Project Co-ordinator |
Dave Meslin, Founder |
Yvonne Bambrick, Founding Executive Director |
Contact |
Web |
http://bikeunion.to/ |
Cyclists Union ULTRASOUND facebook group |
Mission Statement |
Toronto’s first membership-driven bicycle advocacy group |
On a beautiful evening in late September 2007, under a full moon, the Toronto Cyclists Union was fertilised. Over seventy bicycle advocates and organisers from over twenty organisations came together under one roof and offered their overwhelming support for this new creature.
Nine months later, in June 2008, we are expecting the arrival of a vigorous young organisation: Toronto’s first membership-driven bicycle advocacy group.
The Toronto Cyclists Union will provide a loud voice for all bicycle riders. It’s time to stand up and demand the attention, respect, funding and facilities that we deserve.
The City of Toronto has a great Bike Plan, but implementation has been as slow as a bike with a flat tire...and no pedals. It is unacceptable the extent to which our roads give priority to cars at the expense of cyclists' safety. Exclusive bike lanes are rare and are often filled with potholes and/or parked cars.
Working with other groups such as the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation (TCAT), Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists (ARC), iBikeTO, Toronto Bicycle Network and many others, the Cyclists Union will build our community into a strong, diverse, fun and effective network of thousands of bike riders fighting for change."
Other Major Cities
Many major cities in North America already have membership-funded bicycle advocacy groups. Here are some examples:
- Bicycle Alliance of Washington (Seattle): 2,700 members
- Bicycle Transport Alliance (Portland): 4,500 members
- Transportation Alternatives (NYC): 5,500 members
- Chicagoland Bicycle Federation: 6,000 members
- San Francisco Bike Coallition: 6,500 members
- Toronto Cyclists Union: Member registration opens June 2008
Presentation at the Music Gallery
70 bicycle advocates and organisers gathered at the Music Gallery in September 2007 for a presentation and discussion about the Cyclists Union proposal. The meeting ended with a 97% vote in favour of moving forward with the initiative. The Cyclists Union will be in development for 9 months, launching in June 2008.
Photos on Flickr:
YouTube:
Updates
To get updates on the development of the Cyclists Union over these nine months and to find out how you can get involved you can:
1) Visit the Cyclists Union ULTRASOUND facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6203334387
2) Send an e-mail to and ask to subscribe to the newsletter.
Comments
2007-09-28 17:55:46 I'll update this page asap with what I learned about Dave Meslin's proposal for a Cyclists Union for the City. —HimySyed