Join us for an engaging evening with Albert Koehl, one of Toronto’s most dedicated cycling and road safety advocates, as he presents “Wheeling Through Toronto: A History of the Bicycle and Its Riders.” This talk will take us through a fascinating journey of the bicycle’s place in Toronto, chronicling its 130-year history from the 1890s to today.

📅 Date: Thursday, December 5, 2024
🕒 Time: 7:00 pm
📍 Location: Annette Public Library, 145 Annette Street, Toronto
This will be in person only, but a video recording will be available for those unable to attend.

What to Expect
Throughout its history in Toronto, the bicycle has gone through cycles of popularity and neglect. Once flaunted as a fashionable accessory, it was later dismissed as outdated during the automobile boom, only to be revived as a sustainable mode of transportation in response to modern challenges. Albert Koehl’s presentation, “Wheeling Through Toronto,” takes us through these transformations, exploring the social, environmental, and practical roles the bicycle has played in the city’s past and its potential to shape a healthier future.

From the bicycle craze of the 1890s, through the rise of car-centric roads in the 1950s, to the push for active transportation in recent decades, Albert’s talk offers insights into how Toronto’s attitudes toward cycling have evolved and the many ways bicycles continue to enrich our city. With compelling stories from archival materials, newspapers, and personal interviews, Albert will discuss why the simple bicycle remains such a beloved (and sometimes polarizing) vehicle and how it can contribute to a cleaner, fairer, and more joyful Toronto.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity to Learn About Toronto’s Cycling History!
This is a must-attend event for anyone interested in Toronto’s history, transportation advocacy, or the environmental and social impacts of cycling. Bring your questions and join us for an enlightening evening as we look back on the history of the bicycle in Toronto and explore its potential for the future.

Light refreshments will be provided, and a video recording will be available after the event for those unable to attend in person.

A video recording of this meeting is now available for viewing via this DropBox link:

About Albert Koehl
Albert Koehl has been an environmental and community lawyer and a former adjunct professor of law for over 30 years, focusing on issues related to climate change, energy use, and sustainable transportation. As one of Toronto’s leading advocates for road safety and cycling, Albert’s work is driven by a commitment to social justice. He believes that transportation should be fair and accessible for everyone, regardless of wealth or power, and that our choices on how to get around should respect our community and climate. His passion and dedication have inspired many to join the movement for safer, more accessible streets in Toronto.