Understanding+Phase+-+Cycling

Cycling in Toronto
(Research and statements by jordanmae / Sam Dubeau) toc

Background
There seems to be a certain mentality about cycling among those who began riding bicycles in the 60s and 70s; that is, bicycles should be operated as vehicles and utilized in a safe and predictable manner according to the law [Kifer, 2002]. Therefore, this particular group of people have learned to understand the ways of riding within traffic and many fear this practice less since they grew up abiding by it. Then in the mid-80s, the message seemed to change. The rules of the road were being outlined less, and more stress was being placed on the importance of wearing a helmet [Kifer, 2002]. Of course this is still very significant, but now more than ever cyclists are afraid to travel on the roads and often resort to travelling on much more dangerous paths, such as sidewalks where they are less visible to vehicles in many situations, especially when crossing at intersections. It is important for both cyclists and non-cyclists not to fear the practice, but instead be informed of the proper ways of travel, so that they can enjoy it and feel secure.

Toronto's cycling culture continues to grow ever year, but that is not to say that these issues do not apply here. There is much to be improved upon to cater to cyclists and relieve existing tensions between them and other travelling parties. What is important here to recognize though is the unique community practices and events they exhibit throughout the city. The //Toronto Cycling Map// lists over 70 specialty shops available for cyclists, as well as information on educational programs such as CAN-BIKE [Toronto Cycling Map, 2007]. There are also recurring festivals throughout the year for cyclists to celebrate and display their pride as an integral part of Toronto's colourful and diverse culture.

Research Statement
For investigating the issues connected to cycling in the city, I plan to take photographic documentation of trends and occurances in the downtown area of Toronto. Some issues and instances I hope to address graphically are: motorists ignoring laws pertaining to cyclists, cyclists in highly trafficked areas, cyclists bonding and/or travelling in groups, places and devices devoted to bicycle security, and cyclists enjoying their riding activity. I also hope to at some point interview a few individuals who are closely involved with this activity in the city and have strong, varying opinions about the subject. I will also be conducting searches for information online and and in official printed documents provided the city.

Collected Photographs from Research Outings
media type="flickr" key="13628477@N05" ARG0="&tags=infoarch07&lang=en-us&format=rss_200" width="500" height="500"

Concept Map (Version 1)
(Large)

Concept Map (Version 2)
(Large)

Visual Essay (20/20 Format)
media type="custom" key="217495"

Critical Position
Crucial steps need to be taken by Toronto city planning and legislation to establish safe, efficient, and comfortable route systems for bicyclists within the GTA. They have the right to feel safe while travelling, just as drivers and pedestrians do. A new plan should not only make transportation easier for all parties, but also establish a stronger awareness and respectable attitude between all travelling parties. The city can become a more bike-friendly environment by establishing and refining route systems; fixing hazardous areas/roadways; offering educational programs and guides; and enforcing strict laws and regulations directly associated with bicycle travel.

Opportunities
I have now joined forces with Alex Lee from Section A who also chose cycling as his topic. He looked closely at the differences between rural and urban cycling, whereas I focused solely on cycling activity within the urban landscape. It will be interesting to combine our findings and study more closely the types of individuals and groups who like to ride, and for what particular purposes. I am also very interested in studying more on the differences between rural and urban cycling and whether or not a culture of cycling even exists outside the larger city area.

Resources
[|MyBikeLane - Toronto] [|Spacing Toronto: How to deal with cars parked in bike lanes] [|Take the Tooker] [|The Environmentally Concerned Individual: That guerrilla rides a bike!] [|TheStar.com: Bike activists going guerrilla] [|I Bike TO...so can you] [|Cycling in Toronto] [|Bike Lane Diary] [|Danger of Anti-Car advocacy] [|Who Really Benefits From Bikeways?] [|Cycling for Conservation] [|Is Cycling Dangerous?] [|Cycling Facilities in Canada] [|Some Cities Try to be Bike Friendly (Treehugger)] [|Bike Sharing to Save Cities (Inhabitat)] [|Biking Toronto: Information about Cycling in Toronto] [|Streetsblog> Memorializing Killed Cyclists: Is it good for cycling?] [|Toronto's Worst Streets to Pedal (NOW On)] [|Bike Sharing: A Tale of Two Cities (Treehugger)] [|Taking Back the Streets: Cycling Memorials (Treehugger)]

Citations for Background
The Toronto Cycling Map. Toronto, April 2007.

Kifer, Ken. "Is Cycling Dangerous?" __Ken Kifer's Bike Pages.__ 2000. 01 Oct, 2007 <[] >.

Citations for Visual Essay
“Toronto Cycling Map – Tips for avoiding car-bike collisions.” Toronto.ca. City of Toronto 1998-2007. 1 Oct 2007 <[] >.

The Toronto Cycling Map. Toronto, April 2007.