One Less Mart

Photo credit masachiba

This week's big news is the OMB's denial of SmartCentre's plans for a big box development in Leslieville. The story has been covered in The Star, Torontoist and Spacing.

Why are cyclists celebrating this win? The development would have abutted one of the few dedicated bike paths Torontonians have built. We all expect our bike paths to have intersections, but this would have added three very busy parking lot entrances on this stretch of path. In addition, it would have been another car-oriented development in a place with potential to be a transit-oriented, pedestrian friendly and cycling friendly employment centre.

The full decision is on the OMB site (pdf). If you find yourself making a case at the OMB, it's probably a good read.

If you have any insight into the success in this case, please share in the comments.

darren : 16 years 3 months ago
Tags: bike paths, lakeshore, leslieville, Ward 32

Everybody will ride the Massey Harris Wheel

Massey-Harris (later known as Massey-Ferguson) once had a factory in the King West / Liberty Village district. They were best known for their farm implements and tractors, but also made bicycles as can be seen in this 1896 ad. They were riding the explosion of bicycles in North America and Europe. You can see an image of one of their large factories of the time. There were bike cops even back then. He must be quite skilled to fire that pistol while riding across a boardwalk!

See also this ad in an 1902 Opera bill:

Bicycling has taken another notion. From out of the east it started, and already it's in our midst. No fad now - just a sensible mode of exercise pleasant to take. It's a regular bank on saved car fares.

"Massey-Harris"

Bicycles are made right - look right - sell at the right price.

herb : 16 years 3 months ago
Tags: bike culture, history, toronto

Bike Talk

Bike Talk
Photo by Wes

tino : 16 years 3 months ago
Tags: bike art, bike culture, fun