Block party in "Portugal Square"
The sixth anniversary of the blackout was celebrated August 14 with a Block Party and announcement of the "Portugal Square" on Ossington Avenue and Dundas West. I was at a different block party so I'll post Tino's take:
The street was filled with happiness and live music. After a procession north to Dundas street, local activist group the Public Squares installed Praça Portugal | Portugal Square in honour of the local Portuguese community.
Then they turned off the street lights and we all danced.
See video from Tino: http://vimeo.com/6124021
Comments
what does that have to do with bikes?
I was just thinking that RC.
Looks like a fun anarchistic event so its kinda similar to critical-mass but that I think are where the similarities with bicycle culture end.
Not to rain on your posting though herb, you definitely have me beat in that dept.
Well, I think that the Blackout Critical Mass that preceded and started off the whole event was
part of the reason that Herb why posted it. But I think something can also be said for the idea of transforming Ossington (or at least a section of it) into a space for pedestrians and cyclists...
So, let's imagine our streets being used differently.
I can safely say that this was one of the intentions of the event as well ...
True say, the 'streets are for people' is a strong, well-based movement.
There were cyclists at this event? It looks awfully crowded in that picture, no place for a casual Torontonian cyclist to be or even a goofy hipster trackstanding, he would surely bump into someone.
It'd be nice to use our streets for pedestrians and cyclists but I don't really understand how getting a permit to shut down a street to use it as a dance floor really can alter the behavior of Toronto traffic or may imply any possible future scenario involving dancing drunk people as a better form of transportation for our roads.
That's just my 2 cents.
(PS.) Spellcheck says that the word "Torontonian" is incorrect and the two best options to correct it with are:
Toronto
Hamiltonian
What the fuck?
PedalPowerPat, it is hard for you to be positive about anything, isn't it? Oh, well. Yes, including the critical mass riders, there were hundreds of cyclists at the event ...
Hey tino try using facts and points to argue your point instead of generalising me as a negative nancy.
I know you aren't eleven years old, so try to not put me down like one.
You ain't listening to facts, so what can I do? Later.
Pat while you may have a valid point if you believe that cycling should be kept separate from everything. An example of this would be something like a bicycle racing club, they only concern themselves with racing and bicycles. On the other hand if cycling activities seamlessly integrates into or becomes part of social aspects of our everyday lives it would be great.
Yep troll away trolls.
Man this forum gets better and better.
Pat, two things...
a. There's always room for track standing fixie riders on Ossington.
b. Darren and Tino are both stalwart cycling advocates. They aren't on this board to troll.
is always cool.
Thanks for posting a clip of this event, Tino