Cyclists Paving the Way - A driver appreciation campaign. Cyclists say Thank you!

The Toronto Cyclists Union is encouraging our members, and fellow cyclists, to stop by and pick up some Thank You cards to pass along to drivers who make a point of treating you with respect in traffic.   Help us promote friendlier Toronto roadways.

Toronto cyclists will be thanking drivers who remember to give them their fair share of the road through beautifully designed Thank You cards.

“It’s easy to get angry when someone cuts you off. This summer has been filled with sensational headlines about conflicts between cyclists and drivers. What people often forget are the thousands of commuters who arrive safely, and without incident, to work, school and home every day. It’s time to encourage positive behavior and find a way to reward those people who use Toronto’s roads with respect.” Yvonne Bambrick, Executive Director, Toronto Cyclists Union.

**Thank You cards will be available from Wednesday Oct 20th at these locations:
Thank You Card
- Toronto Cyclists Union headquarters @ Centre for Social Innovation
215 Spadina Ave. Suite 400. Call 416 826 2964.

- Mountain Equipment Coop, 400 King St. W, Information desk.

- Curbside Cycle 412 Bloor St. West

- La Bicicletta, 1180 Castlefield Ave.

**Cyclists Please note:  Please stay safe when handing out a card while in the road.  

Tips for card delivery: 

• Present card with 'Thank You' facing the driver
• Be sure not to block other cyclists if stopping in an active roadway
• Try to make the exchange quick, safe and friendly 
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7vrCmR0WD8

Campaign in the News:

• http://www.cbc.ca/video/popup_audio.html?http://www.cbc.ca/mrl3/8752/toronto/ondemand/audio/oct19cyc_TOR.wma
• http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/article/712220--cyclists-make-nice-to-drivers
• http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/story.cfm?content=171815
• http://spacing.ca/wire/2009/10/19/cyclists-promote-friendlier-streets/

Cyclists Paving the Way is about sharing a more positive Toronto – and sharing is something that cyclists know all about. Though its true that bicycles are considered road vehicles under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA), the average cyclist is still paying more then their fair share to maintain the common road space. 

“Cyclists pay taxes like anyone else. Those taxes maintain the city. The differences lie in the fact that your average bicycle causes very little damage to the road surface, and does not contribute to general air pollution.”

In spite of these facts, the Toronto Cyclists Union is encouraging its 750+ members to thank conscientious drivers and take that first step towards safer roads. The city works better when we all work together.

Via orange and brown appreciation cards, drivers will be reminded that daylight hours have begun to shift, and road surfaces are getting slicker. These cards will also emphasize that it is critical to be aware of all cyclists on the road. This time of year, there are fewer cyclists to help push awareness, so The Toronto Cyclists Union is taking a “Strength in Numbers” approach. More cyclists thanking drivers means more attentive drivers heading into winter, and ultimately, better and safer roads.

Cyclists should also remember that having front and rear lights is always important at night, but it's more important than ever during the colder months when visibility is often impaired due to weather conditions.  Extra lights, reflective vests, and brightly coloured clothing are all excellent ways to stay highly visible when cycling this fall / winter.

Leaving drivers with a final word, Yvonne states:
"While it can be said that many cyclists are also drivers, the same does not hold true for most drivers. Try to imagine what it is like to ride a bike amongst heavy active machinery and please drive accordingly. Together, we can make the roads, and the city overall, better for everyone.”

THANK YOU!!