By Shah Mohamed, Bike Educator, Evergreen

Bike Advocacy Event, Photos: Brian Liberty
Over 170 attendees braved the first snow in Toronto as they walked, biked or used the Evergreen Shuttle to attend the first Bike Advocacy event at Evergreen Brick Works presented by Toronto Cyclists Union (TCU), 8-80 Cities and Evergreen. Keynote speaker Gil Peñalosa, executive director of 8-80 Cities, talked about designing cities and redesigns that focus on accessibility for all road users.
“Everyone is a cyclist and a pedestrian at some point in the day,” Gil explained, addressing why building functional systems that ensure the safety of everyone is vital.
The afternoon portion of the workshop led by TCU’s Andrea Garcia, director of advocacy and operations, included a wonderful list of knowledgeable speakers.
Dale Duncan, former assistant to Adam Vaughn, provided helpful tips on how to engage your local councilor and build a relationship with them.
Al Rezoski, manager for City of Toronto, spoke on infrastructure changes and how to effectively engage the city in redesign to support a complete streets view point.
Last but not least, Dave Meslin, founder of the TCU, provided some helpful insight on how to leverage all the good things that our new Mayor wishes to do with bikes and infrastructure inside and out of downtown.
Breakout sessions followed with the main event to map actual changes that each of the attending wards would work on implementing this year. Attendees also participated in a trail evaluation through 8-80 Cities to help make the trails more accessible and safe development of the trail routes and access. Group walks and rides to the site were also arranged by CultureLink Newcomers Program, U for Change, Community Matters and the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office.
Thank you to all who attended and to the partners for making this all come together.
Read more about winter cycling in the Toronto Star.