sasha on the street

Yesterday I almost became one of Toronto’s next pedestrian victim’s. At the intersection I was crossing there was an advanced green for the oncoming traffic. I waited until the advanced green ended, looked to see the walk signal, looked to see if there were any more cars coming and then proceeded forward. I looked down [...]

As much as we try in North America, it is almost impossible to give up driving. Not because we aren’t trying but because we lack the infrastructure to get anywhere without a car.
Tips for efficiency
Since we’re unable to trade in those cars for other means of transportation here are some tips to minimize your [...]

It’s that time of the year when students are scrambling to pick their courses for the year (myself included). What courses do they take that both inspire them and open up doors for their future working careers?
When looking at the courses available this morning I was required to request permission from the instructor to enter [...]

GM – Forward Thinking? Future of Car Makers For North America? I just saw the new GM commercial last night that essentially apologizes to the Canadian citizens and asks for forgiveness; the new campaign is appropriately called ‘Re:Inventing GM.’ GM wants to be looked at as the future of ‘green’ cars and a North American [...]

I am all for public transit, it usually moves people more efficiently than in individual automobiles, it helps to reduce pollution and it helps move people who may not be able to afford to have their own personal vehicle. But what I am not in favour of is aggressive bus drivers that do forget that [...]

No I’m not talking about the existing 407ETR, I’m talking about the proposed extension from its easterly termination of Brock Road over to Highway 115/35. This new extension will be known as 407EAST. 
Why have GTA residents not really heard about it?
Minister Jim Bradley released his announcement the same day as the Federal Budget. With all the [...]

Over the last 24 hours there has been some exciting announcements on 680 news with respect to accidents and trucks.
Drivers Should be Held Accountable in Bad Weather
This was the statement from Police Chief Julian Fantino (here). He stated that he believes and the statistics support that 40% of accidents in poor weather conditions are due [...]

Earlier this week I wrote about the need for good infrastructure with respect to the trucking industry. The other part of the equation, about 70% of the road users, is commuters. For all the people that commute to work everyday on the highways, having a functioning highway system is paramount.
The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario [...]

I wrote a book review for a class I’m taking and decided to post it on my blog as well (you can find it here).
The book was amazing. Jane Jacobs helped to shape Toronto to who it is today – full of character, full of life, and full of interesting people and places.
Her book definitely [...]

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the joint OTC/ITEconference on urban streetscaping. Most of the speakers were from the City of Toronto but the first presentation, one of the better ones, was from the City of Markham. The best presentation of the day was by Phil Weber of Ourston Roundabouts.
What is Streetscaping?
Streetscaping is any [...]