Robert Zaichkowski
@rzaichkowski.bsky.social
Accountant, Road Safety Advocate, Bike Blogger & Founder of the Toronto Open Streets Campaign. #BikeTO #BikeSky #TOpoli #VisionZero 🚲
Blog = www.twowheeledpolitics.ca
Open Streets Petition = tinyurl.com/OpenStreetsPetitionTO
Blog = www.twowheeledpolitics.ca
Open Streets Petition = tinyurl.com/OpenStreetsPetitionTO
Pinned
Time to Wrap Up 2025!
A blog about cycling and political advocacy based in Toronto, Canada. (#BikeTO)
www.twowheeledpolitics.ca
With 2025 almost over, it's time for my annual Year in Review! There have been some highs such as a new gravel bike and doing the 150 km Toronto to Niagara ride, as well as some lows such as Bill 60 and a stolen bike. #BikeTO #TOpoli #ONpoli #VisionZero www.twowheeledpolitics.ca/2025/12/time...
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
Waterloo Region is about to shoot itself in the foot with a new hospital decision, so I wrote a blog post on why locating hospitals is so important, and the *many* better places they could put this one.
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
An Urgent and Avoidable Transit Mistake in Waterloo Region.
A Transit-Forward Town Takes A Step Back.
open.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Waterloo Region is about to shoot itself in the foot with a new hospital decision, so I wrote a blog post on why locating hospitals is so important, and the *many* better places they could put this one.
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
Today's Toronto Star column by @rmtransit.bsky.social is a big bag of hurt for David Miller & other Transit City boosters! Even with the recently approved improvements, the Finch & Eglinton projects have ruined the reputation of LRT's in Toronto. #TTC #TOpoli #ONpoli www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
To fix transit in Toronto, we need to embrace a simple idea: subways subways subways.
Rob Ford's maligned motto contained a nugget of truth.
www.thestar.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:59 PM
Today's Toronto Star column by @rmtransit.bsky.social is a big bag of hurt for David Miller & other Transit City boosters! Even with the recently approved improvements, the Finch & Eglinton projects have ruined the reputation of LRT's in Toronto. #TTC #TOpoli #ONpoli www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
An astonishing percentage of Americans are open to car-free living.
The problem isn't attitudes. The problem is the failure to invest in viable options.
humantransit.org/2025/12/many...
The problem isn't attitudes. The problem is the failure to invest in viable options.
humantransit.org/2025/12/many...
Many Americans Are Open to Car-Free Living — Human Transit
Is Americans a “car culture” or are they “car dependent”? Do they drive because they love driving, or are they in an unhealthy relationship with a substance it would be happy to do without? Obviousl...
humantransit.org
December 11, 2025 at 6:55 PM
An astonishing percentage of Americans are open to car-free living.
The problem isn't attitudes. The problem is the failure to invest in viable options.
humantransit.org/2025/12/many...
The problem isn't attitudes. The problem is the failure to invest in viable options.
humantransit.org/2025/12/many...
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
Took the Brompton G Line out for the Annual New Year's Day Social Ride in Toronto. A small but mighty group braced the brisk -8 C cold to bike from downtown Toronto to Humber Bay Park.
Happy New Year #BikeTO !!
youtube.com/shorts/JHYYp...
Happy New Year #BikeTO !!
youtube.com/shorts/JHYYp...
14th Annual New Year's Day Social Ride in Toronto. On a Brompton G Line!
YouTube video by bromptoning
youtube.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Took the Brompton G Line out for the Annual New Year's Day Social Ride in Toronto. A small but mighty group braced the brisk -8 C cold to bike from downtown Toronto to Humber Bay Park.
Happy New Year #BikeTO !!
youtube.com/shorts/JHYYp...
Happy New Year #BikeTO !!
youtube.com/shorts/JHYYp...
A celebration for the West Scarborough Rail Trail will be happening on Saturday, January 3 (11 AM) at the historic GECO rail bridge crossing St. Clair East. If you plan to arrive by #TTC, it's right next to Warden station. #BikeTO #WalkTO #ScarbTO #TOpoli www.facebook.com/events/14610...
