Michelle
@michelle-colleen.bsky.social
Cognitive science PhD, gardener, cyclist, accordion-playing nature lover. Canadian. Care about livable cities. Carshare not car own. Cats, birding, photography, can lit, trying new recipes.
A gang of 40 wild turkeys near Kirkfield on Christmas morning. #birds #christmas #ontario #wildlife #nature
December 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
A gang of 40 wild turkeys near Kirkfield on Christmas morning. #birds #christmas #ontario #wildlife #nature
Reposted by Michelle
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Annex businesses tell Ford to back off Bloor bike lanes
Stores in the Annex say the Bloor bike lanes have been a big boost to business. As Michelle Mackey reports, the neighborhood's BIA wants the province to back off its new bill that could see the lanes ...
toronto.citynews.ca
December 23, 2025 at 3:50 AM
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Great #read for any interested in #urbanism #cities #sustainability #toronto. Managed to get it from the #library. Particular gems - Conjay's First Walk Home from here in Little Jamaica; Beyond the Lawn: Meadow or Mess from Cedarvale; and A Beach Like No Other from Bloordale. #book #nature #urban
December 20, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Reposted by Michelle
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and city council have done an end-run around Premier Doug Ford's anti-bike lane law. A new bylaw passed today allows the city to build a suite of new bike lanes that won't run afoul of the provincial rules.
Toronto finds path forward for bike lanes without breaking Ford government rules
City council has approved 20 kilometres of new bike lanes, which will be built without the removal of vehicle lanes, making them legal under the Ford government's Bill 60.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and city council have done an end-run around Premier Doug Ford's anti-bike lane law. A new bylaw passed today allows the city to build a suite of new bike lanes that won't run afoul of the provincial rules.
Reposted by Michelle
Approved! 20 km of new bike lanes despite Bill 60! "The new lanes are in 'parts of the city that often don't get this type of infrastructure, so that's a really good news story for those parts of the city,' said Michael Longfield, executive director of Cycle Toronto."
NEW for @nationalobserver.com. Despite efforts from the Ford government to limit bike lanes, Toronto council has approved over 20km of new cycling routes. City staff says because the plans don't requite the removal of vehicle lanes, they are legal under Bill 60.
Toronto finds path forward for bike lanes without breaking Ford government rules
City council has approved 20 kilometres of new bike lanes, which will be built without the removal of vehicle lanes, making them legal under the Ford government's Bill 60.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Approved! 20 km of new bike lanes despite Bill 60! "The new lanes are in 'parts of the city that often don't get this type of infrastructure, so that's a really good news story for those parts of the city,' said Michael Longfield, executive director of Cycle Toronto."
Reposted by Michelle
Advocates warn momentum could stall if councillors reject staff plan that avoids lane removals
#BikeTO #ONpoli
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
#BikeTO #ONpoli
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
Toronto council set to vote on 20 km of bike lanes as cycling debate returns — again - Canadian Cycling Magazine
Advocates warn momentum could stall if councillors reject staff plan that avoids lane removals
cyclingmagazine.ca
December 16, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Advocates warn momentum could stall if councillors reject staff plan that avoids lane removals
#BikeTO #ONpoli
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
#BikeTO #ONpoli
cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/new...
Reposted by Michelle
I can’t get over the fact that Toronto + Ontario shut down transit on one of the busiest weekends of the year. It’s contempt for the people who live here.
A> when subway is closed you really see how much work it does. Sardine buses. Imagine everyone in cars.
B> it’s bananas the TTC scheduled TWO separate downtown subway closures the 2nd weekend before Xmas. Busiest time. If not emergency why not wait till January doldrums? Punishing organization.
B> it’s bananas the TTC scheduled TWO separate downtown subway closures the 2nd weekend before Xmas. Busiest time. If not emergency why not wait till January doldrums? Punishing organization.
December 14, 2025 at 3:51 PM
I can’t get over the fact that Toronto + Ontario shut down transit on one of the busiest weekends of the year. It’s contempt for the people who live here.
