The issue: bikes | OpenFile

"Where the leaders stand:

George Smitherman: Wants a halt to new bike lanes on arterial roadways, but would make sure that current routes are safer and better maintained. He says bike lanes should be separated with properly curbed lanes.

Rob Ford: He wants to build 100 kilometres of off-road bike paths through the city and spend $5 million building on-road bike lanes. He made a gaffe at a mayoral debate last month when he said the Jarvis bike lanes cost $6 million. In fact, the lanes cost just over $60,000.

Joe Pantalone: He’s in favour of building a 1,000-kilometre bike network throughout the city. He also wants bike-only corridors on mayor arteries such as University Ave. and Bay St."

Pushing candidates on wheels - The Sarnia Observer - Ontario, CA

"You could say Dick Felton knows his cycling.

At age 65, he's covered 10,000 kilometres on his bicycle this year, he's a certified CanBike instructor, a member of Lambton Cycling and Randonneurs Ontario.

Felton and his bike have maneuvered through many trails and roadways all over the world. Sarnia, he says, though improving, has a long way to go before it's truly a bicycle-friendly city."

Canada poised to honour outdoor pursuits | Canada | News | Toronto Sun

"'I just want to impress on new Canadians that this is important and it's a part of Canada's heritage and please do partake in it. It's something that all the family can do together.'

Norlock's private member's bill passed second reading with all-party support in June, and he's hoping it gets the third and final nod in the House of Commons before Christmas."

Conservation Areas Search

"Categories for the 2011 Ontario Conservation Areas Photo Contest:

1) People of All Ages Enjoy Conservation Areas
2) My Favourite Conservation Area
3) Wildlife is Everywhere in Conservation Areas


Photos reflecting any Conservation Area in Ontario, in any season, involving any Conservation Authority-sanctioned activity are welcome."

Davide Frattini, Natasha Elliott take day 2 at Toronto International Cyclocross - VeloNews

"It was a clear autumn day in Toronto, and the course was slightly more technical than on Saturday, with racers saying it suited mountain bikers rather than roadies (some steep descents in particular).

Most could ride the sand on Saturday, but Sunday’s course threw racers a curve — a sharp turn at the start of the sand. And wind was a factor on the long straightaways."

Niagara This Month: How to get over post-summer blues - thestar.com

"Lace up your sneakers on October 24, and take a run at what is reputed to be the only marathon in the world that begins in one country and finishes in another. Participants in the Niagara Falls International Marathon line up beside the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in downtown Buffalo and run their first 6.5 kilometres through that city’s remarkably lovely parklands, before crossing the Peace Bridge and heading into Fort Erie, Ontario. The course, which has hosted two men’s U.S. Olympic marathon trials (1980 and 1984), then continues along the Niagara Parkway and finishes at Niagara Falls. Ready to run? Visit www.niagarafallsmarathon.com."

Police cracking down on Welland area ATV riders - Welland Tribune - Ontario, CA

"Niagara Regional Police are targeting unlawful and unsafe operation of all-terrain vehicles and off-road vehicles in Welland, Wainfleet, Port Colborne and Pelham."

The most common offences are:

* Trespassing on private property such as railway allotments, parks and walking/cycling trails.

* Owner Operate Motor Vehicle on a Highway No Insurance. When an off road vehicle is driven on a roadway, it becomes a motor vehicle and the owner would be liable for a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $25,000. An off-road vehicle insured with off road insurance is uninsured when on a roadway.

No machine should be sold without a provincial pass allowing that rider to ride.

The Four Best Places in Ontario to View the Fall Colors

"Hike the Trails of Algonquin Park
According to Ontario Parks, the best and most brilliant fall colors are in the Algonquin area. World-famous Algonquin Park is in south-central Ontario about 300 km north-north-east of Toronto. It is a huge provincial park covering nearly 3000 square miles of land. At this time of year, visitors can camp, picnic and hike along its numerous walking trails. When the snow falls, consider dog sledding at Algonquin Provincial Park, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping."

For the other 1996 places see: http://ontariotrails.on.ca

Green / Environmental Event: A Trail for Lake Erie - Open House and Workshop: Niagara, Dec 2

"'A Trail for Lake Erie' Open House and Workshop
Carolinian Canada Coalition - Lake Erie Coastal Stewardship Trail

Explore with us!
Unique Opportunities for Trails, Nature and Eco-Tourism
Along the Shore of Lake Erie from Essex to Niagara

You are invited to attend our Lake Erie Coastal Stewardship Trail Open House and stay for a Workshop to make a lasting contribution."

durhamregion.com | Chickadee Trail construction needs volunteers

"Volunteers are needed to help put the final touches on the Lynde Shores Conservation Area Chickadee Trail.

Central Lake Ontario Conservation staff is looking for the help to finish the makeover project begun earlier this month. On Oct. 23, from 9 to 11 a.m., the team hopes to put the last touches on the trail by working with volunteers to construct a cedar rail fence and remove invasive plants. Work boots and work gloves are recommended."

