Thursday, October 28, 2010

GuelphMercury.com - Life - Cycling world spinning with new developments

"From Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, residents, various community stakeholders and those who pass policy will participate in these half day workshops. The featured presenter is Gil Penalosa, an internationally renowned ‘livable city’ adviser and executive director of the non profit organization 8-80 Cities. ( www.8-80cities.org).

The immediate objective following these consultations, is to create a county wide active transportation plan, not only incorporating cycling but walking and trail connectivity. I would urge all who are passionate about creating vibrant and healthy communities to attend one of these workshops. They’re free. Final scheduling is almost complete and for time and locales, feel free to email me at the address below."

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Windsor Essex Parkway construction to disrupt trails

"WINDSOR, Ont. — Cyclists, runners and nature lovers who use the network of trails in the Spring Garden nature area can expect some temporary disruptions or detours as the $1.6-billion Windsor-Essex Parkway is built, but the payoff will be worth it, a Ministry of Transportation spokesman said Tuesday.

To the left and right of the highway linking the 401 to a new downriver bridge will be 20 kilometres of trails designed with bridges and tunnels so you can start at Howard Avenue and make it all the way to Malden Road, 11 kilometres, without ever having to cross a street. And this new trail system will be linked at a number of points to the city’s existing trail system, known as the West Windsor Recreationway."

OCMC Enduro and Pot Luck

"OCMC CLUB ENDURO AND POT LUCK DINNER

November 6th, 2010
Sandaraska Park
Invite: Members and non members
Club Enduro Nov 06 11am start at Sandaraska park at LaBarn
Length: 65 nice km
Lloyds rules, no time keeping at all, 4 timed sections
Entry Fee: $25 big bikes $15 small bikes
Pot luck dinner after
Dustin - Enduro info 905-986-44379(W) 705-277-3548(h)
Diana - Dinner info 705-277-3548"

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Aggressive cyclists break the law - Owen Sound Sun Times - Ontario, CA

"I 'share the road' with bicyclists whenever possible, including slowing down if it isn't safe to pass. However, the cycling community must somehow deal with some of their own, if this campaign is to succeed.

On June 12, I was stopped in the left turn lane at 10th. St. E. and 3rd Ave. E., waiting to turn to go west. The light turned green, but I didn't proceed. I watched a fit looking man (in his 30s or 40s) with a dark beard on a bicycle, wearing a helmet, run the red light in front of me. He then drove up between the two lanes of stopped traffic. He reached the 10th St. and 2nd Ave. E. intersection just as the light turned green, and then did a quick right turn, in front of the first vehicle in the right lane, and went north on 2nd Ave. E.

If somehow a car driver was able to do this, I would have been able to get a licence number, and vehicle description and contact police. All I could do was watch in amazement. Two of us that day 'shared the road' with that cyclist, and restrained our lawful driving actions to accommodate his unlawful actions."

Each user is a public face of his or her activity - OTC

The City Cyclist: 2011 Ontario Provincial Election

"On September 29, 2010 I emailed each of the four main political parties regarding there position on a all-ages bike helmet law. Of those who have responded, here is what they had to say:

**I re-emailed those who have yet to respond on October 21**

Liberals:(paraphrasing) Cyclists over 18 are encouraged to wear helmets but are not required to by law.
Conservatives:
NDP:'That is not a priority for our Caucus'(9/29/10)
Greens:"

Monday, October 25, 2010

Kayak paddling instructions - Fall Sports Themed Vacations in Ontario

"If you haven't traveled to Ontario, Canada, fall is the best time to go there. This place is considered as a thrilling water wonderland where you can enjoy outdoor experiences no matter how young or old you are. You can go for fall sports themed vacations if you want and you can even take your friends and family with you."

RETIREDRAGON - trail trip in Toronto

"Yesterday, Marcia and I took the transit to the far reaches of 'Scarberia'....almost to the Metro Zoo.

Not only were we in another postal code, but, it seemed to us like a different world, as we traveled on the # 86 Bus to Sheppard and Meadowvale.
[It should be noted here that it took Marcia an additional bus and subway ride, in order to meet me at the station]
After that, we still had to transfer to another bus to arrive at 1749 Meadowvale Road (The Pearse House)."

Flickr: Exploring Southern Ontario Hiking Trails

For some really nice photos of Southern Ontario Hiking trails check out this location.

ATVs tearing up trails - The Sarnia Observer - Ontario, CA

"Sarnia police intend to crack down on off-road vehicle riders breaking the law by driving on one of the city's more popular trail systems.

Complaints have been received about prohibited all-terrain vehicles at the Perch Creek Habitat Management Area, where they are becoming a safety hazard, said Sarnia police Const. Bill Baines"

We ask that all atv riders join a club, get trained to ride and by a trail pass to repair damage on and off trails. - OTC

Pedal - Canada's Cycling Magazine

"October 27, 2010 (Ottawa, ON) - Ride with Rendall will be putting on a weekend of cyclocross racing in Ottawa on November 13-14 (the weekend after the Canadian Nationals). It will be two separate days of racing ; each day with a separate..."

