Cycling survey results online - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA

"A survey peddled to council hopefuls by Cycle Chatham-Kent shows there's plenty of support for increasing active transportation.

John Sigurjonsson, a member of the advocacy group, said so far 28 of the council nominees have responded to the survey.

'The percentage of those who checked the 'I will support' box is encouraging,' he said."

To view the survey results, visit www.cycleck.ca and click on "candidate positions."

Orillia hears call for sustainability - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

"In autumn 2008, the Trails for Life committee presented a report to city council requesting that the city make a strong push toward improving active transportation infrastructure.

As part of the city's 2010 capital budget process, city council approved funds to hire a consultant to prepare an active transportation plan. The city has now hired MMM Group, a very prestigious active transportation consultancy group, to write an active transportation plan for Orillia. The plan will be presented to council in spring 2011.
MMM Group has developed pedestrian and cycling master plans in many Ontario municipalities -- previous studies include the York Region Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan, Town of Oakville Active Transportation Master Plan, Halifax Regional Municipality Active Transportation Plan, and the Guelph City Wide Trail Master Plan."

At OTC we encourage master plans, and fully inclusive master plans we hope council looks at all possible uses in developing their future trails.

Weekly Wrap-Up: Queens Park Grand Prix and Bixi hits 600 | Biking Toronto

"It’s taken only 8 weeks for Bixi Toronto to sign up 600 people to annual memberships! They need to sign up 1000 by Nov. 30… so they’re already 60% there, however there is still concern that we won’t reach 1,000 subscribers: “Our biggest problem is that people think [Bixi] is already happening, so they don’t need [...] Related Photos"

400 to go - by Nov 1!

Cyclists must not hog the road | Wheels.ca

Cyclists must not hog the road | Wheels.ca: "I truly feel compassion for Eleanor McMahon as no one should have to ever face such a tragic and senseless loss as she has.

In truth, the photograph of Eleanor that ran with this story is just plain scary. From a legal perspective, she is doing nothing wrong as she had full rights to the lane that she was photographed in. The reality is that she is approximately thirty inches (one metre) too far/too close to the centre of the lane."

We have been advocating for cycling and safe cycling for years and we wish Share the Road the Best. See: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/bike-smart/

Perfect time for Timmins to take a hike - Timmins Daily Press - Ontario, CA

"A lot of time and effort is spent keeping up Timmins' trail system. Now, residents of Timmins are being encouraged to experience the trails themselves.

After a successful first go last year, the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) and the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation are once again teaming up to bring Hiking Day to Timmins.

The event is part of Ontario Hiking Week, which takes place in southern Ontario later in the year. But with the North's unpredictable weather, organizers felt it was better held earlier in the fall."

For more information on hiking week see: http://www.hikeontario.com/OntarioHikingWeek.htm

For places to take a hike see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=12&icon=hiking.png

GuelphMercury.com - Travel - Travel: Getting high on Ontario’s fall colours

"Want a great view of the fall colours in Ontario? Try hiking to the top of Ishpatina Ridge in Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park north of Sudbury.

At 693 metres above sea level, it’s the highest point of land in the province and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding terrain, says the Ontario Parks blog.

There are numerous vantage points in Ontario suitable for viewing fall colours from on high."

Outdoors in Ontario: Know About Ticks and Lyme Disease - Articles Inventory

"There’s an awful lot of “outdoors” in Ontario. And good weather leads to camping, hiking, picnics or even a day at the beach. Just a little bit of preparation will make sure that Lyme disease doesn’t sideline your summer outdoor adventures
Lyme disease is spread by the bite of blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks). These ticks cannot fly, but settle on tall grasses and bushes until they attach themselves to a person or animal passing by. Lyme disease can have many symptoms, ranging from flu-like symptoms in its early stages or, if left untreated, to more serious symptoms affecting the central nervous system, brain or even heart."

We encourage all persons to be aware of the environment you are going into.

Tour de Greenbelt Adds 100km Routes for Second Cycling Weekend Sept 25/26 - greenbelt's posterous

"The addition of the 100km routes is really exciting for those cyclists who have been cycling all summer and are looking for a challenge to test their legs at the end of the season,” says Peter Hart, Director of the Tour de Greenbelt. “We’re still very much a family event, but sometimes some members of the family want to do more, while others want to do less, so this way we’re able to offer something for everyone.”"

For hundreds of rides in and around the GTA see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-regions/greater-toronto-area/

Cyclists, drivers, need to learn to share the road - Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin - Ontario, CA

"It's possible for cyclists and motorized vehicles to co-exist peceafully, according to a program being unveiled in The Blue Mountains.

'The 'Share The Road' Campaign' is an initiative intended to dovetail with the Centurion Race,' said spokesperson Lisa Kidd of The Blue Mountains. 'Share The Road is an education initiative, aimed to educate all users of the road of the rights and responsibilities of motorists, cyclists and agricultural equipment operators.'"

Legally both vehicles have access, but only one has dedicated lanes - and markings province wide. Signs are a start, not the finish.

Nude kayaker dressed down - The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA

"It may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but a Kingston man's nude kayaking expedition has garnered him 18 months of probation and an enforced abstinence from alcohol.

Lou W. Zimmer, 57, pleaded guilty in Kingston's Ontario Court of Justice on Tuesday to creating a public disturbance by being intoxicated, but assistant Crown attorney Janet O'Brien revealed that it was actually Zimmer's over-exposure that got him into trouble on April 2."

The law is the law on land or water, please be trail smart.

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority protects the landscape - Thorold News - Ontario, CA

"The Niagara region is home to a number of wetlands – which are essentially marshes and swamps that act as a filter. Without these natural filter systems, the water quality in the region would degrade significantly

'Unfortunately, over time, a lot of these areas have been destroyed because of development or farming practices,' said D'Amario. 'We have to protect what is left.'