Reposted by Michelle
Neighborhood listserv post tonight: A 13-year-old was hit in crosswalk by a driver turning right on red. ....THE DRIVER DIDN'T STOP. Hit a child on their way to school and just kept going....
More than half of Toronto drivers in a Universtiy of Toronto study didn't look for people walking or on bikes before turning right. Study used eye-tracking tech.
Increasingly deadly vehicles, dumb laws, and irresponsible driving equal people being injured and killed.
www.utoronto.ca/news/more-ha...
Increasingly deadly vehicles, dumb laws, and irresponsible driving equal people being injured and killed.
www.utoronto.ca/news/more-ha...
December 11, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Neighborhood listserv post tonight: A 13-year-old was hit in crosswalk by a driver turning right on red. ....THE DRIVER DIDN'T STOP. Hit a child on their way to school and just kept going....
Reposted by Michelle
Marlee 4 Kids is encouraging people who support the Beltline Gap Connections project to attend one of two roundtables for Growing Marlee-Glencairn happening TOMORROW (2:30 PM and 6:30 PM) at Columbus Centre (901 Lawrence Avenue West). #BikeTO #WalkTO #TOpoli www.toronto.ca/city-governm...
Growing Marlee-Glencairn
Join us at our upcoming engagement sessions: Public Roundtable on Tuesday, December 9 and Urban Indigenous Focus Group on Wednesday, December 10. See Get Involved for more details on how to participat...
www.toronto.ca
December 8, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Marlee 4 Kids is encouraging people who support the Beltline Gap Connections project to attend one of two roundtables for Growing Marlee-Glencairn happening TOMORROW (2:30 PM and 6:30 PM) at Columbus Centre (901 Lawrence Avenue West). #BikeTO #WalkTO #TOpoli www.toronto.ca/city-governm...
Pedestian hit @ Oakwood & Vaughan Rd. This notorious intersection has many speeding & distracted drivers. We need better infrastructure, enforcement & lower speed limits. Here in pic the driver has the audacity to argue w/ police after smashing into a person #visionzero #walkTO #ONpoli #TOpoli
December 7, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Pedestian hit @ Oakwood & Vaughan Rd. This notorious intersection has many speeding & distracted drivers. We need better infrastructure, enforcement & lower speed limits. Here in pic the driver has the audacity to argue w/ police after smashing into a person #visionzero #walkTO #ONpoli #TOpoli
Reposted by Michelle
In the 4.5-mile bike ride to pick up my kids from school, I found the following in painted bike lanes: at least 6 trash bins, a parked car, a parked firefighter truck (likely lunch break), and a parked city maintenance vehicle. This is unacceptable, and another reason why paint is not infrastructure
December 5, 2025 at 8:22 PM
In the 4.5-mile bike ride to pick up my kids from school, I found the following in painted bike lanes: at least 6 trash bins, a parked car, a parked firefighter truck (likely lunch break), and a parked city maintenance vehicle. This is unacceptable, and another reason why paint is not infrastructure
Reposted by Michelle
The upside is the force's mentality and approach to cyclists is not hidden.
Chapter 886-15: "No person shall operate or stop a vehicle other than a bicycle or large cargo-power assisted bicycle in any cycle track... Exemptions: Ambulances, police or fire service vehicles or any other vehicle actively engaged in responding to an emergency"
Is a McDonald's run an emergency?
Is a McDonald's run an emergency?
December 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
The upside is the force's mentality and approach to cyclists is not hidden.
Reposted by Michelle
It wasn't pretty, but we did it!
We were in danger of losing quorum at IEC by the time the cycling item was up, and risk punting the vote to Feb. Instead we got through deputations, and the staff report including all 20 km of bike lanes with no amendments will be considered at Council on Dec 16!
We were in danger of losing quorum at IEC by the time the cycling item was up, and risk punting the vote to Feb. Instead we got through deputations, and the staff report including all 20 km of bike lanes with no amendments will be considered at Council on Dec 16!
