while the thaw looms in the collective bicycle consciousness, pre-spring tune ups – both literally of bikes and figuratively of blogs – are taking place.

big things come spring.

the thomas j. dale bridge.

(maybe the street itself will one day soon get a name change that represents its realities and potentials as a street, not a “parkway”)

here are some pictures that celebrate its bikeability:

also, it has come to our attention that there is another blog out there dedicated to cycling in mississauga.  awesome! check it out!

i was home a few weekends ago and decided to rig up one of these bad boys.  a pretty good way to spend $1.  i took my new camera-mounted bicycle out for a ride in my neighbourhood.  while the “cinematography” certainly needs some improvement, the video below offers some glimpses as to the potentials and setbacks of cycling in mississauga.

we see the quiet residential streets that provide a calm and comfortable ride yet seem to go nowhere sometimes.  it is easy to get lost in the windy cul-de-sac covered streets.  we don’t have the handy grid system of other cities.  but there are opportunities in this.  it doesn’t take a whole new road to create connections for the bicycle.  it is a small vehicle that can fit through smaller spaces.  at 0:30 i cut through from a quiet residential street to a multi-use path that runs along eglinton.  there are potentials for these residential streets – incorporating them as designated and well connected bike boulevards?

we see the multi-use path that runs parallel to eglinton avenue.  we see, at 0:44 the potential, and the need, for the crossride.  a measure that seeks to improve the safety for all when cyclists cross intersections while using these paths.

i see problems and potentials.  and both are constructive.

what do you see?

[10.21] – “teen cyclist hit by car”

[10.23] – “cycling philanthropist wins prestigious award”

get out and see the city on your bike, with lots of other people on their bikes.  enjoy the cool fall breeze and changing leaves!  on your bike!

this looks as if it will be a great event and is proof of cycling culture in mississauga.

TIME: 8:30 registration and 9:30 departure.

STARTING LOCATION: JC saddington park.

DISTANCE(S): 26.5km or 47.3km

for more information, including a route map, visit the mississauga cycling advisory committe website.

see you sunday!

-MC

her seven kilometre trip from her home to city hall has been lauded by many, and rightfully so – her action has garnered a great deal of press and attention for cycling in mississauga and for the event that is car free day.  we all expect no less from good ol’ hazel.  but maybe that’s the problem – we need to expect, and demand, more.

there is no doubting the importance of symbolic action – especially when it comes from prominent political leaders.  but symbolism is just that and nothing else if it is not acted upon.

bicycling can no longer be a symbolic act in this city, or any city for that matter.  it cannot be something that happens one day of the year.  it cannot be something the requires a police escort. it cannot be something done by a minuscule percentage of the population.  it can be much more.

mayor mccallion has provided us with a platform.  her symbolic action presents the cycling community with an opportunity.  let’s not let it be lost.

well, they are.

although the public engagement sessions have passed, the study is still ongoing.

the project website has some pertinent information to peruse.

did you participate in the summer sessions? what did you think?

what do you think this plan should / will entail?

we’ll keep our collective eyes on this one!

the internet seems to be devoid of any mississauga-specific forums of discussion.  while this may speak to the larger issues of our city’s identity, it is clear that there is a burgeoning need.

we’re in the midst of developing a cycling master plan.  our mayor just rode her bicycle to work.  there is an unquestionable surge in the global cycling movement occurring.  so let’s talk about it!

there is a more detailed accounting of the purposes of this space in the “who we are” section.  but please, contribute, share, discuss in every and all ways possible.  this is to be an open and accessible space in every sense.  if you would like to contribute or become involved in anyway shape or form, leave a comment or e-mail mississaugacyclists@gmail.com

awesome!

-MC