Celebrate the West Scarborough Rail Trail - Art Installation and Hot Chocolate Community Event!
Event in Toronto by Scarborough Junction Community on Saturday, January 3 2026
www.facebook.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:46 PM
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
also bored. here's the canadian cities (from apta)
vancouver = 0.507
calgary = 0.410
victoria = 0.278
edmonton = 0.264
winnipeg = 0.259
have to dig around for more ridership data for these two given all the agencies in the metro area, but they're at least this much:
toronto >0.539
montreal >0.424
vancouver = 0.507
calgary = 0.410
victoria = 0.278
edmonton = 0.264
winnipeg = 0.259
have to dig around for more ridership data for these two given all the agencies in the metro area, but they're at least this much:
toronto >0.539
montreal >0.424
December 31, 2025 at 5:57 AM
also bored. here's the canadian cities (from apta)
vancouver = 0.507
calgary = 0.410
victoria = 0.278
edmonton = 0.264
winnipeg = 0.259
have to dig around for more ridership data for these two given all the agencies in the metro area, but they're at least this much:
toronto >0.539
montreal >0.424
vancouver = 0.507
calgary = 0.410
victoria = 0.278
edmonton = 0.264
winnipeg = 0.259
have to dig around for more ridership data for these two given all the agencies in the metro area, but they're at least this much:
toronto >0.539
montreal >0.424
More disgusting behaviour from the State of Israel! Now they are planning to ban dozens of aid groups from Gaza starting January 1 including @msf.ca. Canada and other countries need to impose #SanctionsNow to force Israel's hand. #shame #cdnpoli www.cbc.ca/radio/asitha...
Israel will ban dozens of aid groups from Gaza starting on New Year's Day | CBC Radio
Israel is banning more than two dozen humanitarian organizations from Gaza for failing to comply with new registration rules.
www.cbc.ca
December 31, 2025 at 1:48 PM
More disgusting behaviour from the State of Israel! Now they are planning to ban dozens of aid groups from Gaza starting January 1 including @msf.ca. Canada and other countries need to impose #SanctionsNow to force Israel's hand. #shame #cdnpoli www.cbc.ca/radio/asitha...
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
You know that runner in Toronto that races streetcars? The City put in dedicated lanes on Bathurst, and he re-raced it
“This used to be the slowest route. Now it’s the closest race I’ve done. I never thought I’d say this. But I’m really surprised. There’s hope: for the streetcars and for the city.”
“This used to be the slowest route. Now it’s the closest race I’ve done. I never thought I’d say this. But I’m really surprised. There’s hope: for the streetcars and for the city.”
‘I don’t like winning’: Toronto man outruns streetcars to show up sluggish transit network
Mac Bauer’s racing activism has made ‘signal priority’ and traffic congestion a big talking point for the Canadian city
www.theguardian.com
December 30, 2025 at 7:54 PM
You know that runner in Toronto that races streetcars? The City put in dedicated lanes on Bathurst, and he re-raced it
“This used to be the slowest route. Now it’s the closest race I’ve done. I never thought I’d say this. But I’m really surprised. There’s hope: for the streetcars and for the city.”
“This used to be the slowest route. Now it’s the closest race I’ve done. I never thought I’d say this. But I’m really surprised. There’s hope: for the streetcars and for the city.”
