ThinkBike Workshops - a Dutch Boost to Toronto's bike-ability
Dutch Consulate General and City of Toronto Host First Bilateral Bike Workshop to Make Toronto More Bike-Friendly, September 20-21, 2010
TORONTO, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - The Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in close cooperation with the City of Toronto will host the 2-day event - the ThinkBike Workshops on September 20 and 21, 2010.
The ThinkBike Workshops will bring together Dutch bicycle transportation experts, Toronto transportation planners, engineers and cyclists to plan and discuss how Toronto can become more bike-friendly. Two teams, consisting of Toronto and Dutch specialists, will survey Toronto by bike and discuss how streets, intersections and whole neighbourhoods can be improved for optimal bike use. Other topics of discussion at the workshops will include bike safety, commuting by bike, biking to school, bike parking, bikes and public transport, law enforcement, etc.
At the opening session City staff and other decision makers have been invited to learn more about Dutch cycling infrastructure and policy best practices, Monday September 20 from 9:00 AM till 11:00 AM at Metro Hall - 55 John St - 3rd Floor.
The general public, including local cyclists and other interested Torontonians are invited to attend the closing session of these workshops, that will take place on Tuesday, September 21 from 6:00 PM till 8:00 PM at the El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Ave.- 2nd floor.
Members of the media are invited to cover the opening and closing sessions of the Workshops.
The Netherlands is a country committed to sustainability, where nearly 30 percent of trips up to 5 miles in distance are made by bike. A strong bike policy is integral to Dutch sustainability measures. "There are 1.1 bicycles per person in the Netherlands, resulting in less traffic, less pollution and a healthier population," said Hans Horbach, Consul General. "The bicycle is the most popular form of transportation for the 16 million people who live in the Netherlands," added Horbach.
Through a multi-city initiative, Dutch experts and companies are increasing bicycle use in Canada. Toronto is the first Canadian city to host such an event. Chicago will be the first U.S. city to host a bike workshop; additional visits to other North-American cities are planned for this fall as well as 2011.
The consulate is pleased to be part of this event that highlights the long-standing friendship and further strengthens the great relationship between Toronto, Canada and the Netherlands.
For further information:
Inez Mitchell
Senior Advisor - Economic Department
Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Toronto
416.598.2534 ext. 229 / [email protected]
Steve Johnston
Sr. Communications Coordinator
City of Toronto
416.392.4391 / [email protected]
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