Get Lit 2020
Get Lit! by Cycle Toronto is exactly what it sounds like … a great fall campaign to give out bike lights to people so they can see and be seen as the days get shorter and bike commutes may be in the dark.
Where & when?
They’ll hand out free lights on Wednesday evenings from mid-October to the first week of November to unlit cyclists in different locations across the city, and chat on the importance of seeing and being seen at night.
- Wednesday, October 14: 5:30-7:30PM
- Wednesday, October 21: 5:30-7:30PM
- Wednesday, October 28: 5:00-7:00PM
- Wednesday, November 4: 5:00-7:00PM
Follow Cycle Toronto on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to find out where you can find them! They only announce the location on the day of the give-away.
FUN fact: Getting lit is the law! From 30 minutes before sundown to 30 minutes after sunrise, all cyclist must be lit. That means having a white light in the front and a red light (or at least a red reflector) in the back. Kids, grownups, everybody. As the days get shorter, that Get Lit time stretches: e.g. Oct 21/22 is 5:55 pm – 8:10 am, while on Dec 21/22, it’s 4:15 pm – 8:15 am
Bike Month 2020 – September
Normally it’s a June thing, but we were kinda busy staying home and learning how to put on masks properly. This year, September is Bike Month! Let’s get out there and ride.
Word is out that cycling is a safe and healthy option to move through the city during the COVID-19 emergency. Whether you’re riding for work, errands or recreation, cycling naturally allows you to keep yer distance from others. Not to mention, you are doing your superhero part to leave space on transit and roads for those who need these options.
Cycling offers a myriad of benefits, increased physical fitness, lower risk of disease, financial savings, an excuse to wear stretchy clothing and more. Now cycling is getting its proper due on our roads, with more bike lanes that separate cyclists from car traffic … in fact, the City has installed various new bike lands such as the Bloor St. extension and on University Ave as part of ActiveTO. Find out more here. Use the cycling view on Google Maps to plan your next trip by bike.
Are you a new cyclist?
Want to ride your bike to work but don’t know where to start? Check out this great guide from Cycle Toronto and Toronto Public Health!
Bike Month Events
Bike Month includes a lot of great virtual and contact-free events catered for the cycling curious to seasoned riders. Some Commuter Stations will give out cycling swag, there are group rides and fix-it sessions (with mask)
Smart Commute is offering FREE cycling webinars. All webinars will be on Wednesdays from noon to 1pm:
Wednesday, September 9 – Road Rules 101
[Click here for calendar invite]
Learn about your rights and responsibilities when interacting with others on the road.
Wednesday, September 16 – Basic Bike Maintenance
[Click here for calendar invite]
Our instructor will show you the basics of how to maintain your bike. Topics include: safety checks, pumping your tires, tightening your brakes, lubing your chain, and ensuring your bike is the right fit.
Wednesday, September 23 – Family Biking (New!)
[Click here for calendar invite]
Learn about biking while pregnant, biking with young kids and teaching children to ride on their own for the first time.
Wednesday, September 30 – Cycling in All Weather Conditions
[Click here for calendar invite]
Make all-season cycling a breeze. Cycle Toronto will guide you through topics including: choosing clothing and gear for wet and cold weather, bicycle maintenance and storage tips, winter route-planning, and safe riding techniques for weather-related hazards.
Biking in All Weather Condition Workshop
By our friends at Cycle Toronto
When & Where: Wednesday, March 4, 6-7PM
Toronto Reference Library (Beeton Hall), 789 Yonge Street
Free event, but register to save yourself a spot: https://www.cycleto.ca/event/biking-all-weather-conditions-workshop-1
Bike to Work Day is May 25th!
Organized by our friends at Cycle Toronto in partnership with the City of Toronto and Smart Commute Toronto. Group commute followed by a celebratory breakfast at City Hall.
Official City Start Points (where T-shirts and Cycle Toronto memberships will be sold):
7:00 a.m. Bloor and High Park
7:00 a.m. Yonge and Lawrence
7:00 a.m. Danforth and Woodbine
7:30 a.m. Charles and Yonge
8:00 a.m. Arrive at City Hall
2019:
We are also hosting 2 events at UHN!
