politics

The city has saved me some trouble from having to do my own research by compiling all the things that they've done this last year. Before I reveal it all, let me list the things that I can remember about 2010:

Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong, who only recently learned how to ride a bike through CAN-Bike, has sprung on the public a plan to build a small network of separated bike lane downtown.

Thanks Tino!

Best quote:

Actually I'm wearing pink for all the pinkos out there riding bicycles and everything. I thought I'd get it in. What'd ya expect, Ron McLean, here? To come here?

This week "pit bull" Don Cherry was invited to Mayor Ford's swearing-in ceremony and made a speech that went like this "blah, blah... wearing pinko for all the pinkos out there that ride bicycles and everything ...blah blah". Ford later claimed not to know what Cherry was going to say. All the same you could see that Ford wanted to give Cherry a big hug.

Dave Meslin has written an open letter to Don Cherry, after his disparaging remarks aimed at cyclists at the inauguration of Toronto's new city council, where Cherry said "I’m wearing pinko for all the pinkos out there who ride bicycles". I'm posting Meslin's letter here since it is currently only available on Facebook (put it up on your blog, Dave!):

Dear Don,

Warning: this video is graphic in its portrayal of the "war on cars".

If only these drivers were licensed! Oh wait. I can't believe just how many of the red light runners aren't slowing down at all. See scary, graphic video

In a very quick discussion, MTV's Vicious Cycle forum skims over a bunch of issues around cyclists and drivers sharing the road. By the end it feels like they've managed to mention all the issues and stereotypes without actually engaging on any of them. I do like the argument partway through between the courier and the taxi driver when the taxi driver claims to know as much about cycling as courier because he bikes about 3 times a month - precious. What we've learned: