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Share the
Road September 2013 Newsletter
In this issue:
- CEO’s message
- Share the Road CEO and Minister of Transportation Launch First Ontario Cycling Strategy in 21 years
- Greg’s Ride and Milton September 29 –
Registration open
CEO’s Message
As I write we are finalizing plans for the annual ride
in memory of my former husband OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart who was killed in a cycling collision in June 2006. Each year we host a beautiful Ride event in Greg’s memory, in the Halton Hills at Kelso Conservation Area. This year’s event is on September 29.
There are distances for all ages and abilities – and a
great post-Ride party too. All proceeds fund our work at the Coalition. Please join us and bring your friends! Registration is now open – please see the item below for more information.
Share the Road was thrilled to attend the launch with
Transportation Minister Glen Murray of Ontario’s first Bicycle Policy update in 21 years.
Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure Glen Murray MPP (Toronto Centre) with CEO and Founder of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition Eleanor McMahon and Elliott Silverstein, Manager Government Relations at CAA South Central Ontario at the August 30 launch of #CycleON in Toronto.
Since 2008 securing a provincial Bicycle Policy has been a major area of focus for our organization. Our work began with our first Ontario Bike Summit in 2009, followed by the launch of our Green Paper on Cycling (When Ontario Bikes, Ontario Benefits) in 2010. Our participation in the Coroner’s Review in 2012 allowed us a platform to advocate for the Policy as part of that process – the Review recommended a new Ontario Bicycle Policy.
Please see the link to our press statement on the Ontario Cycling Strategy here.
This policy is the first step in a broader agenda that
includes legislative amendments to the Highway Traffic Act (including a one meter, safe-passing law) and infrastructure funding to assist municipalities across Ontario.
Both will be major areas of focus and attention for us in the weeks and months ahead during this session of the Ontario Legislature. Stay tuned!
We’ll be working with our team of Ontario CAN! (Cycling Advocacy Network) representatives, a group of partners and dedicated cycling enthusiasts in communities across Ontario who, working with us and assisted by us, keep cycling on the local political radar screen by meeting with and briefing local/provincial politicians. If you are interested in joining Ontario CAN! please contact us:
info@sharetheroad.ca
Another critical partner to us during this session of the Legislature will be the All Party Cycling Caucus we launched at the Ontario Bike Summit.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne MPP
(Don Valley West) with Eleanor McMahon, CEO and Founder of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition at the 2013 Ontario Bike Summit MPP reception.
Our Bike Caucus chaired by MPPs Mike Colle (Liberal, Eglinton Lawrence); Catherine Fife (NDP, Kitchener Waterloo) and Norm Miller (Progressive Conservative, Parry Sound-Muskoka) will help to provide input into the Cycling Strategy, and assist with legislative changes required to modernize the Highway Traffic Act. They will also provide guidance on infrastructure funding plans for municipalities. Stay tuned for developments on this front.
These next few months are sure to be busy ones. We look forward to working with you and on behalf of all cyclists in Ontario. Together, we can ensure that the vision outlined in the new Ontario Cycling Strategy is realized.
In so doing, we will be truly honoring Sgt. Stobbart and all who have been injured or lost their lives while cycling.
Yours in safe cycling,
Eleanor
McMahon
Annual Share the Road for Greg Ride – Milton
Please join us for the annual Share the Road for Greg
Ride, in memory of OPP Sgt. Greg Stobbart, killed
while on a training ride on Tremaine Road in Milton on June 6, 2006. Funds raised support the Share the Road Cycling Coalition and our work across Ontario.
This is an event not be missed. Spectacular scenery, some challenging terrain in the Halton Hills and distances for all ages and abilities. A memorable post-ride party follows.
New this year: Canada’s foremost creator of world-class riding events, GranFondo Canada, is powering Greg’s Ride. GranFondo Canada has gained a best in class reputation for organizing epic rides across Canada for cyclists of all skill levels. On September 14 they brought that experience to Niagara to the delight of the thousands of cyclists who experienced a beautiful event on 127 km of closed roads!
For more information and to register click
here.
Also new this year, in partnership with GranFondo Canada and sponsor Great Wolf Lodge, join us for the Family Fundo. Open to all children 12 years
of age and under the Family Fundo Ride on Saturday September 28th at Oakville Place is a great opportunity for your kids to learn about safe riding habits and bike maintenance in a fun, healthy and lively event. Registration is free and can be found here.
Family Fundo
Saturday, September 28th
Bring the family to Oakville Place Mall parking lot 240 Leighland Avenue from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and enjoy a family-friendly, fun, safe and educational bike path ride for kids 12 years of age and under. Learn about safe cycling, bike maintenance and enjoy a BBQ and exciting prizes!
- Kids cycling clinic – tips, safety – 10 Minutes – pre-Ride
- Loot bags for participating kids
- Finisher medals and certificates for kids
- T-shirts for participating kids
- Draw for two nights at Great Wolf Lodge – a value of $600
- Refreshments & BBQ
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