Road Rules 101: Thursday, June 13th, 12 – 1
550 University Ave, Lecture Theatre
Learn about cyclists’ rights and responsibilities when interacting with others on the road in this interactive quiz-style workshop. Topics include: laws and fines that apply to both cyclists and drivers, sharing space with pedestrians and other road users, common misconceptions about turns, parking, passing, right of way and more. Format: Interactive slide visuals with Q&A.
Basic Bike Maintenance: Thursday June 20, 12 – 1 pm
Toronto General Hospital, Peter Munk Building, 11th floor, room 190
Expert bike mechanics will demonstrate the basics of bike maintenance in this hands-on workshop. Topics include: safety checks, assessing air pressure, flat tires, tightening brakes, lubing chains, and ensuring your bike is the right fit.
Three! new Bike Parking zones at Toronto General Hospital!
- 3 rings at the top of the RFE Ramp. Thanks TGH Facilities for making all of this happen quickly!
- To the left of the Eaton Entrance, at the bottom of the ramp to RFE (great for those that used to park on the ramp). This Staggered Rack holds your bike upright, keeps clear of the handlebars next to you, and lets you lock both wheel and frame. Plus it’s right in the view of the security camera.
Even better looking when full!
- The secret bike rail, right passed the staggered rack…
And remember that you can always find bike parking info on the Energy & Environment intranet page.
To stay in the know of all things cycling, join the UHN Bicycle User group by emailing uhncycling@uhn.ca
2018 – Webinars! Safe Cycling 101
July 25, noon – 1: Learn everything cyclists need to know about biking with confidence in Toronto. Topics include: equipment and bike fit, safe riding techniques, rules and responsibilities, interactions with others, choosing your route and more.
RSVP for Safe Cycling 101.
Webinars! Road Rules 101
Aug 8, noon – 1: Learn about cyclists’ rights and responsibilities when interacting with others on the road in this interactive quiz-style workshop. Topics include: laws and fines that apply to both cyclists and drivers, sharing space with pedestrians and other road users, common misconceptions about turns, parking, passing, right of way and more.
RSVP for Road Rules 101
Bike to Work Day Monday May 28:
Register your participation in Bike to Work Day on May 28th at http://www.bikemonth.ca/biketoworkday! You will qualify to win 1 of 3 prize packs of $500 gift card to MEC and $500 voucher from VIA Rail!
Plus, we will be hosting two FREE webinars during Bike Month.
Click here for all Bike Month 2018 Events
International Winter Bike to Work Day: Friday, February 9, 2018
Gear up for Winter Bike to Work Day on Friday, February 9. Join people around the world as they celebrate cycling in February! Challenge yourself to ride and sign up at winterbiketoworkday.org/ 
Presto! A discount on Bike Share
Want to commute by bike but don’t own one? No problem! Grab a bike from Bike Share Toronto. All PRESTO card users get a 40% discount on the annual Bike Share membership.
Bike Month: May 28 – June 30, 2018
Stay tuned for bike month events. http://www.bikemonth.ca
2017
GROUP RIDES / BIKE POOLS
New this year, Smart Commute clients (UHN is one) will have access to group rides, called ‘Bike Pools‘. Sign up on these Eventbrite links…
June 28: Ride the Martin Goodman Trail 
June 21: Explore the Richmond Adelaide Protected Bike Lanes (completed – thanks for coming)
June 14: Let’s Get You Home (completed – thanks for coming)
Bike Sessions 2017:
We had two great sessions in June! Any UHN staff or volunteers from any site were welcome to attend for the low price of free.
Basic Bike Maintenance
June 15, 12-1 pm, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower: (completed – thanks for coming)
Advanced Bike Maintenance
June 20, 12-1 pm, Toronto General Hospital: (completed – thanks for coming)
Smart Commute at Toronto General Eaton Lobby June 19 at noon!
They gave away bikelights and other giveaways in store while chatting about all things cycling and sustainable transportation.
