Bicycle Friendly Communities come to Ontario

Ontario Municipalities to Benefit from Advice on Building Bicycle Friendly Communities

Bicycle Friendly Communities" Program Launching at Annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference

Windsor, Ontario – August 17th, 2010 -- Communities across Ontario will receive a boost tomorrow in their efforts to create healthy, livable and safe communities through active transportation enhancements.

Media are invited to attend the launch of the Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) Program in Ontario, at the AMO Annual Conference in Windsor. The Bicycle Friendly Community Program provides incentives, hands-on assistance, and award recognition for communities that actively support bicycling.

The Share the Road Cycling Coalition, an Ontario-based organization which promotes bicycling as a mode of transportation, recreation and fitness through advocacy, is bringing the BFC program to Canada for the first time since its launch in the U.S. in 1996 by the Washington-based League of American Bicyclists.

The League is the largest bicycling advocacy organization in the U.S. and represents the interests of the nation's 57 million cyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 individuals and 700 affiliated organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling to communities across the U.S.

The announcement follows a session with AMO delegates (8:00 a.m.) where Mayor Dave Cieslewicz from Madison Wisconsin will outline how Madison has achieved Gold status in the program, and highlight the benefits of the BFC. Mayor Cieslewicz will be joined at the media launch (10:00 a.m.) by League of American Bicyclists CEO Andy Clarke, representatives from Trek Bicycles (Waterloo, Wisconsin) and the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC), both of whom sponsor the program. AMO Board Member Diane Freeman will moderate the session.

Who:
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Mayor of Madison, Wisconsin
Andy Clarke, CEO, League of American Bicyclists (Washington, D.C.)
Diane Freeman, Councilor, City of Waterloo, Board Member, AMO
Krsyta Rettig, Director of Government Relations, Trek Bicycles (Waterloo, Wisconsin)
Janet O’Connell, Executive Director, Bicycle Trade Association of Canada
Mike Parent, Owner and Trek Dealer, Ambassador Bicycles, Windsor, Ontario

Where: Media Room (Martis Room, Meeting Level), Caesars Windsor

When: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday August 18th, 2010

Find out more about the Bicycle Friendly Communities initiative in the Programs section of our web site.

2nd Annual Ontario Bike Summit

Online Registration Now Open

• Are you looking to develop a cycling master plan in your community but don’t know where to start?
• Are you looking for tips and ideas on how to work more effectively with local governments to advance cycling?
• Are you looking for data and research that you will help you “make the case” for enhanced cycling investments and programs in your community?
• Are you interested in creating infrastructure, education and awareness and legislative policies in Ontario to encourage cycling?
• Are you looking to learn about what other communities are doing in the areas of law enforcement initiatives – education and awareness – public health ideas, bicycle tourism?
• Are you looking to be inspired by speakers from bicycle friendly cities in the United States and in Europe?

Then the 2010 Ontario Bike Summit is for you!

Join us on Sunday September 19th in Burlington for the “Share the Road for Greg Ride” in memory of OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, killed on a training ride on his bicycle in Milton in June, 2006. More information on the Ride is available at www.sharetheroad.ca.

Then it’s off to Burlington that evening and the following two days for serious networking, learning and policy discussions.  Highlights include:

• Portland Oregon Mayor Sam Adams.  Mayor Adams will inspire us with details of how Portland has become a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community, and one of the most bicycle friendly communities in the United States with a growing bicycle mode share. International representatives will share specific examples of initiatives and infrastructure investments.
• J-F Courville President and Chief Executive Officer of MFC Global Investment Management – keynote speaker.  Mr. Courville is President and Chief Executive Officer of MFC Global Investment Management the asset management division of the Manulife Financial Corporation. An avid cyclist, Mr. Courville will share his perspective on the benefits of cycling, as leader in the private sector and a proponent of the benefits of investing in bicycle friendly communities.
• Marie Lemay, CEO of the National Capital Commission in Ottawa will share the NCC’s exciting new vision and plan for cycling in Canada’s capital.
• Globe and Mail Columnist, and cyclist, Marcus Gee will share this insights and perspectives on the “politicization” of cycling
• Representatives from municipalities across  North America – and Ontario -- who will share their strategies for cycling master planning and cycling promotion.
• Details on how to apply to the new Bicycle Friendly Community program – a joint initiative of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition and the League of American Bicyclists (Washington D.C.) as outlined in a workshop led by League staff.
• Representatives from Ontario’s political parties including the Minister of Transportation The Honorable Kathleen Wynne, PC Transportation Critic Frank Klees, MPP; NDP Transportation Critic Peter Tabuns and Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner  –  will share with us their vision for a “Bicycle Friendly Ontario”
   

• All this plus social and networking opportunities and our “Celebration of Cycling Evening” on Monday September 20th.

See the updated agenda for more details.

*Early registration discount now extended to Sept. 9

Full Summit Registration

Corporations, Governments, Institutions - $295 (before Sept. 9), $325 (after Sept. 9)

Not-For-Profit - $175 (before Sept. 9), $200 (after Sept. 9)

Full Summit Registration Includes:

• Breakfast, Lunch and dinner on Monday Sept. 20; breakfast, lunch and closing reception light refreshments on Tuesday Sept. 21;
• All refreshment breaks
• Access to any and all sessions in the Summit program
• Hotel accommodation is NOT included in the fee. Please read below for accommodation arrangements.