Leave it to @shawnmicallef.bsky.social to identify optimism in Toronto even with heartbreaks such as the Blue Jays losing the World Series, the Finch West LRT fiasco, and the ongoing bike lane battles! A fitting column for the end of 2025! #BikeTO #TTC #TOpoli www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Shawn Micallef: Blue Jays, Finch West LRT and bike lane battles: Why 2025’s heartbreakers are reasons to be positive about Toronto’s future
It wasn’t Toronto’s greatest year, but there were bright spots in 2025 to remember.
www.thestar.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Leave it to @shawnmicallef.bsky.social to identify optimism in Toronto even with heartbreaks such as the Blue Jays losing the World Series, the Finch West LRT fiasco, and the ongoing bike lane battles! A fitting column for the end of 2025! #BikeTO #TTC #TOpoli www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
A very good thread on mobility which happens to reference Toronto's bike lane fight. #BikeSky #BikeTO #WalkTO #TTC #TOpoli
2025 was a rough year for transportation reformers. I spent much of it thinking about ways to build support for car-free streets, transit expansions, bike lanes, etc.
Here are a few stories where I shared what I’ve learned. 🧵
Here are a few stories where I shared what I’ve learned. 🧵
December 30, 2025 at 2:42 PM
As if baseless attacks against city councillors wasn't enough, Daniel Tate's (lack of) IntegrityTO has resorted to attacking @graphicmatt.com over his recent column showing the city has been getting better. This is why we progressives must organize to stop far right folks like Tate! 🤮 #shame #TOpoli
December 30, 2025 at 2:23 AM
As if baseless attacks against city councillors wasn't enough, Daniel Tate's (lack of) IntegrityTO has resorted to attacking @graphicmatt.com over his recent column showing the city has been getting better. This is why we progressives must organize to stop far right folks like Tate! 🤮 #shame #TOpoli
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
Woman who starts riding a bike not sure if she should be a poor unemployed loser who can't afford a car or an elite smug entitled asshole with a toy, asks neighbourhood Facebook group to help out.
December 23, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Woman who starts riding a bike not sure if she should be a poor unemployed loser who can't afford a car or an elite smug entitled asshole with a toy, asks neighbourhood Facebook group to help out.
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
I need some positivity. Quote or reply with your favorite bike memory of 2025. It can be a great ride, an advocacy accomplishment, whatever. Let's celebrate bikes.
My personal favorite was finally doing a bikepacking ride up to Portland, Maine! It has me excited for bigger adventures in 2026.
My personal favorite was finally doing a bikepacking ride up to Portland, Maine! It has me excited for bigger adventures in 2026.
December 29, 2025 at 3:54 PM
I need some positivity. Quote or reply with your favorite bike memory of 2025. It can be a great ride, an advocacy accomplishment, whatever. Let's celebrate bikes.
My personal favorite was finally doing a bikepacking ride up to Portland, Maine! It has me excited for bigger adventures in 2026.
My personal favorite was finally doing a bikepacking ride up to Portland, Maine! It has me excited for bigger adventures in 2026.
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
shorturl.at/JEWay
Chow deserves to be re-elected. Nobody else advocates for renters, transit users, and cyclists like she does. Unfortunately, this traffic "czar" is unlikely to improve transit frequency and get cars off the road.
Can you imagine #topoli even entertaining a congestion charge?
Chow deserves to be re-elected. Nobody else advocates for renters, transit users, and cyclists like she does. Unfortunately, this traffic "czar" is unlikely to improve transit frequency and get cars off the road.
Can you imagine #topoli even entertaining a congestion charge?
Toronto hires traffic ‘czar’ to reduce and manage notorious gridlock
Toronto’s new chief congestion officer is a position intended to improve how Toronto manages traffic amid dual pressures of population growth and development.
shorturl.at
December 29, 2025 at 10:45 PM
shorturl.at/JEWay
Chow deserves to be re-elected. Nobody else advocates for renters, transit users, and cyclists like she does. Unfortunately, this traffic "czar" is unlikely to improve transit frequency and get cars off the road.
Can you imagine #topoli even entertaining a congestion charge?
Chow deserves to be re-elected. Nobody else advocates for renters, transit users, and cyclists like she does. Unfortunately, this traffic "czar" is unlikely to improve transit frequency and get cars off the road.
Can you imagine #topoli even entertaining a congestion charge?
