Fourth annual Bikes, Bus & Bagels event on today

Smart Commute – North Toronto, Vaughan (NTV), in partnership with York University, is hosting the fourth annual September Bikes, Bus & Bagels event to celebrate cycling as a viable transportation alternative.


Today’s event runs from 11:30am to 2pm, rain or shine, at the Smart Commute tent located east of the William Small Centre at the eastern end of Arboretum Lane.


York cyclists can check out “Rack It and Rocket”, a TTC display where they can test new pilot-project bike racks. At 12:30pm participants are invited to hear remarks by Sandra Yeung Racco, Ward 4 councillor for the City of Vaughan and Chair of the Spadina-York Subway Extension Committee, and Brian Shifman, executive director, Smart Commute NTV.


There will also be a cycling multimedia art demonstration titled “Coming Home” by Don Sinclair, a professor in York’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Attendees are encouraged to complete a survey to help campus planners improve cycling infrastructure and join the Smart Commute NTV Bicycle User Group (BUG).


Visitors can enjoy a free lunch courtesy of Great Canadian Bagel in York Lanes, plus York’s Las Nubes coffee provided by campus caterers Sodexho.


York cyclists can get free bike tune-ups, general repairs and advice from Cyclepath (North York) to ensure their bikes are ready for the campus tour that begins at 1:30pm.


The event is open to cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels throughout North Toronto and Vaughan. Weather permitting, more than 200 people are expected to attend.


Smart Commute – North Toronto, Vaughan is an award-winning non-profit organization that is committed to reducing traffic congestion and advocating for sustainable transportation. It encourages individuals to “Travel Smarter, Cleaner, Better” by considering alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle commuting including cycling, transit, car pooling, walking and tele-commuting.


For more information, call ext. 70690 or e-mail mcgurran@smartcommutentv.ca.