maps 'Bike There' petition
- Metrolinx Active Transportation Green Paper - Public consultation ends April 7
1. St. Clair Avenue Transit Improvements Project - Phase 3 Public Open House, April 9
Thanks to our supporters at the St. Clair West Bicycle User Group for alerting us to this meeting coming up - especially relevant to those who live around St. Clair between Vaughan Road and Westmount Avenue (Phase 3 of the project).
- Date: Wednesday, April 9
- Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Location: St. Alphonsus Elementary School, 60 Atlas Avenue
Keep in mind that this is a public open house, with likely less of an opportunity for public input - the City has already approved the plans for this section, and construction is scheduled to begin this spring. The open house will include an overview of the upcoming construction, as well as an update on the Interpretive Plaque Project, so it's an opportunity to learn more, speak with TTC and City staff, and to know what to expect during construction.
For more information, visit the project's consultation page by clicking here
2. Cycling Advocacy Workshop - Hosted by the Toronto Cyclists Union, April 13
Learn how to improve cycling conditions in your Ward. Become a positive force of change. Learn political process and leadership.
Learn
about navigation strategies through political processes, get
public speaking and media coaching, and learn how to get local
volunteers, book meeting rooms and host meetings.
Community
leaders - including representatives from TCAT - will also share their secrets of success, and City Council
Members will share their valuable inside knowledge of how to influence
your local Councillor. Free. All welcome.
- Date: Sunday, April 13th
- Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Council Chambers, Toronto City Hall (Queen & Bay)
For more information on the Toronto Cyclists Union click here
3. Jarvis Street Streetscape Improvement EA - TCAT clarification
In last week's TCAT News e-Bulletin, we passed on a communication from a TCAT supporter, asking you to send in a message to the City requesting that bike lanes be considered in the planning for a revitalized Jarvis Street. In light of new information, TCAT would like to clarify our position on this issue. TCAT supports changes to this street that improve conditions for both cyclists and pedestrians. With such a wide right-of-way, we don't believe supporters of active transportation should have to choose between the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. A revitalized street should provide safe facilities for all road users and encourage people to walk and cycle.
TCAT will continue to monitor this consultation and planning process and keep our supporters updated.
For more information on the Jarvis Street Improvement Environmental Assessment click here
4. West Toronto Railpath - Construction expected to begin in May
Thanks to another one of TCAT's supporters for sharing an update on the long-awaited West Toronto Railpath.
From a communication from City Parks staff:
Our tender closed February 22nd, and after review, we are recommending award to the low bidder, Mopal Construction Ltd. A report will be going forward to Bid Committee shortly, and we will be executing a contract with Mopal probably towards the end of April. Construction should start early in May. The full scope of work will be awarded, thanks to some funding assistance from Transportation Division, although the timing of construction north of Dupont Street is still to be sorted out. Negotiations with Go Transit are ongoing regarding their potential use of the lands temporarily for trucking material off site from their rail grade separation project. Our work will start this spring regardless.
Anticipated completion of the project is June 2009.
You can learn more about this 'rail to trail' project at the Friends of the West Toronto Railpath's web site by clicking here
5. Ontario Bike Plan - COA releases visionary document
Cycle Ontario Alliance (COA) has released the Ontario Bike Plan.
The Ontario Bike Plan presents a series of strategies for both recreational and utilitarian cycling to encourage cycling participation in Ontario, specifically focusing on the implementation of the Ontario Bicycling Route. The strategies take into account existing cycling conditions in Ontario, derived from data and research in various Ontario communities and elsewhere, as well as consultation with various stakeholders including provincial ministries, Cycle Ontario Alliance (COA) members and the general public through the COA’s web site.
To read the plan click here
6. Bike Summit 2008 - Speakers added & other information
TCAT has been working hard over the past 2 months preparing for Bike Summit 2008 on April 25th at the St. Lawrence Hall. New information is now available on the Summit web site, including a full list of speakers, venue information, and the schedule will be posted soon.
Please visit the Bike Summit 2008 web site by clicking here
*** Early Bird Deadline: Register by April 11th to be entered into a draw for a one-night stay for two in a Deluxe Guestroom at the Fairmont Royal York hotel in Toronto ***
7. 'Bike the Strike' - Tips and useful information from BikingToronto
One of TCAT's supporters, BikingToronto has setup a web resource to help commuters if the TTC goes on strike sometime in the coming weeks. The web site encourages commuters to consider cycling instead of driving should their regular transit option not be available.
To visit 'Bike the Strike' click here
8. Google Maps 'Bike There' petition
You may be aware of a movement floating around the North American cycling movement to petition Google to add a 'bike there' option to their Google Maps directions service.
We would like a 'Bike There' feature added to Google Maps - to go with the current 'Drive There' and 'Take Public Transit' options. The feature would take into account actual bicycle lanes from the locality being mapped, and it would automatically plan a route for a bicyclist, possibly even providing the cyclist options for either the most direct route, or the most bicycle-friendly (safest) route.
To sign the petition click here
To learn more about the bike there movement click here
9. Metrolinx Active Transportation Green Paper - Public consultation ends April 7
One more notice that Metrolinx is looking for input on its policy Green Papers, which will be used to draft the future Regional Transportation Plan. Members of the public can submit their comments for consideration until April 7th.
To read and submit feedback, please visit Metrolinx's consultation web page by clicking here
Cycling-related 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
To subscribe to TCAT News, click here
