safety

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:

Despite claims to the contrary, Elmer the Safety Elephant has retired and been replaced by the Safety Animal. (Click through to see large image.)

Bicycles and cyclists are getting a pretty shitty deal during the G20. As a volunteer photographer for the Alternative Media Centre (AMC) this week I have seen reports about cops giving out tickets to activits for not having bells on their bike and far worse, ring posts are being removed and cyclists in general are being profiled and harrassed. For updates and to share your story check the AMC website 2010.mediacoop.ca or use the #g20report to share you experiences.

Toronto cyclists face a dangerous combination of streetcar tracks and motorists, the Bicyclists' Injuries and the Cycling Environment Study (BICE study) has found in its preliminary results. The BICE study is coordinated by the Cycling in Cities program at the University of British Columbia, which interviewed 690 cyclists injured and admitted to hospital in Toronto and Vancouver in 2008 and 2009.

CultureLink and The Toronto Cyclists Union are launching the Toronto Cyclists Handbook (in 16 languages no less) this Friday in their event, Diverse Bicycle City, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm (Parkdale Community Recreation Centre, 75 Lansdowne Avenue (north of Queen).

The media is reporting that prosecutor Richard Peck has dropped criminal charges against Michael Bryant, who was charged with criminal negligence causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, after the incident that left Darcy Allan Sheppard dead.

Richard Peck felt there was no reasonable chance of convicting Bryant.

Quote from The Star: