On May 2nd, Toronto Cyclists Union members will get together at our 2012 AGM to vote on an important resolution to change the name of our organization to Cycle Toronto. We have created this blog to enable open discussion on this issue. We encourage all bike union members to attend the AGM to cast their vote! The AGM will be held at 720 Bathurst Street at 7pm on May 2nd.
To learn more about the name change, please read this letter from our Board of Directors: http://bit.ly/HxjcPP
Name Change Conversation 
As a bike union member years ago who has just rejoined, I cannot disagree more strongly with the name change. One ill-informed insurance company spokesperson dumps prejudicial bile on the legitimate, appropriate and descriptive name of our organisation and we jump to appease the prejudice?
Keep the name and exert the energy in productive & fruitful directions.
Hey BJ – Michael’s comment below is right on target. The name change debate has been ongoing almost since the organization was founded. The insurance company was meant as just one example of how our growth is hindered by the name, and how people mistake us for a labour union, which is technically incorrect. We want to be able to reach out to all Torontonians who cycle in the City or believe in safe streets, which means people both left and right of the political spectrum.
Actually, BJ, the discussion about whether to change the name of TCU far predates this insurance company anecdote. Besides which, I don’t imagine the insurance company was being prejudicial, but only following mandated guidelines. This is not a union (a word which suggests, to some, labour union); it’s rather an organization of like minded individuals. Anything “Union” related could possibly close more doors for us. So why bother?
TCU is trying to open doors now. It’s trying to appeal to a broader base of both members and supporters. So let’s keep the name short and sweet – and broadly descriptive. Cycle Toronto. I love it. Cycle Toronto. It’s a challenge, a rallying cry, a mantra, a great notion for what this city could achieve.
I fully support the name change.
for members who are unable to attend the AGM on May 2, but want to vote on the proposed name change, what is the process for submitting a proxy vote ?
Hey wleadie – we’ll be sending out proxy voting information soon. There will be a form to fill out to indicate who your proxy is, which you’ll have to submit prior to the AGM.
As a long-time listener but first-time member, I’m probably alone in joining the TCU because of this issue.
I’ve yet to hear why the directors are offering such a stark choice. What of the other options, names that sound more inclusive than “Cycle Toronto” and speak to the advocacy that the TCU’s known for? And if it’s going to be another name, why not a more inclusive process for choosing what the alternative should be?
The TCU brand has been built by members being passionate about making cycling a safe activity in Toronto. But as visible and helpful as they are, it’s the name that likely brought them to the organization. I’m sure the directors understand that with another name their organization might not have come this far, and that changing it risks the goodwill of core supporters.
When it comes to the word “union”, and the question of whether it sounds overly exclusive, or partisan, my response is that this is a union unlike any other. I wish people would make this point more often: anyone – really anyone – can join. And even if you don’t decide to join, if you cycle this is a group that will advocate on your behalf.
I feel the TCU name capitalizes on people’s expectations of what a union is: a group that negotiates, and that exists to address the needs of its members.
It’s provocative, as it should be. It has my vote.