Lanrick Bennett
LightNews LightNews
banner
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
Lanrick Bennett
@lanrickbennett.bsky.social
13K followers 330 following 3.6K posts
Working within the active transportation, environmental protection, affordable housing and placemaking sphere. Always advocating #BikeTO #TransformTO #BLM #TweetsAreMineByDefault
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · Oct 3
The broken record will continue 🚲The War on Cars is over. We need to decouple our dependency on single occupancy vehicles!

Appreciate @tvotoday.bsky.social allowing me space for this important discussion.

h/t #UofTCities

#ActiveTransportation + #PublicTransportion = #LeaveTheCarBehind
therundowntvo.bsky.social The Rundown @therundowntvo.bsky.social · Oct 3
"Single occupancy vehicles are not the way to continue to move people forward." – @lanrickbennett.bsky.social. How can Toronto's traffic be fixed? Tonight at 8/11pm with Jennifer McKelvie, Giles Gherson (Toronto Region Board of Trade), Baher Abdulhai (uoft.bsky.social) & @spaikin.bsky.social #topoli
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
Just one of Jamil Jivani’s friends yapping about things they know nothing about. #OhCanada
November 22, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Reposted by Lanrick Bennett
jm-mcgrath.bsky.social
Apparently "build enough homes"
mdruker.app Michael Druker @mdruker.app · 1d
I want to hear your uncomfortably big ideas for Canada!
November 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Reposted by Lanrick Bennett
serenaperuzzo.com
We often get asked how @1rg.space started - here's a sneak peek of that story words.1rg.space/a-brief-hist...
A brief history of community dinner
Community Dinners are at the core of the 1RG origin story. I might go as far as saying that 1RG would not exist if it wasn't for this tradition. Back in February 2022 Max and I were on a phone call r...
words.1rg.space
November 21, 2025 at 9:17 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
If you’re in Hamilton, Ottawa, K/W, Guelph, Burlington, Oshawa, Markham, Richmond Hill, Kingston, Thunder Bay, Windsor, Toronto, London, Niagara Falls, Sudbury; or anywhere in one of 300+ municipalities in Ontario, someone being killed by a driver is just another day

smh @ffsafestreets.bsky.social
Friends and Families for... @ffsafestr... • 2d Excellent coverage of yesterday's World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims event. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year. We will never stop fighting until our streets are safe. #WDoR2025 #RememberSupportAct #SpeedKills #SpeedCamerasSaveLives www.thestar.com/news/gta/we-... We will never stop fighting': Queen's Park vigil honours traffic violence victims The ceremony was organized by a group of collision survivors pushing for improved roa...
November 20, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Reposted by Lanrick Bennett
uoftcities.bsky.social
We’re hiring! The Toronto Black Histories AI Project, led by SofC Urbanist-in-Residence Kofi Hope, will use generative AI to animate the stories of Black Torontonians from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Apply by Dec 1. https://schoolofcities.utoronto.ca/job-opportunities/
November 19, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Reposted by Lanrick Bennett
hertzbarry.bsky.social
Fair to say CRTC's new definition of "Canadian content" (and its expanded points system to unlock funding, which took endless consultation) has been greeted by film & TV industry with disappointment bordering on hostility. And that's just from orgs that'll say anything publicly.
November 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
Congrats to @housingnowto.bsky.social’s Mark Richardson

h/t @utoronto.ca @uoftcities.bsky.social #HousingNowTO
Mark Richardson Mark is a community partner and expert mentor in the Multidisciplinary Urban Capstone Project (MUCP), delivered through U of T's School of Cities. The course attracts final-year undergraduate students from all disciplines to address real-world urban challenges. Since 2021, Mark has mentored six student teams in the MUCP program, skillfully guiding them toward solutions and providing valuable career advice. Mark has also mentored graduate students in Geography and Planning. Though not an alumnus, Mark's is profoundly committed to the project and to city-building and youth mentorship more broadly.
November 19, 2025 at 7:56 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
Clearly, we should just make streets work for people in cars.

Sumach St and Queen St East 7:37am #BikeTO
November 19, 2025 at 6:39 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
I truly believe the sight of children riding bikes, in neighbourhoods, terrifies elected municipal representatives.

I mean if children didn't terrify them, wouldn't they bend over backwards to priortize their safety?

- "Why can't they all just drive cars? That's who is voting for me!"

