bike safety

As many of you know, I have been involved in organizing & attending memorials for cyclists killed in traffic in the GTA for many years. For a long time though, I always felt that something more permanent should be done to honour their memory.

Last summer, my partner Wendy Lucas offered to plant a tree in their memory along Lake Ontario. I thought it was a very touching idea. We decided to dedicate the tree to all cyclists killed in traffic in Toronto and across Canada.

It's no surprise to anyone that more people are riding bikes these days. It's in the news, the bike stores are busier than ever, and it's become harder to find places to lock your bike because of all the other bikes.

We were tilting at windmills yesterday.

The Toronto Police issued the following news release today:

"Safe Cycling - Share the Responsibility" campaign results

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 7:30 AM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900

On Sunday June 22, 2008, the Toronto Police Service concluded their one-week "Safe Cycling – Share the Responsibility" campaign.

See previous release.

Officers issued 6,671 tickets to motorists and cyclists who were found committing offences. Of the tickets issued:

The way I see it we have two choices. Wait for the city to get things done and make cycling safe for all in Toronto or get citizens like Murray Teitel to lead the way. I am with Murray. You can read about his vision in the Post. You could also follow the Carfree Cities Conference going on this week in Portland.

Taken from Cyclometer June 2008:

Mayor let off with warning?

Harbord & Bathurst
Although an official announcement and public education campaign are needed, commuters riding this morning in the bike lane along Harbord were thoroughly enjoying the roominess of the new bike box.

Not a moment too soon! Nice to know this type of infrastructure is going in as was hinted at in Cyclometer back in November. I will post more and hopefully better photos soon. Check them out. Really nice looking work. This is how you use them.

Bike lanes please!Bike i