Remember to keep your bike safe - lock through your frame and wheels.
Image: Gabi Sarlay
Bike Union's voice heard at City Budget Committee
Thursday, February 18th was the chance for citizens to give feedback to the Budget Committee regarding this year's Operating Budget. The Toronto Cyclists Union was there to speak on behalf of our members and cyclists across the city.Both board member Anthony Humphreys and Executive Director Yvonne Bambrick took the opportunity to speak up. Yvonne's brief deputation can be found by following the link below …
Bike Union in the news
The Annex neighbourhood is proof that a lively shopping district need not depend on street parking, says a new report by the Clean Air Partnership. The Bike Union spoke to Toronto Star journalist Tess Kalinowski in praise of the report.
To read the full article...
Report cars parked in bike lanes.
Image: Darren Stehr
Squeeze in your five minutes of activism
Whether you've been a Toronto cyclist for a few months, a few years, or a few decades, the Toronto Cyclists Union's My City page will help give you a smoother ride.The My City page is an important resource for all things cycling in Toronto. This month, we highlight how this page can help you squeeze in your five minutes of cycling activism.
On this page, find out how to …
- Get stuff done: contact your city councillor, obtain bike parking, and register your bike
- Complain effectively: report dangerous road conditions, snow in bike lanes, and motor vehicles parked in bike lanes
- Get around safely: access bike maps, legal advice, CAN-BIKE course details, and Traffic Act and bylaw information
The Bike Union's strategic planning team. Credit: Yvonne Bambrick
Message from Board Chair Karey Iron
The Toronto Cyclists Union Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Yvonne Bambrick as our very first Executive Director. Since the Bike Union's inception in May, Yvonne's tireless efforts as our spokesperson and assistant coordinator have raised the Bike Union's profile as an inclusive, city-wide cycling support network with a strong advocacy voice at City Hall, with business partners, and with Toronto residents. Along with Rick Conroy, Heather McDonald, Craig Barnes, and the dedicated efforts of many, many volunteers, Yvonne has contributed to developing our membership to over 500 members! We look forward to Yvonne's passion, talent, and creativity as we continue to gain momentum and plan for great events as the swell of spring approaches. Congratulations, Yvonne!
On November 2, 2008, the Bike Union Board of Directors, Executive Team, key partners, and implementation committee members sat down together at the Centre for Social Innovation for an important day-long strategic planning discussion. We identified a few main priority areas to discuss in detail — governance and accountability, communications, advocacy, membership, the Ward Captain program, and fundraising. In the next several months, we will be developing a governance infrastructure whereby volunteer leaders will be identified and called upon from our membership to develop strong committed groups of people who can define goals, plan for, and implement initiatives to move the above priority areas forward. These committees will work closely with Yvonne and will convene at the Board’s monthly meeting to facilitate full communication and integration of Bike Union activities. As we grow, a larger group of volunteers with defined tasks will shape the realization of the Bike Union goals: safety, legitimacy, and accessibility of cycling for everyone across Toronto.
A condensed version of our Strategic Plan can be found on our website and a more formal call for volunteers will be made once the committee structure is more defined. We welcome your voice and your participation.
To view the Strategic Plan, click here.
Rick Conroy, featured volunteer.
Image: Yvonne Bambrick
Featured volunteer: Rick Conroy
Rick Conroy is one of Toronto's most cherished cycling advocates. For over 15 years, he has volunteered his time to make Toronto a better city to get around on a bike.Shortly before the Bike Union's inception last May, Rick volunteered to take on the role of Head Coordinator. His dedication and positive energy helped to get the Toronto Cyclists Union off the ground, and to expand its membership to over 500 members.
Rick continues to work with the Bike Union as a member of the management team. He can be seen riding his yellow bike all over the city, including up at York University, where he is presently working on a Masters in Environmental Studies. (Although he enjoys the ride up to York, he wishes there were good ways to cross the 401.)
To read more...
Events
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Share your thoughts about West End Bikeways
The City of Toronto and the Toronto Cyclists Union are holding an open house on March 10th to discuss bikeway projects to be completed in 2009 and 2010 in the downtown west end. These projects have been identified in collaboration with cyclists over the past few months. We invite you to attend the open house to learn more about the proposed projects and share your thoughts with us.
Image: Yvonne Bambrick
What: West End Bikeways meeting
When: Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 - 6:30 to 8:30pm
Where: Parkdale Public Library Auditorium, 1303 Queen St West (between Cowan and Brock)
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Visit the Toronto Bike Show
The Toronto Cyclists Union will have a booth at this year'sToronto International Bicycle Show - March 13 to 15th. Our booth will be #803 - stop by and say hi If you're interested in helping out, please contact Yvonne asap this week.
What: Toronto International Bicycle Show
When: Friday March 13th - Sunday March 15th, 2009
Where: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
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Tales of a Yellow Bike - A Free Public Screening
Image: Gabi Sarlay
This beautiful film will make you want to pedal home.
This Tales of a Yellow Bike film screening is sponsored by Cheri DiNovo, MPP, Parkdale-High Park. A public discussion with Director Tina Hahn will follow the screening. For further info: 416-781-2437.
What: Tales of a Yellow Bike - Free Public Screening
When: 7PM Friday, March 27th, 2009
Where: Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave. -
Other events:
- Velosocial on Thursday March 12th at Augusta House, 9pm to 12am.
- Next Bike Union 5 à 7 on Thursday March 26th at the Victory Cafe, 5 to 7pm.
An evening gathering to enjoy DJs and dancing, free games at the pool table, great food, bike videos, open mic and mad fun.
Want to hear about what the Bike Union is up to? Do you have ideas for current projects or future campaigns? Then come on out and raise a glass with your union!