That's so nice of @avilewis.ca; helping fellow candidate @tonymcquailndp.bsky.social stay in the #NDP leadership race. Also like the tag teaming Tony has been doing with @votetanille.bsky.social throughout. Now if only @heathermcpherson.bsky.social could show this kind of class ... #cdnpoli
A holiday goal to get behind!
Let's all step up and make sure Tony stays in the race.
I just donated. You should too!
Let's all step up and make sure Tony stays in the race.
I just donated. You should too!
Team Tanille has made it past the second last fundraising requirement for the NDP Leadership Race! But if @tonymcquailndp.bsky.social
doesn't raise another $19k by midnight on December 30th, 2025, he'll be forced to drop out.
Donate now at NDP.ca/donate/tony
#cdnpoli #ndp
doesn't raise another $19k by midnight on December 30th, 2025, he'll be forced to drop out.
Donate now at NDP.ca/donate/tony
#cdnpoli #ndp
December 29, 2025 at 1:09 PM
That's so nice of @avilewis.ca; helping fellow candidate @tonymcquailndp.bsky.social stay in the #NDP leadership race. Also like the tag teaming Tony has been doing with @votetanille.bsky.social throughout. Now if only @heathermcpherson.bsky.social could show this kind of class ... #cdnpoli
Per @graphicmatt.com's latest column, the data says things are not all doom and gloom in Toronto. Even so, Mayor Chow and members of City Council still need to be held accountable. Especially as we approach an election year. #TOpoli www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Matt Elliott: Crime is down, rents are down — there are many reasons for Toronto to feel up about 2026
Crime is down, rents are down — but there are many other reasons for Toronto to feel up about 2026
www.thestar.com
December 27, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Per @graphicmatt.com's latest column, the data says things are not all doom and gloom in Toronto. Even so, Mayor Chow and members of City Council still need to be held accountable. Especially as we approach an election year. #TOpoli www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
With only a few days left in 2025, here is my Strava Year in Sport. #BikeTO #BikeSky strava.app.link/hA28UWkrrZb
December 27, 2025 at 2:07 PM
With only a few days left in 2025, here is my Strava Year in Sport. #BikeTO #BikeSky strava.app.link/hA28UWkrrZb
This is outrageous, Doug Ford rips out Ontario’s speed cameras and then uses taxpayers money to run ads about nonexistent police, useless signs and speed bumps. He takes from us and then rubs it in our face.
December 26, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
If we are EVER to learn from the disastrous Line 6 opening and (incoming) Line 5 disaster, Toronto must objectively reflect on their history & conception.
@jrurbanenetwork.bsky.social latest piece does exactly that.
These are 2 badly planned, politicized ideas choked by poor delivery & discourse.
@jrurbanenetwork.bsky.social latest piece does exactly that.
These are 2 badly planned, politicized ideas choked by poor delivery & discourse.
I have not been shy on my coverage of transit issues in Toronto. With the disastrous opening of the Finch West LRT in early December, I have some thoughts from Hong Kong using my historical experiences with Toronto in this longform post.
The Toronto Tragedy
多倫多啲電車男係唔係太過份?
open.substack.com
December 25, 2025 at 9:16 AM
If we are EVER to learn from the disastrous Line 6 opening and (incoming) Line 5 disaster, Toronto must objectively reflect on their history & conception.
@jrurbanenetwork.bsky.social latest piece does exactly that.
These are 2 badly planned, politicized ideas choked by poor delivery & discourse.
@jrurbanenetwork.bsky.social latest piece does exactly that.
These are 2 badly planned, politicized ideas choked by poor delivery & discourse.
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get more involved in fighting creeping Christofascism, clear your schedule on January 10.
The last time these ding dongs tried to march at Christie Pits they were outnumbered 10-1.
I bet we can do better than that this time.
#Toronto
#CounterProtest
The last time these ding dongs tried to march at Christie Pits they were outnumbered 10-1.
I bet we can do better than that this time.
#Toronto
#CounterProtest
December 23, 2025 at 1:27 PM
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get more involved in fighting creeping Christofascism, clear your schedule on January 10.
