Reduced sidewalk riding fine & cycle paths

On Sat, 08 May 2004 15:05:27 GMT, "Doug Purdy" wrote:

Check out Jan Wong's article "All thos cycle paths" in today's Globe and
Mail Toronto section page M3 or at
http://www.globeandmail.com

Try:
http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20040508/WONG08//?query=jan+wong

"At City Hall, a volunteer committee of 20 activist citizens views every
issue through the mud-spattered lens of an oppressed cyclist. Their job
is to develop policy and advise city staff and elected officials on
cycling matters. Last month, the committee virtually ensured that city
council will vote to slash the fine for sidewalk cycling to $50 from
$90. The rationale: The roads are getting too dangerous.

"The pedestrian committee, a kinder, gentler group, actually supported
the cycling committee in cutting the fine. Asked why, Rita Brooks, the
pedestrian co-chairwoman and a non-cyclist, hesitated. "It was sort of
the lower-income argument. But that's not very good, is it?"

"The cycling committee holds sway over a $72-million bike plan that will
change the face of the city. That includes doubling the number of
cyclists in Toronto within 10 years by ensuring everyone lives within a
five-minute ride of a network of 1,000 kilometres of bike paths"

A self-fulfilling prophecy.

More evidence that the greatest threat to people who wish to ride
their bikes to go somewhere or who wish to ride above 5 km/h and don't
desire dodging and weaving around 3 year olds on tricycles is the
so-called Cycling Advocate.