Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Hire Some Cycling Staff!

September 20, 2006

E-Mailed to Ed Switenky ; Ron Gallo ; Hart Solomon and copied to Hamilton City Council


Transportation for Liveable Communities would like to take this opportunity to draw attention to an ongoing problem.

The issue is a follows:
  1. The city cycling staff keeps changing
  2. There is no notification that there is a change
  3. We don't know if the last person (Brian Applebee) was replaced and who the new contact is
  4. As a result, our inquiries go unanswered and
  5. it is extremely difficult to follow up on outstanding projects and issues.
As a result TLC requests that the city hire a full-time cycling coordinator, as recommended in the transportation master plan:
"Create a senior staff level pedestrian and cycling coordinator position to monitor and assist in the implementation of the policies until such time that the policies are integrated into the everyday practises of the City administration." (Development of Policy Papers for Phase Two of the Transportation Master Plan for the City of Hamilton WALKING AND CYCLING POLICY PAPER)
Transportation for Liveable Communities has been a leading stakeholder on bicycle issues in the city for several years, and has consistently sought to develop and maintain positive and cooperative relationships with city council and staff on alternative transporation issues. The failure to keep us informed sends a negative signal about the city's commitment to its cycling plan, and shows a lack of consideration towards an organization that has provided valuable information and support for the implementation of the city's cycling policies. This breakdown in communication around the change in cycling staff is emblematic of the need to develop our relationship on a new footing.

In the meantime, TLC would appreciate being kept informed about changes to city cycling staff so that we can communicate our concerns and ideas directly.

For TLC,
Randy Kay www.tlchamilton.org

Friday, September 22, 2006

OPIRG McMaster: RESEARCH AND ACTION: CAR FREE DAY street party w/rain

OPIRG McMaster: RESEARCH AND ACTION: CAR FREE DAY street party w/rain: "Rain kept car free day street party numbers down to about 50 people, and kept the musical performers inside the welcoming Sky Dragon Centre..."

Reports from Car Free Week 2006 available at the OPIRG McMaster blog.  So it rained a bit, we still had fun!

CAR FREE WEEK 2006

CAR FREE WEEK 2006PARK IT: Transportation for Liveable Communities (TLC) celebrates alternatives to the private automobile with a week of car free events. Paul Hourigan, the Hamilton Spectator 
A woman is removed from a vehicle yesterday and taken to hospital after her car hopped a curb and hit the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce branch at Gage and Fennell avenues.
(July 26/06)SUV rollover claims life, The Hamilton Spectator. St. Catharines (Aug 18, 2006), One person was killed and another critically injured when a sport utility vehicle carrying 11 passengers rolled over on the Queen Elizabeth Way late yesterday.
Ontario Provincial Police said the vehicle was in the Fort Erie bound lanes outside of St. Catharines at 3:30 p.m. when it rolled over, spilling several passengers onto the highway.
The vehicle, a high-end SUV, ended up on its roof in the middle of the highway....Police said the highway was blocked for a lengthy investigation well into the evening. Photo: Bob Tymczyszyn, the Canadian PressDec. 20 2005, Ron Pozzer, the Hamilton Spectator 
Two pedestrians were hurt after a car crashed through the front of Price... Kaz Novak, the Hamilton Spectator 
Traffic was halted for two hours after a dump truck westbound on the Lincoln Alexander Parkway blew a tire at Upper Wellington Street, crossed the median and slammed into a rock face. The driver was taken to hospital and treated for injuries.
(Aug. 10/06)
  • Monday, S.18: Bus 'n hike 4pm to 7pm - grab the HSR bus to the local conservation area to visit a beautiful waterfall. Participants get free Waterfall and Bike Route maps. Meet at the bus stop near the McMaster Museum of Art 4pm sharp.


  • Tuesday, S.19:


  • Wednesday, S.20 IDLE FREE WESTDALE - 2pm, hand out mock idling tickets, meet at Global Village in Westdale (across from Tom Hortons)


  • Thursday, S.21: Bicycle/Pedestrian "Drive-IN" movie night at the Gage Park Bandshell. Free movies. Dusk


  • Friday, S.22:
    • Walking School Bus (Dundas)
    • Car Free on King William Critical Mass and street party. 5:30 pm meet in front of the Sky Dragon Centre for a critical mass bike ride followed by a street party with live music featuring Kim and Frank Koren, D-Lishus, Kelly Grrrl, and the Funk Ambassadors.

  • Saturday, S.23


  • Sunday, S.24: Guided Nature Hike in Cootes Paradise nature sanctuary. 10am with Brian McHattie (ward 1 councillor). Meet in front of Union Market inside the McMaster Student Centre.


  • Sunday S. 24 - 1:00 to 3:00 pm SKETCH WALK: Join us on Sunday, September 24th as part of Car-Free Week for a two hour round-trip walk with sketching stops, info on local history and activities along the way. We'll meet at Mixed Media, 174 James St. N. at 1 pm and meander and stroll the streets of downtown Hamilton in search of things to sketch. It is free to participate and all our welcome to attend. Call Dave at Mixed Media for more info - 905-529-2323 . www.mixedmediahamilton.com


  • transportation for liveable communities - 6 years of car free celebrations!