The last time these ding dongs tried to march at Christie Pits they were outnumbered 10-1.
I bet we can do better than that this time.
#Toronto
#CounterProtest
The last time these ding dongs tried to march at Christie Pits they were outnumbered 10-1.
I bet we can do better than that this time.
#Toronto
#CounterProtest
With 2025 almost over, it's time for my annual Year in Review! There have been some highs such as a new gravel bike and doing the 150 km Toronto to Niagara ride, as well as some lows such as Bill 60 and a stolen bike. #BikeTO #TOpoli #ONpoli #VisionZero www.twowheeledpolitics.ca/2025/12/time...
Time to Wrap Up 2025!
A blog about cycling and political advocacy based in Toronto, Canada. (#BikeTO)
www.twowheeledpolitics.ca
December 24, 2025 at 2:01 AM
With 2025 almost over, it's time for my annual Year in Review! There have been some highs such as a new gravel bike and doing the 150 km Toronto to Niagara ride, as well as some lows such as Bill 60 and a stolen bike. #BikeTO #TOpoli #ONpoli #VisionZero www.twowheeledpolitics.ca/2025/12/time...
Meanwhile in Ontario, our car-brained Premier Doug Ford continues to prevent Toronto from pursuing congestion pricing despite the overwhelming evidence it works in NYC, London, and other cities around the world. #BikeTO #WalkTO #TTC #TOpoli #ONpoli
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan…
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
December 23, 2025 at 4:22 PM
The East Don Trail project website has been updated for the first time since July 14, 2025 with some updated construction photos. Remaining work including fencing, topsoil placement, seeding & final paving is anticipated to be done by Spring 2026. #BikeTO #WalkTO #TOpoli trca.ca/conservation...
East Don Trail Project
The City of Toronto and TRCA are constructing an exciting new multi-use trail to connect the existing East Don Trail, Gatineau Corridor Trail, and the Don Trail System.
trca.ca
December 22, 2025 at 8:47 PM
The East Don Trail project website has been updated for the first time since July 14, 2025 with some updated construction photos. Remaining work including fencing, topsoil placement, seeding & final paving is anticipated to be done by Spring 2026. #BikeTO #WalkTO #TOpoli trca.ca/conservation...
Reposted by Robert Zaichkowski
Recall, Waymo is making a push to enter Toronto along w/ rest of Canada.
Whilst mayors, premiers continue to endanger our lives - light, unenforced regulations for e-scooters, e-bikes are already a hazard.
What now?
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/u...
Whilst mayors, premiers continue to endanger our lives - light, unenforced regulations for e-scooters, e-bikes are already a hazard.
What now?
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/u...
Waymo Suspended Service in San Francisco After Its Cars Stalled During Power Outage
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Recall, Waymo is making a push to enter Toronto along w/ rest of Canada.
Whilst mayors, premiers continue to endanger our lives - light, unenforced regulations for e-scooters, e-bikes are already a hazard.
What now?
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/u...
Whilst mayors, premiers continue to endanger our lives - light, unenforced regulations for e-scooters, e-bikes are already a hazard.
What now?
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/u...
Interesting update from @thebentway.bsky.social on connecting a series of trails under the Gardiner from Dufferin to the DVP. While I'm all for new trails in this city, I would still prefer Queen's Quay or the Richmond-Adelaide cycle tracks. #BikeTO #WalkTO #TOpoli thebentway.ca/news/toronto...
Toronto’s Next Great Connector - The Bentway
For years, the spaces beneath the Gardiner Expressway have been developed in fragments, resulting in short trail segments and disconnected public spaces. The Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan aims to a...
thebentway.ca
December 22, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Interesting update from @thebentway.bsky.social on connecting a series of trails under the Gardiner from Dufferin to the DVP. While I'm all for new trails in this city, I would still prefer Queen's Quay or the Richmond-Adelaide cycle tracks. #BikeTO #WalkTO #TOpoli thebentway.ca/news/toronto...