#TOpoli
thewaroncars.bsky.social The War on Cars @thewaroncars.bsky.social · 10d
Getting ready to roll with the Alameda Bike Bus!
A group of kids on a suburban style street with leaves on it. The kids are all on bikes.
November 19, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Reposted by Lanrick Bennett
cgeroux.bsky.social
#bikeHFX, at the end of a recent What on Earth podcast, they said they are working on a show about people living without owning a car or truck. They want your stories, interested in more rural places, people with young kids, or with mobility challenges. www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
What On Earth with Laura Lynch | Live Radio | CBC Listen
The climate is changing. So are we. Explore a world of solutions with host Laura Lynch and our team of journalists. We find inspiration in unexpected places, scrutinize new technologies, hold powerful...
www.cbc.ca
November 18, 2025 at 8:45 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
LBJ's Humpday Podcast Picks for Nov 19th

This week spans a live tour of Casa Loma, a smart look at who housing policy serves, &a sharp critique of the unraveling of @canadaland.com

h/t @torontomike.com @iiutoronto.bsky.social @briandoucet.bsky.social @youcaughtscott.com

medium.com/@lanrickbenn...
Image with headphones around a mic Text "LBJ's Humpday Who am I listening to Today? Podcast Picks" 1800 Episode 4 Good For Cities Podcast How To Build Affordable Housing That's Good For Cities Interview with Brian Doucet "The North State" An image of a person falling into what looks like parliament with octopus tentacles rising from the ground
November 19, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Reposted by Lanrick Bennett
bikehfxlobby.bsky.social
HaliSky, the magnificent @lanrickbennett.bsky.social is giving the final Dal College of Sustainability lecture of the year next week! You can attend in person or email for the Zoom link.

Thurs, Nov 27 7:15-8:30pm in the Potter auditorium of the Rowe building.
ESS Lecture Series Schedule
www.dal.ca
November 18, 2025 at 11:15 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
Alright #BikeTO take a breath, "The City of Toronto has debuted at #55 on the list of the Top 100 most bicycle-friendly cities in the world in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index!"

So which elected municipal rep in #TOpoli is going say out loud that they'll strive for 25 in 2026?

#PoliticalWill anyone?
Image of a bike lane filled with people on bikes, including an adult with two kids in the back seat The City of Toronto has debuted at #55 on the list of the Top 100 most bicycle-friendly cities in the world in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index! The 2025 Copenhagenize Index evaluates cities across three core pillars: Safe & Connected cycling infrastructure, including bicycle parking areas and traffic calming measures. Usage & Reach, including bike modal share, modal share growth, women’s share of bicycle trips, bike share systems, and cargo bikes. Policy & Support, including political commitment, advocacy and urban planning. This recognition reflects both political leadership and people whose cycling behaviour and advocacy shape our streets.
November 18, 2025 at 10:42 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
#IdeasAtWork

If you are looking to build connections and take part in meaningful, city-building work, you should be applying to the Leading Social Justice Program via @uoftcities.bsky.social and @unitedwaygt.bsky.social
uoftcities.bsky.social School of Cities @uoftcities.bsky.social · 5d
Are you working to improve a social impact, ESG or CSR challenge within your org. or community in the GTA and looking for leadership, networking, multisectoral support? Apply to LSJC by 12/12. Bring your questions to online office hours, Nov. 19, 12 p.m. ET https://ow.ly/yYFn50Xsu8z
November 18, 2025 at 6:27 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
#BikeTO / #WalkTO

I'm bias here in #TorontoDanforth.

Right now Strathcona Av between Jones Av & Pape Av is a zoo for pick up at Earl Grey Senior PS and the new Pape Avenue Junior PS relocated to 540 Jones Av)

Anyone else in #TOpoli have it worse?

h/t @ffsafestreets.bsky.social
Overhead map of Toronto centred on Strathcona Ave. Yellow highlight is where vehicles do drop off and pickup
November 18, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Reposted by Lanrick Bennett
adapalmer.bsky.social
Remember: they used thousands of academic books too! If you’re a scholar, check for your books too. This isn’t just novelists and pop writers, it’s academic books too!
arstechnica.com Ars Technica @arstechnica.com · Aug 27
AI advocates have warned that if every author in the class action filed a claim, it would "financially ruin" the entire industry.
Authors celebrate “historic” settlement coming soon in Anthropic class action
Advocates fear such settlements will “financially ruin” the AI industry.
arstechnica.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:32 AM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
Checking notes… Good!
November 18, 2025 at 11:50 AM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
Constituents in #TorontoDanforth are still waiting for a plan to open warming centres in our #EastEnd.