WIN!
And great news from Smart Commute … employees at UHN can participate in the Bike Month Challenge by logging their bike trips on the Smart Commute Tool to be entered in a prize draw for a $50 MEC gift card!
Bike to Work Day: Monday May 29, 2017
Get ready to rumble for the best bike commute of the season! Bike to Work Day (May 29), kicks off a month of bike-friendly festivities.
Here are the events happening around Toronto for Bike Month.
From the Bike Month page:
REGISTER FOR BIKE TO WORK DAY: MAY 29, 2017
Coming May 1st, show your support for cycling and you’ll be entered to win one of three prize packs: a MEC Midtown Bicycle and $300 voucher from VIA Rail! You’ll qualify if you sign up to do at least one of these things:
- ride your bike to school or work on May 29
- participate in a Bike to Work Day event,
- join any Bike Month event on the calendar
Once you register, you can also receive bonus entries for logging a trip on the Smart Commute Tool and for every person you recruit through email and social media through your page! Contest closes June 5, 2017.
The Toronto Cyclists Handbook
Take a peek at the brand new 2016 Cycling Handbook by our friends at Cycle TO (psst, did you know you could become a member?)
Click Here to open:
PREVIOUS YEARS
Bike Month 2016
May 30- June 30, 2016. Kicks off with Bike to Work Day which launches a month of biking activities and festivities! Learn and meet fellow riders. Also check out the official City of Toronto Bike Month Page and our top 8 pics across the GTA.
Bike To Work Day: Monday May 30, 2016
Join the group commute from starting points around the city which all converge at 7:30 AM at Yonge x Charles. Then ride together to Nathan Phillips Square for a free pancake breakfast at 8 AM. Register for this in advance at http://bikemonth.ca/biketoworkday/6718
Road Ethics and Cycling Courtesies Workshop: Tuesday June 7, 2016
Learn your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist or a driver. What laws and fines apply to which? How to bike assertively or defensively (and when). Plus what to do in the unfortunate event of a collision. No bike needed as it’s inside. A new workshop at UHN!
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre: Tuesday, June 7, noon – 1, M-805
RSVP Wellness@uhn.ca
Advanced Bike Repair Workshops: Tuesday June 14 & Thursday June 30, 2016
A hands-on (yes, bring your bike) workshop to go deep into how your bike works, fix squeaky breaks, loose chains, tighten spokes, straighten wheel and more.
- Toronto Rehab – University Centre: Tuesday, June 14, noon – 1, University Ave lawn
- Toronto Rehab – Lyndhurst/Rumsey Centre: Thursday, June 30, noon – 1, Lyndhurst basketball courts
RSVP Wellness@uhn.ca
UHN Bike Challenge: May 30 – June 27, 2016 … 2 ways to play!!
Bike to work or just ride around, then track your distance in any app, like MapMyRide from May 30 – Jun 27th. Add your times to the UHN tracking sheet for a chance to win … though just by biking more, you will already win.
You can also play through our partnership with SmartCommute: Log a cycling trip anytime till June 30 for a chance to win a VIA Rail voucher: https://explore.smartcommute.ca/#/dashboard
And see our latest biking story on the blog
it has a pretty good Top 8 things to do for Bike Month across the GTA, plus a list of foodie rides.
Hi UHN-ers
We’re trying to see how many staff might sign up for Bikeshare Toronto. Please let us know where you stand (or ride) on this.
Winter Cycling Workshop (UHN staff only)
Thanks to our friends at SmartCommute you can learn about cycling to the office in snowy and icy conditions. Topics include:
- recommended clothing for wet and cold weather,
- pros and cons of bicycle accessories like fenders and snow tires,
- preventative care and storage tips,
- and safe riding techniques to deal with specific winter hazards
Date: Thursday, Oct 22
Time: 12-1 PM
Place: Toronto General Hospital, Conf TGH RFE-2S-401
Bike Session Descriptions
Bike Events across the city
Special rides, maintenance clinics, films, festivals, parties and more! See what’s going on around the GTA. If you have an event, you can post it to them too on this excellent and regularly updated events calendar.