December 5, 2025 at 1:04 AM
It wasn't pretty, but we did it!
We were in danger of losing quorum at IEC by the time the cycling item was up, and risk punting the vote to Feb. Instead we got through deputations, and the staff report including all 20 km of bike lanes with no amendments will be considered at Council on Dec 16!
We were in danger of losing quorum at IEC by the time the cycling item was up, and risk punting the vote to Feb. Instead we got through deputations, and the staff report including all 20 km of bike lanes with no amendments will be considered at Council on Dec 16!
Reposted by Michelle
The cycling advocates in this city are so, so inspiring. Even if King Doug sets us back in the short term, things like this tell me we’ll win in the long term. #bikeTO
WOW, with Bike Plan on verge of dying on order paper, 50 cycling advocates give up their turn to speak (after 7hr wait) to ensure the plan for 20km of new bikeways moves forward to council. Great teamwork!!
#biketo
#biketo
December 5, 2025 at 12:11 AM
The cycling advocates in this city are so, so inspiring. Even if King Doug sets us back in the short term, things like this tell me we’ll win in the long term. #bikeTO
Reposted by Michelle
In response to Ontario’s legislation banning bike lanes that remove car lanes, Toronto is trying to find space for new bike lanes by narrowing (rather than removing) car lanes.
I feel for any active transportation professionals in Ontario right now, having to work around this boneheaded law.
I feel for any active transportation professionals in Ontario right now, having to work around this boneheaded law.
Toronto proposes 20 km of new bike lanes for city's east end
YouTube video by CBC News Toronto
www.youtube.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:52 AM
In response to Ontario’s legislation banning bike lanes that remove car lanes, Toronto is trying to find space for new bike lanes by narrowing (rather than removing) car lanes.
I feel for any active transportation professionals in Ontario right now, having to work around this boneheaded law.
I feel for any active transportation professionals in Ontario right now, having to work around this boneheaded law.
Reposted by Michelle
Lamborghini driver leaves woman in serious condition after Harbourfront hit-and-run www.thestar.com/news/gta/lam... #VisionZero #VisionZeroTO #ZeroVision #ZeroVisionTO #WalkTO #BikeTO #TOpoli #ActiveTO
Lamborghini driver leaves woman in serious condition after Harbourfront hit-and-run
The man driving the Lamborghini ran the red light at Queens Quay East and Yonge Street, hitting the woman while she was crossing the street.
www.thestar.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Lamborghini driver leaves woman in serious condition after Harbourfront hit-and-run www.thestar.com/news/gta/lam... #VisionZero #VisionZeroTO #ZeroVision #ZeroVisionTO #WalkTO #BikeTO #TOpoli #ActiveTO
Reposted by Michelle
Local residents (mostly seniors) ride year round in Scarborough and bike racks are always well utilized at Woodside Mall. Building bike culture here means providing ample bike parking that is covered from the elements, well-lit, and conveniently by the entrance.
#bikeTO #ScarbTO #Ward23
#bikeTO #ScarbTO #Ward23
December 2, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Midtown Saturday. Lonny's tree lot @ St. Clair West donating proceeds to Out of the Cold. More needed than ever. Thanks Doug Ford #ONpoli. Toronto Fire Services doing a grocery run & chatting with a cyclist. New markings alongside Oakwood crosswalk which is good for #walkTO thanks #TOpoli #toronto
November 30, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Reposted by Michelle
How bad is the impact of Bill 60 on Toronto's bike plans? My latest blog post identifies cycling projects that are at risk, as well as a bunch of projects coming to next Thursday's IEC meeting which need your support. #BikeTO #TOpoli #ONpoli #VisionZero www.twowheeledpolitics.ca/2025/11/impa...
Impact of Bill 60 on Toronto’s Bike Plans
A blog about cycling and political advocacy based in Toronto, Canada. (#BikeTO)
www.twowheeledpolitics.ca
November 27, 2025 at 9:38 PM
How bad is the impact of Bill 60 on Toronto's bike plans? My latest blog post identifies cycling projects that are at risk, as well as a bunch of projects coming to next Thursday's IEC meeting which need your support. #BikeTO #TOpoli #ONpoli #VisionZero www.twowheeledpolitics.ca/2025/11/impa...
