Sunday, June 28, 2015

Motorists and Cyclists: respect each other and share the road

Warden Avenue is one of the most popular recreational cycling routes in York Region.  You can ride it from Markham all the way to Lake Simcoe in Georgina.

Here's some footage of my ride on Warden travelling southbound from Stouffville Rd to Major Mackenzie Drive on Sat, June 20th at about 1pm.  Major Mackenzie is around where the country meets the city. Unfortunately, the City of Markham's urban boundary expansion is pushing development further north. There are lots of farms, greenery and rolling hills.  This particular segment has a wide paved shoulder, but further north it is a shared roadway with no shoulders.



Warden, Kennedy, McCowan and others are enjoyed by hundreds of cyclists each week.  I often hear of complaints between motorists and cyclists.  Either motorists are trying to pass unsafely or aggressively, or cyclists taking up the road and not leaving space to pass.

York Region has developed an educational campaign in partnership with York Regional Police (YRP) and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) to promote cycling safety and respect for all road users. 

The campaign was launched on May 14 with a media event at Highway 7 and Leslie Street in the Town of Richmond Hill.


The York Region Cyclist’s Handbook, a practical guide containing rules of the road and safety tips, was launched at the event. 

On June 2nd, the Province passed the Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act, which includes increased fines for offenses like dooring a cyclist, and a 1m safe passing law.

We all have a part to play in making our roads safer. Please ride and drive with care.




Sunday, June 21, 2015

York Region has a cycling map app

York Region recently released a new 2015-16 York Region Cycling Map.  It shows a better connected bike network and includes other enhancements such as:
  • Greenbelt Route (launching Aug 2015)
  • Steep hills
  • Bike-friendly businesses
  • Mountain-biking locations
  • Featured routes
  • Hiking trails


You can find it in a number of formats:

1) In print at bike shops, libraries, municipal buildings, and chambers of commerce throughout York Region

2) Download the pdf at www.york.ca/cycling

3) View the interactive map online (now mobile-friendly)

4) Try the new app at https://www.pdf-maps.com

PDF Maps is a mobile map application that enables you to download maps for offline use (doesn't use data) on your Apple iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. Use your device's built-in GPS to track your location on the map. Plot and recod information about locations, import and export placemarks, measure distance and area, and even plot photos.

Step 1: Get the app

Step 2: Get the map (search for "York Region Cycling" and download the north and south maps)


Step 3: Try it


Happy cycling!
-Shawn



Saturday, June 6, 2015

York Region Bike Month Highlights in Pictures

Bike Month is a celebration of cycling, with events through the month of June.  Here are a few highlights:

Bike lane celebration - Napa Valley community ride (June 4th)





Safe Cycling Campaign Kick-Off (May 14th)







 Bike Rodeo at Family Fun Day (May 23)









Bike to Work Day, Newmarket (May 25)





Grab your bike and explore your city on two wheels!

Check out the My York Region Cycling Stories series for inspiration.