Chris Ritsma
@hambicycleguy.bsky.social
From urbanism, arises cultures 🌆
#YIMBY for market & social housing, rides a #bicycle 🚲, thinks Car Dependence is destroying our society living in #HamOnt🔨
#YIMBY for market & social housing, rides a #bicycle 🚲, thinks Car Dependence is destroying our society living in #HamOnt🔨
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Honestly, Ontario banning speed cameras and most bike lanes is a pretty big blow to urbanist optimism in Canada.
The province is 40% of Canada’s population!
The province is 40% of Canada’s population!
November 15, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Honestly, Ontario banning speed cameras and most bike lanes is a pretty big blow to urbanist optimism in Canada.
The province is 40% of Canada’s population!
The province is 40% of Canada’s population!
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Our streets continue to be unsafe for the people who need to use them, every day, to walk, cycle, and roll in our city. The death of a crossing guard, a City employee who is here to protect all of us on our roads, is devastating. #HamOnt
November 14, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Our streets continue to be unsafe for the people who need to use them, every day, to walk, cycle, and roll in our city. The death of a crossing guard, a City employee who is here to protect all of us on our roads, is devastating. #HamOnt
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
"Everyone - whether driving, walking or cycling has a role to play in keeping our community safe."
-Mayor Andrea Horwath
My question is simple: What about those who design, approve, build and maintain hostile road design? Do they have a role?
-Mayor Andrea Horwath
My question is simple: What about those who design, approve, build and maintain hostile road design? Do they have a role?
A crossing guard was killed by the driver of a dump truck yesterday. absolutely heartbreaking.
Look at our intersections, look how hostile these are for people/children - this is what we continue to build and defend at all costs. These aren't accidents, these are results. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Look at our intersections, look how hostile these are for people/children - this is what we continue to build and defend at all costs. These aren't accidents, these are results. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
November 14, 2025 at 3:21 PM
"Everyone - whether driving, walking or cycling has a role to play in keeping our community safe."
-Mayor Andrea Horwath
My question is simple: What about those who design, approve, build and maintain hostile road design? Do they have a role?
-Mayor Andrea Horwath
My question is simple: What about those who design, approve, build and maintain hostile road design? Do they have a role?
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
"everyone--whether driving, walking, or cycling--has a role to play"
<searches local news archives for stories about a cyclist making a careless right turn and casually killing a dump truck operator, finds none>
<searches local news archives for stories about a cyclist making a careless right turn and casually killing a dump truck operator, finds none>
#HamOnt Please see my Statement regarding the tragic incident regarding a City of Hamilton Crossing Guard today.
November 14, 2025 at 12:04 PM
"everyone--whether driving, walking, or cycling--has a role to play"
<searches local news archives for stories about a cyclist making a careless right turn and casually killing a dump truck operator, finds none>
<searches local news archives for stories about a cyclist making a careless right turn and casually killing a dump truck operator, finds none>
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Councillor Shelley Carroll says she gets a lot of calls wanting her to fight applications for cannabis store licenses, but, "I can't, in my database, find a single complaint about one once they are open." Perhaps there's a lesson there.
November 13, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Councillor Shelley Carroll says she gets a lot of calls wanting her to fight applications for cannabis store licenses, but, "I can't, in my database, find a single complaint about one once they are open." Perhaps there's a lesson there.
Ah yes, paying $45,000/year to rent in a strip mall along an arterial is identical to paying $0/year additional to run a business out of your home.
Holyday now has a picture of a local strip mall. He says these businesses can barely survive on a busy street, so he doesn't believe this notion that any "lovely stores" will survive on local streets.
November 13, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Ah yes, paying $45,000/year to rent in a strip mall along an arterial is identical to paying $0/year additional to run a business out of your home.
God forbid a small business owner start a business from their home and make it successful. Gotta be a millionaire or use all your savings on an overpriced brick&mortar to be an entrepreneur just like in Europe, Asia, South America... Wait...
Councillor Shan moves to exclude three streets in his ward. He worries the retail spaces created won't just be small shops selling ice cream to locals, but things like "beef patties that are so popular that people from the 905 will come to get it." That'll just add to traffic problems, he says.
November 13, 2025 at 5:09 PM
God forbid a small business owner start a business from their home and make it successful. Gotta be a millionaire or use all your savings on an overpriced brick&mortar to be an entrepreneur just like in Europe, Asia, South America... Wait...
This is why regulating in such a targeted manner is bad. It costs a ton of time/money, takes up air from real issues & creates complex red tape that ppl have to navigate
City shouldn't have "left house retail/residential, right house residential" law when there's no material difference between them
City shouldn't have "left house retail/residential, right house residential" law when there's no material difference between them
November 13, 2025 at 5:07 PM
This is why regulating in such a targeted manner is bad. It costs a ton of time/money, takes up air from real issues & creates complex red tape that ppl have to navigate
City shouldn't have "left house retail/residential, right house residential" law when there's no material difference between them
City shouldn't have "left house retail/residential, right house residential" law when there's no material difference between them
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
I'm hardly a hardcore free-market libertarian, but it does seem like the reality of market forces should be a bigger part of this debate. The basic reason you don't need to worry about a 24/7 bar/potshop/noise-making emporium setting up on a small street is basically "there's no demand for it."
November 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM
I'm hardly a hardcore free-market libertarian, but it does seem like the reality of market forces should be a bigger part of this debate. The basic reason you don't need to worry about a 24/7 bar/potshop/noise-making emporium setting up on a small street is basically "there's no demand for it."
This Toronto city councillor is almost as nuts as Whitehead was. For some reason he doesn't want neighbourhood stores to sell "weird items" that don't have value... For some reason...
Councillor Holyday worries about retail stores that "sell some zany thing that has very little value." He wants to know if council could define a list of what stores can sell.
Staff say they can regulate things like size, noise and property standards, but generally not what stores sell.
Staff say they can regulate things like size, noise and property standards, but generally not what stores sell.
November 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
This Toronto city councillor is almost as nuts as Whitehead was. For some reason he doesn't want neighbourhood stores to sell "weird items" that don't have value... For some reason...
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Up now: corner stores. The original recommendation to allow small retail uses within neighbourhoods was watered down at committee, but the recommendation to allow retail uses along designated major streets remains. secure.toronto.ca/council/agen...
Agenda Item History 2025.PH25.3
Agenda Item History 2025.PH25.3
secure.toronto.ca
November 13, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Up now: corner stores. The original recommendation to allow small retail uses within neighbourhoods was watered down at committee, but the recommendation to allow retail uses along designated major streets remains. secure.toronto.ca/council/agen...
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Bill 60 Protest Ride
Bill 60 is another ominbus bill from the Ontario government that includes many anti progressive elements, including removing renter protections. For the cycling community, it revises the HTA to make it more difficult to install new bikes lanes. In other words, Bill 212 all…
Bill 60 is another ominbus bill from the Ontario government that includes many anti progressive elements, including removing renter protections. For the cycling community, it revises the HTA to make it more difficult to install new bikes lanes. In other words, Bill 212 all…
Bill 60 Protest Ride
Bill 60 is another ominbus bill from the Ontario government that includes many anti progressive elements, including removing renter protections. For the cycling community, it revises the HTA to make it more difficult to install new bikes lanes. In other words, Bill 212 all over again, but in some ways worse. Today was a protest ride. I got to Matt Cohen Park a bit early.
jnyyz.wordpress.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Bill 60 Protest Ride
Bill 60 is another ominbus bill from the Ontario government that includes many anti progressive elements, including removing renter protections. For the cycling community, it revises the HTA to make it more difficult to install new bikes lanes. In other words, Bill 212 all…
Bill 60 is another ominbus bill from the Ontario government that includes many anti progressive elements, including removing renter protections. For the cycling community, it revises the HTA to make it more difficult to install new bikes lanes. In other words, Bill 212 all…
It appears that the removal of rent control has had the intended effect; namely increasing the supply of rental units.
However, one thing I've not seen suggested in many places is rent control but studied to determine a balance between cost of living and supply.
However, one thing I've not seen suggested in many places is rent control but studied to determine a balance between cost of living and supply.
Big news! Cara makes her triumphant post-parental leave return to the pod. Today, we discuss Zohran's proposal to freeze rents, the current system's impact on mobility, and the need for higher vacancy rates.
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watc...
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watc...
November 12, 2025 at 5:28 PM
It appears that the removal of rent control has had the intended effect; namely increasing the supply of rental units.
However, one thing I've not seen suggested in many places is rent control but studied to determine a balance between cost of living and supply.
However, one thing I've not seen suggested in many places is rent control but studied to determine a balance between cost of living and supply.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Hamilton Police confirm they responded to an incident involving HSR bus 1432 around 9:00 p.m.
That's all they will confirm.
HSR operators are posting a bus was stolen. HSR data provided to third-party applications confirms unusual activity.
Here's what is confirmed, story on TPR. #HamOnt #yhmcc
That's all they will confirm.
HSR operators are posting a bus was stolen. HSR data provided to third-party applications confirms unusual activity.
Here's what is confirmed, story on TPR. #HamOnt #yhmcc
Reports of Stolen HSR Bus: What We Know at 2:00 a.m.
Bus operators are posting saying a bus was taken for a 'joyride.' Bus app data confirms unusual travel activity. Police will not confirm type of incident, confirm there was an incident.
thepublicrecord.ca
November 12, 2025 at 7:25 AM
3 years into being Mayor and Horwath continues to feel like an out of touch "politician". I don't know if it's her time at Queens park or what, but her politic-speak comes off as not genuine and says nothing, but she also lacks the confidence or capability to get things done that the city needs.
