There is a lot of noise being made today about the Pembina Institute’s comparison of the Metrolinx and Mayor Rob Ford’s transit expansion plans.  The Toronto Star reported on it and the Toronto Environmental Alliance has been alerting its members to it as well.  Whether you prefer subways or light rail, you still have to conclude that Mayor Ford’s plan is inconsistent with his stand on reducing waste.  If you want subways to deliver anywhere close to the kind of service you can get from surface transit, you better be prepared for substantially higher taxes.

Meanwhile, George Monbiot in the United Kingdom is facing the identical nonsensical rhetoric of “ending the war against the car”, and writes as only he can:     Read more »

For a tiny bit of exercise this morning, I chose to walk to Broadview Station instead of taking the streetcar.  I knew it wasn’t a good sign when I saw the bouquets taped to the pole outside the Pizza Pizza at Broadview and Danforth.  I’d like to bicycle, but I’m too much of a chicken.  This was a man on crutches, with a walk signal.

Bells on Bloor is holding a drawing contest for children under 11.  They are asked to draw a picture of what Bloor Street would look like with more bells, bikes, and a bike lane, in response to the City of Toronto looking into the feasibility of building a bike lane on this major thoroughfare.

Contest closes Aug. 31     Read more »

As part of our resolution this year to park the car more often, my wife and I are shopping locally more often. Walking has been a key part of our regimen.   The exercise hasn’t hurt my waistline either.     Read more »

Between 2008 July 4th and 11th, join the Waterfront Regeneration Trust in their first-ever organized, energized, super-sized bike ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border. Travel the whole 680 km route over eight days; or join in for one or two days for a ride you’ll never forget!     Read more »