You may already be familiar with Gil Penalosa of Walk and Bike for Life that was stationed in Port Credit. Just a few months ago, the organization has been re-branded as 8-80 Cities. If you have ever had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Penalosa speak, you would recognize that new name as the 8/80 Rule that encapsulates his philosophy of street design: Would you send an 8 year old that you love along with an 80 year old you love on a walk, or a bike ride on the existing infrastructure? If you would, then it is safe enough, if you would not, then it is not safe enough. A growing number of world renowned cities have taken this to heart.
There are signs of interest Toronto and Hamilton for the Car-free Sundays concept. Despite its decades of car-dependent thinking, Mississauga is opening its arms to “complete” streets. Mississauga is being renewed. This isn’t just a theory. Take a look at the construction in downtown Mississauga led by the Downtown21 Master Plan. Close to the hearts of the current and future cyclists in Mississauga is the upcoming launch of the Mississauga Cycling Master Plan.
Except from the Toronto Star article: “This concept, which involves closing certain streets to make the paved space available for walking and cycling, has been slower to thrive here than in some places. In New York and Guadalajara, Mexico, the idea of Sunday ciclovias, a tradition in Bogota since the 1970s, has been embraced and modified to fit the landscape and residents. With the support of the Ontario minister of health promotion, Margarett Best, 8-80 Cities is pushing for more car-free Sundays in the Toronto region. And there are small signs of interest.”
Even just two years ago the resistance to such an idea of closing a stretch of street to cars for a day would have been too great in Mississauga. Now we are witnessing an awakening that can make this a reality. Thanks to the persistent work of 8-80 Cities (Walk and Bike For Life), passionate citizens who take the time to get involved, the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee, and the city and regional staff members who work diligently to improve the quality of life of the residents.
Wendy Gillis, a Master of Journalism student at Ryerson University, is looking for input from people who commute from the suburbs into downtown Toronto. With Mississaugans taking to the street more and more on their bikes, there should be plenty of experiences to share from cyclists in our city.
Ms. Gillis has been assigned to write a paper about an urban issue, and has chosen cycling infrastructure. As this is a journalism class, she also will be writing a feature article about a subject related to this paper. Gillis has decided to hone in on cycling from the GTA to downtown Toronto. “While the (Toronto) Bikeway Network is generally behind, it is particularly failing in terms of suburban cycling. While you might think this would get a lot of media play, there hasn’t been very much attention paid to suburban commuters’ needs in the mainstream media”. She wishes to find a few suburban commuters and talk about some of the issues they face.
On November 25, 2009, the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee presented to Mississauga City Council. This year we focused on the theme: “Mississauga is cycling”.
Much to our delight, the entire presentation also has a spot in YouTube. Use the following links to view the entire presentation. Take special attention in the last parts featuring excellent comments from the Mayor and Councillors.
Just ask seven-year-old Lakeview resident Connor Moogk.
On May 30, Connor was riding his bicycle near Orchard St. and Lakeshore Blvd. when he was struck by a pick-up truck. Connor, who was wearing a helmet, didn’t suffer any head injuries. He was rushed to hospital and, after a brief stay, was pronounced healthy — and lucky.
June 29, 2009 at the Dixie Rd./Dundas St. Canadian Tire, the Peel Paramedic Association and Canadian Tire gifted Connor with a new helmet and bicycle. They joined forces to recognize his bicycle safety smarts, hailing him a hero for donning a helmet.
Mississauga News – Sept. 9, 2009
Organizers of the second annual Tour de Mississauga cycling event are on a roll.
The event, which attracted just 30 cyclists in its inaugural year, will this year offer an exhilarating ride to more than 100 riders of all ages and fitness levels.
The non-competitive cycling event is organized by the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee (MCAC). It leaves Sunday, Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. from J.C. Saddington Park in Port Credit.
The tour will wind its way through Rattray Marsh, spin around the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campus on Mississauga Rd. and wind its way to the… Continue reading Mississauga News covers upcoming Tour de Mississauga
The Mississauga News printed an opinion article by MCAC member, Andrew Hamilton-Smith on July 21, 2009. The printed article was an edited version. Mississauga Cycling is pleased to post the full original article prepared by Mr. Hamilton Smith:
As the city puts the finishing touches on its Cycling Master Plan, cyclists are holding their collective breath in anticipation. Through public consultations held over the past year, the citizens of Mississauga have consistently identified one cycling priority above all others: connectivity. Basically, people want to be able to ride their bike to and from various destinations, in a way that is both safe and easy to navigate. Continue reading The Middle Road: Cycling a Better Way
On Monday, June 22, 2009 all Mississauga Transit buses will be equipped with a bus bike rack. Mississauga Bike to Work Day celebration had a demonstration. If you missed that demonstration or want to investigate further if your bike will fit the racks, bring your bike out to one of these two demonstrations on Thursday, June 18th at the Square One bus terminal or at the Canada Day downtown celebration. The Canada Day celebration even features a draw for a new bicycle for those who participate.
When we purchase a bicycle for a child we watch their joy expressed through their enthusiastic response. We watch and encourage their persistence to ride this two wheeled machine searching for balance and continuing to strengthen their skill as they ride close to home. They find their first breathe of freedom. A chance to feel speed as the wind rushes past them while they ride. We remind them to be alert to the dangers of their surroundings. Some parents are so worried for the safety of their child in traffic that they insist that they only ride on the sidewalk. This cycling practice is continued by some into adulthood. Continue reading Youngsters on Sidewalks – Beware the Driveways
Mississauga cyclists were out in perfect sunshine weather for this year’s Bike to Work inaugural pancake breakfast at City Hall. Four police officers from the Peel’s cycling division were on hand to escort the planned ride from Riverwood Park to City Centre. Suddenly all the cyclists were strictly obeying the traffic signs like the ones saying “cyclists dismount and walk across intersection.”
We were treated at the pancake breakfast (in addition to pancakes) to a demonstration on how to load bikes onto the Mississauga Transit bus bike racks. Check out the video.embedded by Embedded Video
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Helmets save lives.
Mississauga bike maps
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