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Summerstown Trails receive $36,000 provincial grant - The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA

"There was a time when cars were lined out to the road as residents flocked to cross-country ski at the Summer-stown Trails.

Those days could return, thanks to a $36,515 grant for the Friends of the Summer-stown Trails and South Glen-garry Township.

'We're going to be able to get schools to use the trails,' said Doug Boeckh, of the Friends, which will be purchasing 28 pairs of children's snow shoes and 38 pairs of cross-country skis, boots and poles, as well as 10 pair of adult snow shoes."

Fantastic - congratulations - OTC

OCTA Summit 2010 Taste Trail

We’re so excited to be sharing the successes of 3 destinations that have blazed culinary trails and treks in Ontario. You’ll learn about the development of the Taste Trail in PEC, the Epicurean Treks in Stratford Perth County and the Grey Bruce/Simcoe County Apple Pie Trail. Here’s a great story about the Apple Pie Trail [...]...MORE"

Everybody is into trails - OTC

Saturday, October 23, 2010

ONTARIO POWER GENERATION INC. | Rouge Park and Ontario Power Generation Launch Fall Biodiversity Walks

"TORONTO, Oct. 23 /CNW/ - A series of Fall Walks aimed at getting families involved in protecting and conserving biodiversity in urban parklands and forest ecosystems was officially launched today as part of OPG Biodiversity 2010.

To mark the International Year of Biodiversity (2010), Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has partnered with Rouge Park to present Fall Biodiversity Walks - a series of themed walks with trained guides taking place every weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. through to November 28.

'At OPG, we believe that industry has a key role to play in conserving, sustaining and protecting nature and fighting climate change,' said Tom Mitchell, OPG's President and CEO. 'We're pleased to work with Rouge Park and all our partners to encourage awareness of the importance of biodiversity.'"

YorkRegion Article: Vaughan candidates challenged

"Several candidates in Vaughan’s municipal election race have committed to transforming the city into a bike-friendly community.
Sixteen out of 45 political hopefuls — but only a few incumbents — have risen to Shawn Smith’s challenge and taken the Active Communities Pledge."

Sign the petition - http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/about-the-otc/trail-services/trail-surveys/

Ball’s Bridge Maitland Trail Hike on Saturday! | Ontario's West Coast

"BALL’S BRIDGE MAITLAND TRAIL HIKE
When: Oct. 23, stating at 10:00 AM (1.5 to 2 hours hike)
Where: Park on County Road 8 (Base Line Road) at Little Lakes Road.
Details: Walk down to Ball’s Bridge and meet an interpreter who will explain the architectural significance of this elegant bridge. Hike along the Maitland Trail to Boundary Bridge and return on the same trail. Easy/moderate terrain, not wheelchair accessiblle.
Contact:
Marg Bushell
519-524-7734 maitlandtrail@gmail.com
www.maitlandtrail.ca"

Proposed Frontenac K&P Trail | County of Frontenac

"The former Kingston Pembroke (K&P) railway was incorporated in 1871 and originally extended from Kingston, north through Sharbot Lake, into the County of Renfrew.

Following the closure of the railway various associations and groups such as the Kingston K&P Trail Group and the K&P Snow Trails Association were formed to promote the development of the abandoned rail line into a recreational trail.

The K&P Snow Trails Association opened a northern portion of the corridor for use as a snowmobile trail and, much later, in December 2007 the City of Kingston officially opened their portion of the trail."

Friday, October 22, 2010

Empire's Summerlea Community in Binbrook - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

"Summerlea's prime location offers residents a truly natural way of life. Whether it's exploring the Lake Niapenco reservoir, or hiking in Binbrook Conservation Area, swimming in its waterways, or golfing its many courses, outdoor living in this part of south central Ontario is unparalleled."

For a full listing of trail activities and places to do them in Central Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-regions/central-ontario/

Using the area's beauty - The Daily Observer - Ontario, CA

"The Friends of Bonnechere Park have joined forces with several Renfrew County community and health organizations to help strengthen the bodies and minds of county young people -all by using existing nature trails.

Representatives of the group, along with partners Ontario Parks, KidActive, Omamiwinini Pimadjwowin -the Algonquin Way Cultural Centre, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, Renfrew County Stewardship Program, Renfrew County and District Health Unit, and Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards Township, gathered at the Petawawa Terrace provincial park to announce the launch of the Footprints in Time."

Twitter / Greenbelt Foundation: What's Ontario's Greenbelt ...

"What's Ontario's Greenbelt worth to you? Check out our video @ http://bit.ly/bN4dXV and then enter your own to WIN!"

NiagaraThisWeek Article: Economy needs a boost, says Mackie

"Mackie said one of the main issues in the upcoming election is trying to stimulate the local economy and welcome new business to Lincoln.

“There is so much red tape - costly regulatory burden - that is impacting people,” Mackie said, noting the same goes for property owners, who need to “have their rights protected and be aware of their rights.”

Mackie would like to see the power of planning and development approvals returned to the municipalities and not decision makers who are outside of the municipality and don’t have a working knowledge of the town’s issues. Agriculture, he said, is one of the biggest areas impacted by this, including the restrictions placed on the town’s growth by the Greenbelt."