A recent article released by the Toronto Star states that the air quality in Toronto might not be as bad as we all think it is.

This may seem hard to believe, considering the extreme density of the downtown core.  Ironically though, it is the suburbs which we should avoid.

The mid-20th century boom of the suburbs in the GTA was supposed to be a Renaissance in urban development and infrastructure. However, another Toronto Star article indicates that the typical infrastructure of the suburbs is what causes high levels of CO2 emissions. The greatest amount of the emissions in the GTA comes from the town of Whitby at 13.02 tonnes per year. Where do they place the blame? Distance from the sidewalk. Apparently, living in a house that is set well back from the sidewalk makes one more inclined to ride around in a large, gas-guzzling SUV. But is it worth risking our environmental well being to get to and from soccer practice, the corner store, or even through the long lineups at McDonald’s (which consequently makes us fat) by driving a gas-guzzler?

So why should we be living in the city? The answer is actually quite clear. Public transportation is much better in the city and the sidewalks are closer to retail buildings and housing. Getting around is just easier. No one has much need for a car, except for Mayor Ford, who continues to pick fights with the ‘evil streetcars’. But that brings me to my next point. Not everyone can afford public transportation in the city; $3 a ride adds up.

Much to the pleasure of many, the bicycle has made a miraculous comeback. Everyone is using bikes. Children, adults, professors, students, hipsters… just about everyone scurries to one of the many bicycle shops in the GTA to get the latest one speed, skinny tire, weave-basket-carrying bicycle. Biking is no doubt the best way to get around the city, especially with the numerous picture-esque tree-lined streets and bike paths (another enemy of our beloved mayor). Even many of our adored professors at U of T, including Professor Brym (Department of Sociology) take their bikes wherever they go. It is almost impossible  to avoid cyclists on the St. George campus, especially the ones that we almost run into while jaywalking across St. George Street to get to Sid Smith.

Recently, downtown Toronto was introduced to the BIXI bike system. This system allows anyone to go to the one of 80 BIXI stations and pay the small fee of $5 per day ($40 per month, or $95 per year) to use a bike and go their merry way.

However, there are some downsides to the program.  You still have to find a station, pay a security deposit with a credit card, and there is no discounted rate for students. Despite these obstacles though, there are still many stations on campus for students to use.

In this day and age,  I truly believe that our generation has the power to make an environmental change. We don’t have to make the same mistakes our parents did, driving around in gas-guzzlers.  Instead, we should make sure to utilize the numerous ways of being environmentally  conscientious so that the next generations can enjoy the earth too. As the centre of research for our ‘true north, strong and free’, the students of U of T should join together in a revolution against irresponsible automobile use with the same enthusiasm as Louis XIV and Napoleon – on our bikes, ready to take on CO2 emissions (and succeed).

If you live in the student ghetto below College Street, you may have noticed a new bicycle-themed cafe in the neighbourhood. Located on Cecil street, just east of Spadina and a short hop away from campus, Sonic Cafe has added a burst of bright, spray-painted colour to the street since it opened this winter. And now that spring has finally arrived, Sonic Cafe is ready to launch into full gear.

Owner Anthony D’Arcy created Sonic as a stop for cyclists to come in and tune-up their bikes. The cafe, which is loosely affiliated with Toronto DIY cyclist groups Bike Chain, Bike Pirates, and Bikesauce, will hold a repair stand and tools for tune-ups on its front patio by April .

Not only is Sonic’s coffee organic and fair-trade, it’s environmentally friendly, too. Most local bean roasters emit a highly carcinogenic product, roasting their beans in residential areas with no emissions standard. Sonic is different. “We get our beans from this old Italian fellow who was an engineer before he entered his family’s coffee business. He built this absolutely amazing roaster. It’s highly efficient and has controls that you don’t see in a local roaster. You end up with a bean that is organically grown, fairly traded, and environmentally roasted,” says D’Arcy.

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Lead character "B" (Bobby Del Rio). Image from tiff.net

Written & Directed by: Mio Adilman
Starring: Bobby Del Rio, Jean Yoon, Paul Hyung Sun Lee

“Unlocked” is a dramatic comedy about an average, but nice guy named “B” who is trying to get his life back together after some not-so-happy experiences. However, he has to overcome many obstacles throughout his journey into living and rebuilding a normal life.