One Day Registration

Corporations, Governments, Institutions - $150 (before Sept. 9), $175 (after Sept. 9)

Not-For-Profit - $125 (before Sept. 9), $145 (after Sept. 9)

• Sept. 20: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, all refreshment breaks, & access to that day’s sessions in the Summit program
• Sept. 21: Breakfast & lunch, closing reception and all refreshment breaks & access to that day’s sessions in the Summit program

Keynote Luncheon (if not attending conference)

Corporations, Governments, Institutions - $100 (before Sept. 9), $125 (after Sept. 9)

Not-For-Profit - $75 (before Sept. 9), $85 (after Sept. 9)

Accomodations:

The Conference Hotel, the Holiday Inn Hotel in Burlington has made a block of rooms available to Summit participants at a reduced rate ($119 Queen and $129 King).  The block is only guaranteed until August 19, 2010.  After this date rates are subject to change.  For more information or to book a room: (905) 333-0477 or http://www.hiburlington.ca/burlington-hotels/

Online Registration now open. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting, informative event!

Burlington, Ontario September 20th-21st
Building Bicycle Friendly Communities

Greg's Ride

Each year, Eleanor McMahon, Greg’s wife, has organized "Greg’s Ride" (The Share the Road for Greg Ride) to remember Greg, to remind us all to share the road, and to raise funds for the cycling coalition she founded and leads, The Share The Road Cycling Coalition. 2010 will mark the 5th year for Greg’s Ride in Milton, which has been generously supported by several sponsors, notably Racer Sportif. The Ride has become an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Halton Hills and enjoy a day on the bike with fellow cyclists.

Given cycling's growing popularity and the desire for other cities to host an event which brings together community partners to promote cycling, we are pleased to announce that the Share the Road Ride is expanding to other locations this summer.

An exciting addition to the rides is the participation of Olympic Cross Country skier Devon Kershaw. Devon, whose girlfriend was killed in a cycling accident in June 2001 has become an enthusiastic "Share the Road" Ambassador and in the spirit of supporting our work will join fellow cyclists at the Rides in Ottawa, Sudbury and along with fellow Cross Country Canada team mates will host the Share the Road Ride in Canmore on July 16th.

Thank you for your support! We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Yours in safe cycling,
Eleanor McMahon

PLAN TO JOIN US.

All riders are welcome!

Come out and join us - have some fun, a great ride, and support a worthy cause! See you there.

Greg's Law

Bill 126 “Ontario Road Safety Act” Passes 3rd Reading in Ontario Legislature “Greg’s Law” In Memory of Deceased Ontario Provincial Police Officer

Burlington, Ontario – April 22nd, 2009 – Eleanor McMahon, road safety advocate and Founder of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition (a provincial cycling advocacy organization) reacted positively to the news that Bill 126 (the Ontario Road Safety Act) passed third reading in the Ontario legislature yesterday.

The Bill contains provisions targeting suspended drivers, with those caught driving under suspension to receive a penalty that will include a seven day vehicle impoundment. The amendments, known as “Greg’s Law” target motorists who drive suspended, unlicensed and therefore uninsured.

Said McMahon: “Suspended driver legislation now exists in seven provinces, with Ontario joining that number. This is a clear and very positive demonstration that the behaviours of motorists who drive while unlicensed are now part of Ontario’s road safety agenda. Driving is a privilege, and not a right. Our hope is that holding unlicensed drivers to account by impounding their vehicles will be a powerful deterrent – particulalry given the disregard for the law that driving unlicensed demonstrates.”

“Greg’s Law” is named in memory of OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, Ms. McMahon’s husband, who was killed while on an off duty training ride on his bicycle on June 6, 2006 in Milton, Ontario just north of their home in Burlington. The driver who killed Sergeant Stobbart had a significant history of several infractions including 5 convictions for driving while his license was under suspsension.

Since his death, Ms. McMahon has advocated for this legislative change, and in particular, penalities like those found in Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Action (the street racing legislation) which provide for vehicle impoundment, fines and a further license suspension. Those penalities, which research has demonstrated act as a powerful deterrent are now part of “Greg’s Law”. Officials estimate that the Bill will come into force by the fall of 2010.

“It is very gratifying to have this law passed in my husband’s memory. The knowledge that Greg’s Law will provide his colleagues in law enforcement with an important tool to keep suspended and unlicensed drivers off our roads, gives us a level of comfort that lives can be saved, and perhaps other families can be spared the kind of loss we suffered,” said McMahon.

“When they continue to drive, despite the removal of privilieges, these drivers are breaking the law, with their victims and their victim’s families left to pay the terrible social and human costs associated with the losses they cause,” she noted.

McMahon underscored the issue by pointing to research from MADD Canada and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO):

• Over 500,000 drivers are currently listed as unlicensed and suspended by the Ministry of Transportation.
• Upwards of 75% of unlicensed drivers in the province, continue to drive (MTO).
• Approximately 2,000 fatal and injury crashes involving unlicensed drivers occur annually.
• One in 14 fatal crashes involves an unlicensed driver.
• Crashes involving an unlicensed driver are more than twice as likely to have a fatal outcome.
• Unlicensed drivers are one and a half times more likely to be at fault in the crash.

“I would like to thank Commisioner Fantino, and the members of the Ontario Provincial Police, for their leadership and support. I applaud Ministry Bradley and his officials, for ensuring that this important piece of legislation was tabled. The support by both Opposition parties was also helpful in ensuring speedy passage. It is wonderful to see all party support for this kind of important road safety initiative,” said McMahon.

“Ultimately, we will all be safer once this law is in force, and I look forward to working with law enforcement and the MTO in putting the regulatory framework in place to see Greg’s Law in force as quickly as possible,” McMahon added.