Bike To Work Day, Monday, May 25, 2015
This is a super-fun annual event hosted by our friends at SmartCommute that ends with pancakes at Nathan Phillips Square. Mmm, pancakes 🙂
Rides begin at various locations across the city and join at Yonge & Bloor at 7:30 a.m. From there, the group rides together to City Hall to enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast before heading to work. Register for Bike to Work Day for a chance to win a Norco City Glide 3 Commuter Bike
Plus if you log a cycling trip using the SmartCommute online tool at EXPLORE.SMARTCOMMUTE.CA you could ride away with a $500 VIA RAIL VOUCHER! closes June 25, 2015
Bicycle Flat Tire Repair Clinic
TWH for Thursday April 30, 2015 1:15 – 2:15pm in our new Wellness Centre space.
Learn how to fix a flat bike tire using a patch kit by practicing on one of our demo bike wheels. Optional: bring your bike to learn tips for removing your wheels. (Your wheels will not actually be removed for this clinic).
Toronto Cycling App Contest:
Download the new Toronto Cycling App (Android or iPhone) and use it to record your bicycle trips. City planners use your hard-pedalled data to make cycling plans for Toronto. Imagine that!
There’s a contest with mega-prizes for using the app between October 6-November 31st. More details on the City Webpage.
Hands-On Bike Sessions at UHN for Sept/Oct 2014!
We’ve got 2 spectacular sessions about to happen so RSVP fast to wellness@uhn.ca! Save your spot by registering before it fills up.
Cycling Courtesies and Road Ethics for Cyclists:
- Friday, October 10, 2014, noon-1 @ Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University/Gerrard) conf PMH 6-702/703
- Learn about your rights and responsibilities on your everyday ride. Topics
include: laws and fines that apply to both cyclists and drivers, how to
share the road with other users, how to bike assertively or defensively in
specific situations, and what to do in case of a collision. - register at wellness@uhn.ca
- Learn about your rights and responsibilities on your everyday ride. Topics
Cycling in all Weather Conditions:
- Tuesday, September 30, 2014 @ Toronto Western Hospital (Bathurst/Dundas)
- Learn about cycling to work in all weather conditions. Topics include:
recommended “office-friendly” clothing for different cycling seasons,
bicycle care and maintenance tips, and route-planning and safe riding
techniques to deal with different weather-related hazards. - Room: conf PMH 6-702/703
- register at wellness@uhn.ca
- Learn about cycling to work in all weather conditions. Topics include:
Hands-On Bike Sessions at UHN for July/August 2014!
We’ve got 3 great sessions about to happen so RSVP fast to wellness@uhn.ca! Save your spot by registering before it fills up.
- Basic Bike Repair Clinic, July 31, noon-1, TRI-Lyndhurst/Rumsey
- Flat-Tire Repair Clinic, Aug 6, noon-1, Toronto General Hospital
- Advanced Bike Repair Clinic, Aug 14, noon-1, Toronto Western Hospital
1. Basic Bike Repair Clinic at TRI-Lyndhurst/Rumsey
What? Basic Bike Repair Clinic
When? July 31, 2014
Time? 12 – 1 PM
Where? Toronto Rehab Institute – Lyndhurst/Rumsey
RSVP? Definitely! email wellness@uhn.ca by July 28.
Bring? Your bike! You’ll use it for hands-on learning.
2. Flat Tire Repair Clinic at Toronto General Hospital
What? Flat-Tire Repair Clinic
When? August 6, 2014
Time? 12 – 1 PM
Where? Toronto General Hospital
RSVP? Definitely! email wellness@uhn.ca by Aug 1.
Bring? Your bike! You’ll use it for hands-on learning.
3. Advanced Bike Repair Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital
What? Advanced Bike Repair Clinic
When? August 14, 2014
Time? 12 – 1 PM
Where? Toronto Western Hospital
Bring? Your bike! You’ll use it for hands-on learning.
Me & My Wheels Photo Contest
Hey cyclists who like selfies…Me & My Wheels Photo Contest is for you!