Lots to do on Ontario trails

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62600&s=f68250105effb4efe5e78587ec116974&pagenumber=

Fall ATV Riding in Ontario's Near North

"We excitedly jumped on our Hondas and rode right through town until we hit the trails. It should be mentioned that the town of Mattawa is exceedingly ATV friendly, allowing ATVers to ride on public roads so long as they use proper hand signals and follow the rules of the road. Even local restaurants and accommodations welcome ATV riders with open arms. As Mattawa Voyageur Country Tourism Development Co-ordinator Mike Stiell tells us, it’s not uncommon to see a half dozen ATVs parked in front of a local restaurant."

For a full range of places to ATV in Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/atving/

Operation Impact - Midnorth Monitor - Ontario, CA

"However, 243 people have lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions so far this year on OPP patrolled roadways, in comparison to 236 in 2009.

As the popularity of all-terrain vehicle riding in Ontario continues to grow and although it's an exciting recreational activity for many, it is not without risk. During hunting season, the use of off-road vehicles in Ontario increases at this time of year. Therefore; officers will also be patrolling local area trails to ensure that riders complying with the legislation. As of October 3, 2010, 12 people have died in off-road related crashes this year in OPP patrolled jurisdictions as opposed to 20 in 2009."

Please be careful out there - expect and respect other users - Ontario Trails Council

Hilly Hundred donates to trail renovation - Bancroft This Week - Ontario, CA

"The Municipality of Hastings Highlands, in partnership with the Bancroft Broken Spokes Cycling Club and a government grant, were able to resurface a four-kilometre section of the Heritage Trail from Bancroft to the Y Road.


This trail is now hard packed and suitable for mountain bikes and cross bikes to cycle. We are very excited about this upgrade and intend to continue the work to resurface the Heritage Trail. The 64-kilometre Heritage Trail runs from Glenn Ross in the south to Lake St. Peter in the north. Trail development is an important part of promoting active healthy lifestyles for cyclists of all ages and abilities. It is hoped that by accessing the trail into Bancroft by bicycle that this will help make a safer bicycle route into Bancroft. The upgraded trail will also encourage visitors to cycle the trail to explore our region."

Ontario Trails Map website | Lifestyle Information Network

"This website allows users to find trails by location and type of trail, such as for hiking, cross country skiing, equestrian, geocaching, and many more, and provides information on the length and difficulty of the trail as well as directions to get there."

Trail joggers need to show a little courtesy - The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA

"I used to enjoy taking my dogs for a walk along the Rideau Trail from King Street West to Bath Road. Now that walk can be a real trial as you have to have eyes in the back of your head nowadays.

Joggers run up behind you with no warning and scare the heck out of the dogs and myself and one day, those same joggers are going to find themselves getting bitten by a dog that they scare."

North Bay News and Weather on BayToday.ca

"Join the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) for a guided hike along the escarpment trails on Sunday October 17 at 1pm.

Hikers meet at the Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area at 15 Janey Ave in North (top of the ski hill) and will be guided by NBMCA's Naturalist who will share information about the trees, leaves and colours along the trail. The 1.5 hour hike will conclude with a trip up the Lookout Tower for a bird's eye view of the autumn display throughout the City and beyond.

Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for children aged 6 to 12 and free for children under five. Contact the NBMCA at 705-474-5420 for further information."

Haunted Huron returns for spooktacular round two - Goderich Signal-Star - Ontario, CA

"The ghosts and ghouls are already making appearances in Goderich. Homes on Picton Street and Huron Road seem to have attracted their fair share.

The popular Doors Open and Haunted Huron program is returning after a two-year break.

This year's event features 22 heritage and unique sites across Huron County open free of charge to members of the public on October 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Along with the number and variety of sites open, the event also features over a dozen other programs and activities during the October 22 weekend."

Everyone wins when cycling is integrated into the community - St. Catharines Standard - Ontario, CA

"Courville travels the world on business and sees first-hand the impact of cycling. As a 41 year old, he will live, and shape, the future of North America -- one in which he believes cycling will play an increasing role.
Courville's advice to Ontario cycling advocates was: 'Ditch speaking for an embattled minority. Start speaking for everyone.'

The implication was cycling is too often viewed as a win-lose proposition by vehicle drivers and cyclists. It is anything but. Everyone wins when cycling is integrated into the physical and cultural fabric of a community: less congestion; enhanced business environment to attract young talent; tourism; public health and more."

Ontario Trails Council has been giving cyclists Courville's message since 2002. We'd like to help they've always been invited to our open forums, like Trailhead Ontario, but they never all show together for a discussion. See: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/ and
http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---off-road/

Bike lanes worth it, Wynne says - Owen Sound Sun Times - Ontario, CA

"Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne said Tuesday that paved shoulders on Hwy. 6 should improve safety for cyclists and drivers and help the area's economy by boosting tourism.Crews are resurfacing and paving shoulders one metre wide on the 66-kilometres of Hwy. 6 between Mar and Tobermory, as well as 23 km. on Manitoulin Island north of Hwy. 542. It's part of a trial project for the province's new active transportation program that will see more cyclists sharing the road with drivers.'I think it's important that when we are making policy on infrastructure that we look at the economic needs of communities, and this area is so important in terms of tourism. It's about bike and vehicle safety and it's also about economic development and tourism,' Wynne said. 'We're told that this extra metre of pavement on the side of the road is going to make a big difference for the cyclists, and to be fair, I think it makes a big difference for the other vehicles that are sharing the road with cyclists to know there is that margin on the side of the road.'"