At least 15 winters (as long as I’ve lived in this ward) with a lack of empathy and zero #PoliticalWill being shown to tackle this real community issue.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Image of an encampment in Toronto Danforth at Lake Shore Blvd and Leslie St Toronto Toronto releases winter plan for unhoused people, but advocates say it won't get everybody out of the cold City to open some warming centre spaces this weekend as forecast calls for snow Muriel Draaisma, Tyler Cheese • CBC News • Posted: Nov 07, 2025 8:55 PM EST | Last: November 10 An encampment is seen in Toronto on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press) City to expand shelter system by nearly 500 beds Tanner said the city will initially expand the shelter system with about 490 new beds. When the temperature drops below - 5 C, it will open five warming centres throughout the city, which means 244 spaces. Then, when the temperature plunges to -15 C, the city will open another two warming centres that will add about another 175 surge capacity spaces.
November 18, 2025 at 11:48 AM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
100 mobility trailblazers like:

@modacitylife.com
@olord.bsky.social
@davidbelliard.bsky.social
@jonahbliss.bsky.social
@emilycherryceo.bsky.social
@deirdrecostiganmp.bsky.social
@lauhaf.bsky.social
@willnorman.co.uk

Thanks @zagdaily.com
zagdaily.com Zag Daily @zagdaily.com · 5d
In today’s newsletter we celebrate the 2nd annual edition of The Zag List spotlighting 100 mobility trailblazers redefining how we move. Plus, Laka scoops £6.5m for a European acquisition spree and Bolt gears up for a UK e-scooter debut.

Subscribe here: zagdaily.com/zag-weekly/
November 17, 2025 at 6:25 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
#HappyMonday

Sharing my collection of #IdeasAtWork video playlist for November 16th

h/t @transitthinker.bsky.social @waterfrontoronto.bsky.social @c-9.mstdn.ca.ap.brid.gy

youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Video Playlist for Nov 16th, 2025 #IdeasAtWork 1. Lake Shore Boulevard East Transformation - Waterfront Toronto 2. Safety runway expansion at Billy Bishop Airport draws concern - CityNews 3. 10 years later, there's still no tunnel connecting the UP Express to Line 2 - CBC News Toronto 4. Ontario’s speed camera ban takes effect today - CBC News 5. The First Eglinton Crosstown Station Is Open! - Transitthinker 6. East Harbour Transit Hub takes shape in Toronto - Metrolinx 7. Who has the worst commute in Canada? - CBC Marketplace Image of Lake Shore Blvd in a reconfigured manner with blue arrows showing directions of movement Image of Toronto Island Airport with graphics that show the portions that will be extended City News Image of a long traffic jam on a highway "CBCNEWS Canada's Worst Commute Marketplace"
November 17, 2025 at 12:57 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
My good friend Jess reading out names of innocent ppl who have a lost their lives to road violence.

Candles represent lives lost.

It’s so wrong when our elected reps place the convenience of drivers over prioritizing the safety of vulnerable road users.

via @ffsafestreets.bsky.social #WDoR2025
Candles in front of Queen’s Park
November 16, 2025 at 11:50 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
#IdeasAtWork

#geo_uoft Master's Students PLA1106 studio project & tools (April 2025) on "Evaluating GREEN-P Parking Lots for #AffordableHousing Development" is now PUBLIC on the #TorontoCouncil website EX24.4 @housingnowto.bsky.social
@uoftcities.bsky.social

PDF - www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis...
November 16, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Reposted by Lanrick Bennett
shawnmicallef.bsky.social
Parking! In the wknd Toronto Star I write about what to do with our underused parking lots & garages. New data shows lots profound emptiness. There’s more efficient & useful possibilities. City is already building some housing, but NIMBYs are protesting just as the sun rises. Ignore em & go harder.
Shawn Micallef: Let’s fix it: Toronto has more underused parking lots than you’d think. Here’s how to use them better
The subject of parking still seems to drive a lot of what happens in Toronto politics, but the underused lots around the city could be put to better use.
www.thestar.com
November 16, 2025 at 3:40 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
#HearThis Sharing 3 pieces of Black specific content with my kids this week.

1. Local Climate Heroes
2. Celebrate Prince w/ a Limited-Edition Library Card
3. Black joy & mental health research

I think these stories are all worth #Amplifying

h/t @uoftcities.bsky.social
medium.com/@lanrickbenn...
THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16TH #HEARTHIS SHARING 3 PIECES OF BLACK SPECIFIC CONTENT WITH MY KIDS THIS WEEK Local Climate Heroes Underrepresent Perspectives Unique Solutions A short-fim featuring CEED Canada Image of woman wearing glasses LIMITED- EDITION Prince library card Prince playing a guitar KNOWLEDGE Caffé Mercedes Sobers
November 16, 2025 at 2:06 PM
lanrickbennett.bsky.social
We own this #TorontoDanforth We own it! smh
‪
"There is no "Three Strike Rule" on human rights, and I remind City Council that the provisions of the Waterloo ruling re: encampments don't extend to just any offer of shelter — it must be *truly* accessible shelter." @dianacmcnally.bsky.social
graphicmatt.com Matt Elliott @graphicmatt.com · 9d
Councillor Fletcher's motion to prioritize encampment removals for those having a significant impact within 50 metres of a school, daycare, or playground, and to make a max of three offers of shelter, CARRIES 14-5.
November 15, 2025 at 9:52 PM