The Toronto Cyclist’s Union – Celebrating Good Deeds

In an inspired move, our friends at the Toronto Bike Union are encouraging cyclists to stop by their offices and pick up some “Thank You” cards to pass along to drivers who exhibit courteous, respectful behavior in order to help “promote friendlier Toronto roadways”.

This is a wonderful way to restore common courtesy to our busy roads – indeed one could argue that a contributing factor to the declining civility on our roadways is a basic lack of respect and courtesy. Since when did being polite become old-fashioned? I guess in some ways it has.

Technology has helped us in so many ways, yet in others it has contributed to distracted drivers, and a de-personalization of our interpersonal relationships. And we need those connections when we’re trying to navigate our roadways – we need to connect, to make eye contact. But most of all we need to remember that what unites us – despite our different transportation choices – is our humanity.

When we are on the road, while we might choose to select different modes of transportation, the fact remains that we are all just people, with families waiting for us to return safely home and we owe it to each other to be courteous. As our mothers remind us, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything. Well, what a delight to be able to reach out to a fellow human being and thank them for having chosen to be nice. Wow.

And so, kudos to the Bike Union for reminding us all of the importance of saying thank you. As we all know, the simple fact of saying “thank you” costs nothing yet is so powerful!

For more information on the campaign please click here: http://bikeunion.to/campaign/thank-you-cyclists-paving-way

In order for the Bike Union to continue with this kinds of innovative campaigns and their excellent work -- and to assist in their ongoing advocacy, and education efforts -- we are all invited to a fundraiser Cocktail and Masquerade at Steamwhistle Brewing in Toronto on October 28th featuring – among others! – the fabulous Molly Johnson. For more information and to buy tickets go to: http://bikeunion.to/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=1

Please consider attending. As I have noted many times in order to do the work we need to do to create a bicycle friendly culture we need to work together and financial support is a critical part of that. So please considering joining the Bike Union and all of their friends on the 28th. And if you can’t make it on the 28th, you can always make a donation via their website, and of course if you can please do consider becoming a member.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Yours in safe cycling,
Eleanor McMahon