Before a packed Anglican church converted into a temporary worship house to the almighty bicycle, Dave Meslin gave an engaging presentation on his research of cycling organizations across North America and his proposal for the creation of the Toronto Cyclists Union.

Dave Meslin has started a Facebook group (ULTRASOUND ~ Toronto Cyclists Union) so people can track the growth and birth of the Union [Edit: There is now also a website - bikeunion.to]:

On a beautiful evening in late September, 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.

Join this Ultrasound group to get updates on the development of the Cyclists Union over these nine months and to find out how you can get involved.

We'll keep you posted on I Bike T.O.'s involvement in this venture.