Photos of CBN, non-profit bike shop

Toban Black, sent us these photos he took of the Community Bicycle Network space. It just so happens I'm on the board there. I encourage everyone to give it a try: let the mechanics fix your bike, or learn to fix your own.

Fri, 07/24/2009 - 16:06 - That photo was taken inside the Community Bicycle Network space, in Toronto, Ontario. </p> <p>Those words were on one of the bikes shown here -<br /> www.flickr.com/photos/tobanblack/3795136625/</p> <p>There were other phrases on the other bikes in there.</p> <p>Evidently I the yellow bikes with those words on them were the 'bikeshare' bicycles at the Bicycle Network</p> <p>---</p> <p>Here's a Toronto project called 'Streets are for People' -<br /> www.streetsareforpeople.org/</p> <p>Basically, they oppose car driving, while supporting bicyclists and pedestrians; so the 'streets are for people' message is a way of saying that we shouldn't prioritize vehicle (particularly, cars) over the people in the streets.<br /> (That's my impression of them, anyway.)<br /> A quick summary -- like that one -- doesn't do justice to their goals and their approach, however. cn'Streets are for People'
16 years ago ago at Gallery District, Toronto, Ontario, Canada by Marcus Johnstone.

"Streets are for People"

"In the Community Bicycle Network space

Outside the Community Bicycle Network space

Rosie the bike mechanic

Fri, 07/24/2009 - 16:00 - Artist unknown</p> <p>---</p> <p>The photo was taken Inside the Community Bicycle Network space<br /> in Toronto, Ontario</p> <p>---</p> <p>Here's another Community Bicycle Network photo<br /> that someone else posted -<br /> www.flickr.com/photos/loveandbicycles/2853279855/ cnBicycling
16 years ago ago at Gallery District, Toronto, Ontario, Canada by Marcus Johnstone.
Bicycling

"WOMEN + CYCLING"

Fri, 07/24/2009 - 16:01 - Inside the Community Bicycle Network space<br /> in Toronto, Ontario</p> <p>---</p> <p>Regarding the statement about how bikes are the 'best way' to 'get around' out there -<br /> Toronto isn't very bike-friendly, so bicycling isn't necessarily the 'best' way to move about in the city. I say this after biking around Toronto a lot during a recent visit. If I lived there, I often would bike around the city, but -- as any cyclist there will know -- biking in Toronto entails major risks, obstacles, and frustrations.</p> <p>If the Bicycle Network is able to help get more people out on their bicycles, they will be contributing to a a safety in numbers effect -- in which case Toronto cycling would be safer. As a mural in Toronto now declares, beside images of cyclists, there is 'strength in numbers.'</p> <p>The Bicycle Network seems like a positive project, but I know next to nothing about<br /> their 'bikeshare' program, or anything else that they do.</p> <p>---</p> <p>Here's another Community Bicycle Network photo<br /> that someone else has posted -<br /> www.flickr.com/photos/loveandbicycles/2853279855/ cn'Bikeshare'
16 years ago ago at Gallery District, Toronto, Ontario, Canada by Marcus Johnstone.
"Bikeshare"

When I took these photos, I was just dropping by the Bicycle Network space (but, regrettably, without photographing the mural around the entrance). I since have added brief remarks to a few of the Flickr posts that the above thumbnails link back to.

I live in London, Ontario, myself. The images will mean more to residents who have more experience with the Bicycle Network. If anyone wants to type about those experiences, this post is a place where you can do that.

(If you know which artists made the work shown here, I would appreciate it if you would name them to help me to give them credit.)

I happen to know who did which photo, as they appeared in the two calendars that CBN produced a few years ago.

herb : 15 years 10 months ago
Tags: bike culture, bike mechanics

BikeCamp

BikeCamp. The name sounds a bit like Boy/Girl Scouts, but there's a history to the ____ Camp concept. It started out in the programmer community with nerdy Foo Camp for hackers - described as the "wiki of conferences" for those who don't need to look up the definition of wiki (on wikipedia.org?) - and soon caught on in many quarters. Most related to Bike Camp is the equally nerdy TransitCamp.

