In a Star article on the trials and tribulations of finding a steal-proof solution to locking up your bike, they mention the long awaited bike storage facilities that will be available next month:

There will be more safe bike storage for 220 bikes at Union Station and 500 at Nathan Phillips Square next month when the city opens new parking lots for bikes. Swipe cards allow access to the system, which will be extended to subway stations, such as Victoria Park and Main that are undergoing renovation.

So, it appears there will be more solutions for bicyclists in Toronto coming soon. It’s not quite Amsterdam, but looks like we’re making progress.

Biking in Toronto can be a bit of a life threatening affair sometimes but there are many online resources to help you make the most of your journey, whether getting from A to B or enjoying a leisurely bike ride on paths.

Getting Around Toronto on Bicycle

• Toronto Cycling Map: The official map put out by the City of Toronto. The online version (year 2007) is a bit painful (Acrobat PDF format) but you can download only the sections of the city that interest you, if you wish.  If you go to City Hall yourself you can pick up the 2008 version. Even during off-hours (nights, weekends, etc.) you should still be able to get a copy from the Security desk located right inside the main doors. Besides the map itself, there is a wealth of information included to get you started biking in Toronto, including:
  • Bicycle safety (including how to wear a bike helmet properly and hand signals to use - I’m pretty sure the middle finger isn’t one of them)
  • Toronto bike route signage
  • Bike locker locations in Toronto
  • Bike theft prevention tips
  • Information on taking your bike on the ferry, GO and TTC
  • … and more!
• Toronto Bike Lane Map: A nice Google Maps mashup done by BikingToronto. If you are looking for an easy to use online map of dedicated bike lanes and ’shared roadways’ (signed, on street routes) this is one to check out. Since it’s a Google Maps version you’ll find it much easier to use online compared to the City’s Acrobat version mentioned above.
• Toronto biking routes by Toronto cyclists at Bikely.com:If you want to find out what routes others in Toronto are biking, many people have inputted information on where they bike. New Toronto routes are added daily (really!) and include the travel distance and tags (e.g. low traffic, scenic, offroad, safe, difficult, etc.). Route maps are shown on Google Maps, with a step by step tour available. Of course, you can create your own as well! (Update: MapMyRide.com is similar service worth checking out)

Toronto Biking News

There are a number of online resources that you can read to keep up to date on Toronto biking news and events:

• I Bike T.O. blogs about cycling items of importance to Torontonians. You’ll also find events, a forum, and RideMatching. They have an RSS feed so keeping up to date with their posts is eeeeeeeeasy!
• BikingToronto aggregates Toronto biking news mostly from mainstream press organizations, and includes an RSS feed so you can keep up to date easier.They have an online community forum as well.
• bikeToronto posts very detailed Toronto biking news items, including key meeting announcements and details, biking trail changes and improvements, and more. If you’re into the nitty gritty details of cycling happenings in Toronto this site should be on your list. bikeToronto also has an RSS feed to help you keep up to date.
• Spacing Toronto: Cycling section contains news items of note to Toronto cyclists. Most posts are either unique content or highlight items discussed in the mainstream media. Unfortunately there is no RSS feed specific to the Cycling section.

Other Toronto Biking Resources

• Toronto Bicycling Network: For an annual membership fee you can join the Toronto Bicycling Network and thus participate in their many cycling events in and around Toronto (alternatively, you can pay per event, as a non-member). Events are run for various cycling levels, so there should be something on that meets your cycling style and abilities.Their Web site also hosts a buy and sell forum, bike dealer database, and more. It’s worth checking out if you are serious about biking in Toronto.
• sportaholik.com: Search or post for people to bike with. You can also create a profile so others can contact you at any time.
• Toronto Bike Shop Map: Another great Google Maps mashup by BikingToronto showing bike shops in Toronto.
• City of Toronto Bike Plan: The official plan. If you’re serious about making Toronto more bike friendly, or want to know what’s on the horizon for Toronto cyclists, this will likely interest you.
• Bike Train: Take the your bike on the train. The route is between Toronto and Niagara Falls.
• Bike Commute Tips Blog: It’s not Toronto-based but is a good read for general bicycling news, trends, and more (yep, RSS friendly).

Whew!… What did I forget? Please comment below with any additions or feedback. Thanks!