Reposted by Michelle
A pedestrian was hit by a car on Parkside Drive last night torontolife.com/city/a-pedes... #VisionZero #VisionZeroTO #ZeroVision #ZeroVisionTO #WalkTO #BikeTO #TOpoli #ActiveTO
A pedestrian was hit by a car on Parkside Drive last night - Toronto Life
Parkside has been at the centre of Toronto’s road safety debate. Its speed camera was cut down seven times in less than a year
torontolife.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:40 PM
A pedestrian was hit by a car on Parkside Drive last night torontolife.com/city/a-pedes... #VisionZero #VisionZeroTO #ZeroVision #ZeroVisionTO #WalkTO #BikeTO #TOpoli #ActiveTO
Let's get a big turnout tmrw from 5-7 pm on Parkside Drive @ High Park Blvd for an Intersection Intervention. Another pedestrian hit this week on Parkside & our streets are more dangerous than ever. Thanks Doug Ford. #visionzero #ONpoli #TOpoli #walkTO #bikesky
www.instagram.com/safeparkside...
www.instagram.com/safeparkside...
Safe Parkside on Instagram: "A pedestrian was struck by a turning motorist around 6pm today at the Parkside Drive and Howard Park Ave intersection. The pedestrian was put on a stretcher and rushed to ...
177 likes, 18 comments - safeparkside on November 27, 2025: "A pedestrian was struck by a turning motorist around 6pm today at the Parkside Drive and Howard Park Ave intersection. The pedestrian was p...
www.instagram.com
November 29, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Let's get a big turnout tmrw from 5-7 pm on Parkside Drive @ High Park Blvd for an Intersection Intervention. Another pedestrian hit this week on Parkside & our streets are more dangerous than ever. Thanks Doug Ford. #visionzero #ONpoli #TOpoli #walkTO #bikesky
www.instagram.com/safeparkside...
www.instagram.com/safeparkside...
Reposted by Michelle
Pedestrian struck by motorist on Parkside a block from the speed camera that vigilantes kept tearing down that caused ford to remove them from all Ontario. Drive as you wish Ontario. Nobody matters. This is what you voted for.
November 28, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Pedestrian struck by motorist on Parkside a block from the speed camera that vigilantes kept tearing down that caused ford to remove them from all Ontario. Drive as you wish Ontario. Nobody matters. This is what you voted for.
Reposted by Michelle
A new report coming to the city’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee (IEC) on Dec 4 is proposing nearly 20kms of new and upgraded bike lanes including Rathburn Rd, Trethewey Dr, and Kingston Rd. All projects SHOULD be Bill 212/60 compliant and free from provincial overreach.
November 28, 2025 at 7:10 PM
A new report coming to the city’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee (IEC) on Dec 4 is proposing nearly 20kms of new and upgraded bike lanes including Rathburn Rd, Trethewey Dr, and Kingston Rd. All projects SHOULD be Bill 212/60 compliant and free from provincial overreach.
Reposted by Michelle
narrowing car lanes is a good way to force low-speed streets in addition to a way to provide bike lanes without getting caught in the province's stupid legislation.
bike on, toronto. the province can try, but this is a city that walks, bikes, and takes transit in huge numbers and that won't change.
bike on, toronto. the province can try, but this is a city that walks, bikes, and takes transit in huge numbers and that won't change.
November 28, 2025 at 8:09 PM
narrowing car lanes is a good way to force low-speed streets in addition to a way to provide bike lanes without getting caught in the province's stupid legislation.
bike on, toronto. the province can try, but this is a city that walks, bikes, and takes transit in huge numbers and that won't change.
bike on, toronto. the province can try, but this is a city that walks, bikes, and takes transit in huge numbers and that won't change.