I've already shared my first impressions of the Mayor's Community Safety Summit, specifically a short video outlining what attendees said in the group report back, but I think there's much more to say. For me, it just didn't work, and I think it's important to unpack why. #HamOnt
November 12, 2025 at 1:55 PM
3 years into being Mayor and Horwath continues to feel like an out of touch "politician". I don't know if it's her time at Queens park or what, but her politic-speak comes off as not genuine and says nothing, but she also lacks the confidence or capability to get things done that the city needs.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
This is a small snow plow for sidewalks
If your city plows the roads but leaves sidewalks up to property owners, your city hates pedestrians.
If your city plows the roads but leaves sidewalks up to property owners, your city hates pedestrians.
November 11, 2025 at 7:44 PM
This is a small snow plow for sidewalks
If your city plows the roads but leaves sidewalks up to property owners, your city hates pedestrians.
If your city plows the roads but leaves sidewalks up to property owners, your city hates pedestrians.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Cars might work fine in California or Florida, but they’re not practical here in Canada. We have winter.
More than 300 collisions reported as early season snow slams parts of Ontario
YouTube video by CTV News
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Cars might work fine in California or Florida, but they’re not practical here in Canada. We have winter.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
New road markings have appeared in Toronto using the zig-zag pattern to indicate the passenger loading area in the curb lane adjacent to the streetcar stop. #BikeTO
September 11, 2025 at 1:21 AM
New road markings have appeared in Toronto using the zig-zag pattern to indicate the passenger loading area in the curb lane adjacent to the streetcar stop. #BikeTO
All I want to know is how to become a consultant on this project since they seem so willing to blast through cash, I might as well make some money off this. Probably not an option since I'm not Ford's buddy. But I'd love to funnel the money into a good cause & hand them a stick drawing or something
Ontario taxpayers are set to spend $9.1 million to learn if or how it is feasible to build a tunnel under Highway 401.
Feasibility study for Doug Ford's Highway 401 tunnel idea to cost $9.1 million
Ontario taxpayers are set to spend $9.1 million to learn if or how it is feasible to build a tunnel under Highway 401.
www.chch.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:30 PM
All I want to know is how to become a consultant on this project since they seem so willing to blast through cash, I might as well make some money off this. Probably not an option since I'm not Ford's buddy. But I'd love to funnel the money into a good cause & hand them a stick drawing or something
It's always nuts to me when ppl say things like "we live in one of the most dangerous places", are constantly fearful of violence. The stress people must feel at all times is crazy. I walk through downtown Hamilton with very little worry knowing it's one of the safest places on Earth (from violence)
Canada is statistically the second safest country in the world for travel in relation to violent crime, and is the fifth safest country in the world overall. Japan takes the top spot, with Belgium in 3rd. Via @cultmtl.com
Comments?
Comments?
Canada named second safest country in the world from violent crime
Canada has been named the second safest country in the world in relation to violent crime.
cultmtl.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:06 PM
It's always nuts to me when ppl say things like "we live in one of the most dangerous places", are constantly fearful of violence. The stress people must feel at all times is crazy. I walk through downtown Hamilton with very little worry knowing it's one of the safest places on Earth (from violence)
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
For decades, a prime but isolated corner parking lot at 4th & Broadway in Denver's Baker neighborhood was too small for traditional development.
Thanks to Denver's forthcoming single-stair code updates, KGA Architects is proposing a 5-story single-stair apt on this "forgotten lot"
Thanks to Denver's forthcoming single-stair code updates, KGA Architects is proposing a 5-story single-stair apt on this "forgotten lot"
November 6, 2025 at 4:42 PM
For decades, a prime but isolated corner parking lot at 4th & Broadway in Denver's Baker neighborhood was too small for traditional development.
Thanks to Denver's forthcoming single-stair code updates, KGA Architects is proposing a 5-story single-stair apt on this "forgotten lot"
Thanks to Denver's forthcoming single-stair code updates, KGA Architects is proposing a 5-story single-stair apt on this "forgotten lot"
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
How much shit will Ontario continue to eat?
"Despite Ford stating speed cameras are ineffective, regional data shows that since launching its program in February (following a pilot program that had been in place since 2021), average speeds in school zones have decreased by 15 km/h."
Waterloo Region forges ahead with speed cameras despite looming ban
The Region of Waterloo will go ahead with turning on six speed cameras despite Doug Ford’s scathing condemnation
buff.ly
November 6, 2025 at 1:46 PM
How much shit will Ontario continue to eat?
Love when workers block the bike lanes... Even when improving bike lanes shouldn't block them
November 5, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Love when workers block the bike lanes... Even when improving bike lanes shouldn't block them
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Montreal’s REV Saint-Denis is the third busiest bike lane (with a counter) in North America, behind two NYC bridges.
Summer volumes are even quite competitive with bike counters in Europe.
www.lapresse.ca/dialogue/chr...
Summer volumes are even quite competitive with bike counters in Europe.
www.lapresse.ca/dialogue/chr...
November 4, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Montreal’s REV Saint-Denis is the third busiest bike lane (with a counter) in North America, behind two NYC bridges.
Summer volumes are even quite competitive with bike counters in Europe.
www.lapresse.ca/dialogue/chr...
Summer volumes are even quite competitive with bike counters in Europe.
www.lapresse.ca/dialogue/chr...