As the authority began to evolve over the years after its inception, so did the original regulations that were established to protect the Niagara region."

The OTC is glad they allow trails. For a list of trails in the Niagara Region see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-regions/greater-toronto-area/

Best Parks in Toronto for Viewing Autumn Leaves | Backpackers on Dundas

"You can start to see colour changes in the deciduous trees all over Toronto, now that the temperature has dropped and winter is right around the corner. Bright green leaves are turning into the reds, oranges and yellows that Canada is famously known for. There are parks all over the city and here’s a short list of the best ones to enjoy the stunning autumnal foliage:

High Park – High Park (1873 Bloor St., Toronto, ON) is the largest park in the city of Toronto, spanning 399 acres and has various attractions such as nature trails, bike paths, a museum, restaurant and a small zoo. It is one of the most significant natural sites in Toronto and its nature trails features oak and other deciduous trees. The fact that 1/3 of the site is in its natural state makes this park wonderful for enjoying the colours of fall."

Read further on this blog for mote suggested walks. For a full list of GTA trails see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-regions/greater-toronto-area/, then cross reference to City of Toronto area.

Cycle Toronto: BIXI coming to Toronto?

"As you may already know, the City of Toronto is considering investing in and bringing BIXI bikes to Toronto. Last night outside the Think Bike workshop the Toronto BIXI team set up a booth in their bid to sign up 1000 members before the November 30, 2010 deadline. The City requires that 1000 people sign up by this date in order to show a minimum level of interest to make the investment worthwhile. To get the official scoop, check out the Toronto BIXI website."

Tip - Everybody that went to the recent bike summit should by a ticket. I'm going to buy one and I don't live in Toronto.

GPS helping hunters stay on trail - The Sudbury Star - Ontario, CA

"Fewer hunters are getting lost in the bush thanks in part to global positioning satellite technology.

'The numbers are certainly on decline,' said Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Scott Taylor, the emergency response coordinator for the northeastern Ontario region.

'And the GPS, absolutely, I think it made a huge impact.'"

Hopefully more GPS use will ensure hunters are on or in their areas and recreational users are in theirs, creating a safe buffer between armed and unarmed groups.

Gotrekking.com: The Trekking & Hiking Community - Border Route Trail - Trail

"The Border Route Trail is a 65-mile (105 km) long hiking trail that crosses the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in the far northeast corner of Minnesota (Arrowhead) and follows the international border between Minnesota and Ontario, Canada. It connects with the Superior Hiking Trail on its eastern terminus and with the Kekekabic Trail on its western end at the Gunflint Trail (Cook Cty. Road 12). In addition to the eastern and western termini, the Border Route Trail can be accessed through several spur and connecting trails, allowing for hiking trips ranging from short day-hikes to multiday backpacking expeditions."

For information on trails in this area see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-regions/northwestern-ontario/

The Algonquin Outfitters web log: Where did the time go? It's fall!

"Late this summer, the Oxtongue Lake location took delivery of a few special canoes. Swift has been selling their new integrated carbon/Kevlar gunwale system for a year or so and we finally decided to test out a few of these very lightweight canoes in our rental fleet. For the moment, we are surprising customers we know and trust by saying, 'hey, do you want to test out a new canoe?' One of these lucky parties, Tony and Lois, are a couple who have been doing an annual fall trip for many years and always ask for 'the lightest Kipawa you have.' And so, that's what they got. Here is their report."

ONTARIO TOURISM MARKETING PARTNERSHIP CORPORATION | Travelling Green is Best Way to See Ontario's Fall Colours

"The award-winning Bike Train has partnered with Northern Edge Algonquin to provide a green travel option to experience Ontario's brilliant fall colours in South River, near Algonquin Provincial Park.

On Sept. 24, mountain bikers will journey by train from Toronto to South River, with their bicycles secured in a baggage car equipped with bike racks, for an unique 'Rails, Trails and Ales' experience featuring great mountain biking, beautiful fall colours and locavore fare matched up with Ontario's finest beers."

For a fuller listing of all the trails you can experience in the north see: http://ontaiotrails.on.ca

Expanding trails - The Daily Observer - Ontario, CA

"On Aug. 25, county council learned about a proposal by members of the Renfrew County Stewardship Program and the Shaw family of Shaw Lumber fame, to develop the Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre.

The presentation was made by Wayne Remus, chairman of the project, and a member of the stewardship's steering committee.

In his presentation he described the group's intention to further expand the trail system at the Shaw Woods off County Road 9, as well as develop viewing platforms and a central office, all for the purpose of educating the public about sustainable forestry and good stewardship.

The site is already popular with people wanting to take a stroll in the woods, surrounded by some old growth forest."

Another teen charged in Greenway Trail assault - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA

"City police laid charges against another 16-year-old boy following an attempted robbery on the Greenway Trail Sept. 13.

The boy, who can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was charged with robbery, assault and breach of probation at his Cameron St. home Sunday, police said, and appeared in court Monday."

We regularly work with police and land managers to ensure the safety of trails.

Woman assaulted on trail - Simcoe Reformer - Ontario, CA

"Norfolk OPP are searching for a suspect after a woman was assaulted on the Lynn Valley Trail Saturday.

The 58-year-old woman was accosted around 6 p.m. on the trail north of Decou Road in Simcoe.

Police report the woman, who was southbound, was approached by a man on a bicycle. The pair exchanged greetings. The cyclist turned around and passed by the woman twice before grabbing her, knocking her to the ground and hitting her.

The suspect fled the scene in a northwesterly direction. The bike he was riding was described as a low-riding BMX-style brand."

Be safe please, carry a cell phone and tell someone where you are going and for how long.