The idea caught one because of the open-concept:

It's essentially a series of simultaneous participant led/generated workshops - all related to various aspects of cycling, and the politics of cycling advocacy. BikeCamp is an opportunity for bike union members, would be members, and the wider cycling advocacy community, to come together and jam on a variety of ideas, campaigns, events. The possibilities are endless, so if you are an avid cyclist with an interest in helping continue to grow and shape the momentum of this community, this event is not to be missed.

I've signed up for BikeCamp, will I see you there?

herb : 15 years 11 months ago
Tags: advocacy, toronto cyclists union

Cocktails and masquerade - bike union fundraiser on Oct. 28

On October 28, the Toronto Cyclists Union is hosting a cocktail and masquerade fund raiser at the Steamwhistle Roundhouse.

Here's the verbatim invitation. I hope to see you there!

If there was ever a time to get behind our city's most dedicated, and high profile cycling advocates, it's now. Thanks in large part to the Toronto Cyclists Union, our city's first member-based cycling advocacy organisation, cycling issues are now most definitely on the map in Toronto. If you've ever cared about improving conditions for cyclists in this city, and about getting bikes meaningfully incorporated into our transportation system, now is the time to show support for the first group with real traction. Whether or not you have joined yet as a member, we represent your interests as a cyclist. We have some real momentum, but we need your help to keep it going.

Here is the link to our beautiful, full colour e-vite http://bikeunion.to/sites/tcu/files/fundraiser-2009/emailer.html

Details below.

Toronto Cyclists Union Fundraiser: Cocktail and Masquerade

Oct. 28th, 6pm @ Steamwhistle’s Roundhouse ** 2 part event - Reception & Party**
Please join us for this very special evening. Together we are building a bike-friendly Toronto.

The evening will include:

  • Special Intimate Performances by top Canadian entertainers Molly Johnson (http://mollyjohnson.com) & Coco Love Alcorn (http://www.cocolovealcorn.com)
  • Silent auction 6-9, raffle 9-12 featuring great bikes, great items from businesses in Southern Ontario, and other bikephenalia
  • Open bar 6-9, delectable finger foods and fine Canadian beer, wine and spirits
  • Bike expo featuring Toronto’s top bike shops showcasing the latest and greatest in 2010 cycling technology
  • Oyster Bar at 7pm with Celebrity Shucker, David Donnelly, of Donnelly LPC

Brought to you by:

The Toronto Cyclists Union - the face of the new, and much needed, bike advocacy in Toronto – the voice of optimism and pragmatism, of a common effort to work toward a more harmonious and efficient way to move our city. We are growing but we need you to be a part of that growth. All funds raised will go directly towards maintaining the ongoing operational and project costs of our still nascent, but already well respected organisation - one that has finally filled the gap in cycling advocacy in Toronto.

Oct. 28th @ Steamwhistle’s Roundhouse

  • 6 to 9pm - Masquerade Cocktail Reception: Special Guests (musical & political), Open bar, Cocktail Catering & Silent Auction - $100single, $150 couple
  • 9pm to 12am - Masquerade 'Bike Love' Party: Live Music, DJs for dancing, Cash bar and Raffle - $25 single, $40 couple

** Buy tickets here: https://bikeunion.to/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=1

Please consider purchasing tickets, or making a contribution, even if you are unable to attend.

Message from Executive Director, Yvonne Bambrick - http://www.youtube.com/v/bQ513765R8A

Supporters: Bicycle Trade Association of Canada, Sweet Pete’s, Steamwhistle, Opus, Specialized, Donnelly LPC, Spacing, Positive Change, Bikes Without Borders, Urbane, and more...

herb : 15 years 11 months ago
Tags: bike culture, bike union, fun