Send a pic of you and your bike to scommute@toronto.ca and you could win the Smart Commute goody bag. It has $100 gift card, bike repair kit, chain lube, and more! Contest closes June 30.
Bike to Work Day 2014
Join the 25th Anniversary of Toronto’s Bike to Work Day Group Commute and Pancake Breakfast. Commuters from around Toronto meet to ride together from start points below and converge at Yonge and Bloor for 7:30a.m. Then we all ride together to Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W. Riders get a complimentary pancake breakfast at City Hall (while supplies last), plus lots of cycle-oriented fun stuff. Sign up and be counted!
And send me a cycle-selfie so you can be featured next time. Email UHNcycling@uhn.ca.
This event is organized by Cycle Toronto in partnership with the City of Toronto.
Bike Month 2013
Updated Aug 8, 2013:
New! Bike Safety Workshop TRI-LC/RC
…from the lovely folks at Clean Air Commute When: Thursday, Aug 29, 12-1 PM Where: TRI-LC Lecture Room B
One more Bike Maintenance Clinic added by popular demand!
- When: Wednesday, July 10, noon – 1 PM, Advanced Clinic
- Where: Toronto Rehab-University Centre (on the grass North of the University Ave entrance).
We always love an opportunity to ride our bikes, and luckily there’s a whole month dedicated to it. So what’s happening? BIKE TO WORK DAY: Monday, May 27 Bike Month kicks off with Bike to Work Day (and pancake breakfast…mmmm). Ride with us! Date: Monday May 27 Time: 7 AM – cyclists convene at various locations across the city
- Bloor & High Park
- Yonge & Lawrence
- Danforth & Woodbine
7:30 AM – cyclists converge at Yonge & Bloor for ride to City Hall For UHN: If you want to ride together, meet me at the TGH Elizabeth St Entrance, 7:30 AM and we’ll join the group on the way to city hall 8 AM Pancake breakfast – Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall More information: http://www.BikeMonth2013.ca –email me a picture of you riding that day to lisa.vanlint (insert@) uhn.ca BIKE SAFETY WORKSHOP: June 11 Learn the rules of the road and how to stay afloat on 2 wheels. Don’t bring your bike as it’s an indoor presentation. People last year LOVED this and found it tremendously useful and confidence-building (Plus, there’s a little bike swag at the session).
- When: Tuesday, June 11, noon – 1 PM,
- Where: Princess Margaret, Main floor Conference room M-805.
BIKE MAINTENANCE CLINICS: May 30, June 12 and 18 These are great outdoor huddles to learn some bike maintenance by real pros. Staff have been clamouring for more of these sessions and left knowing their stuff (plus, there’s a little bike swag at the session). BIKE MAINTENANCE CLINICS (bring your bike):
- When: Thursday, May 30,
- noon – 1 PM, Basic
- 1-2 PM Advanced
- Where: Toronto General Hospital (on the grass Elizabeth entrance).
- When: Wednesday, June 12, noon – 1 PM,
- Where: Toronto Rehab-University Centre (on the grass North of the University Ave entrance).
- When: Tuesday, June 18, noon – 1 PM,
- Where: Toronto Western Hospital (in the picnic area just South of the Leonard entrance).
- Plus one more added by popular demand!
- When: Wednesday, July 10, noon – 1 PM, Advanced Clinic
- Where: Toronto Rehab-University Centre (on the grass North of the University Ave entrance).
PRIZES– Complete the online pledge and you could win one of four great prizes!
- 1 of 4 trips: a trip for 2 to Quebec City, Montreal or Ottawa, courtesy of VIA Rail,
- a trip for 2 to Kingston with 2-night accommodations and day pass to Fort Henry, courtesy of Welcome Cyclist
-want more info on biking at UHN? Email me to join the BUG (bicycle user group, not an insect). 11×17 BikeMonthPoster RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER June 22-23: a giant shout out to the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, benefiting the Campbell family Institute at our very own Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. www.conquercancer.ca Happy pedalling!
Talkin' Trash With UHN 
best of luck with it
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