This film highlights the difficulties downtown Toronto cyclists face with other fellow cyclists, as opposed to the cars versus bikes dilemma we’re all aware of. It just shows how much integrity and tenacity it takes to be a long-term cyclist. It’s not just about riding a bike in your neighbourhood or park just for fun; neither is cycling simply just a mode of transportation. It is, rather, a type of lifestyle for many in Toronto and especially around the U of T campus.

This film is fun, funny, witty, and even a little bit spiritual, although some may disagree. (more…)

Earthcycle, also known as Environment Week, is coming up at U of T from September 21st to 26th. With over 25 things to see and do — all incorporating the theme of climate change and the environment — you might get overwhelmed with what you want to check out. Here are some of blogUT’s event picks for Earthcycle.

Workshops and Tours

Container Gardening Workshop
Thursday Sept. 24 from 1pm – 3pm @ International Student Centre Veranda

Learn about city gardening – grow your own food

Trinity College Green Roof Tour & Lunch
Wednesday Sept. 23 from 12pm – 2 pm @ St. Hilda’s College Residence

Students from Trinity College, the first University of Toronto signatory to the Presidents’ Climate Change Initiative, will provide a tour of their green roof and free lunch to visitors.

Food

Hot Yam vegan lunch
Thursday Sept. 24 from 12pm – 2 pm @ International Student Centre, Baldwin Room

A $4 vegan lunch by the Hot Yam! — a healthy environmental alternative to fast food and animal products.
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Summer has almost arrived. It’s a bit indecisive as to whether or not it’s completely here, but the foot is definitely in the door. And with that, we expect sunny days, warm weather, beaches, and of course, cruising on your bicycles. I love riding my bike. Aside from the obvious fact that biking is sexy, it’s also very convenient and it just feels great.

But, “Wait,” you say, “what if I don’t have a bike?” “Ah ha!” I would answer, “that’s were BikeChain comes in to save the day!”. You may have noticed the row of yellow bikes parked on the west side of St. George street near College. They used to belong to the now defunct Bike Share. Yes, it’s sad that Bike Share is no longer running; however, be happy that BikeChain will now lend you bikes for FREE!

Come in to BikeChain during operating hours with your T-Card and one other piece of ID. Leave a refundable $25 deposit and you’ve got a single-speed, coaster-brake bike for two business days! It’s as simple as that!

I took one of the bikes out for a ride and it rode very smoothly. The only thing to watch out for is they’re all single-speed bikes with back-pedal brakes, which may take some getting used to if you haven’t ridden one before.

Bikechain
International Student Centre (Basement), 33 St. George
Monday-Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Wednesday-Friday: 12 to 5 PM

Image from Wikipedia

So, summer is fast approaching and you’re probably thinking, “Hey, I should really do something active.” Good thinking! But what sort of sport should you participate in? Well, BikeChain would like to invite you to consider bike polo! Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Imagine polo, minus the horses, and insert the bikes where the horses used to be, and voila: bike polo.

Below are the listed requirements for participation:
- Access to a road or track bike
- Excellent riding and balancing skills
- An interest in organized bike polo competition

So, if you satisfy those requirements, then head over to the first BikeChain bike polo team practice this Saturday.

When: Saturday, May 10th, 2008. 2pm – 5pm
Where: Meet outside BikeChain – 33 St. George St
Details: Bring a bike. They’ve got the mallets. Don’t bring a horse. I repeat, don’t bring a horse.

It’s the new year and practically everyone has a made a resolution to get fit. Well, Hart House might have the perfect thing to get you in shape – Cycle Fit! And for the next two weeks you can try it for free. Cycle Fit is essentially the same thing as Spinning, a work-out craze created in the 1980s by Schwinn and ultra-endurance athlete, Jonathan Goldberg. This awesome workout can have you burning up to 500 calories in a 40minute ride.

So if this sounds intriguing to you, then sign up for a TRY-ME orientation class. They are happening between January 7th and 17th. Check out the schedule (pdf file) for more details and visit the Membership Services Office in Hart House to reserve your spot.