Ides 38: Jack Layton’s Post and Ring

Jack Layton is remembered as one of Canada’s most authentic and inspiring political leaders. Less well-known, perhaps, was his pioneering advocacy for cyclist equity and safety. As a Toronto Alderman the 1980s, he organized the city’s first cycling committee (a legacy carried on by his son, Mike) and collaborated with designer David Dennis in introducing the now-ubiquitous Post and Ring bicycle locks.

In 1987, Layton biked to victory in a 6km race to Nathan Phillips Square against two other city councillors; one travelling by car, another by TTC. This was no publicity stunt. Jack owned no car, & had been commuting almost exclusively by bicycle for years, a practice he continued for the rest of his life, often spotted riding a tandem bike with his wife, Olivia.

Jack moved on to federal politics, but not before he created the ambitious Bike Plan. Though it has yet to be fully realized, his plan laid out a vision for the kind of optimally bike-friendly city Toronto will one day become. For Bike Month, we wanted to pay tribute to Jack’s tireless dedication to cycling, and Mike Layton helped us decide on this hazy, pillowy and juicy New England IPA, dry-hopped with Azacca, Huell Melon and Citra hops. A portion of proceeds from every can goes to Cycle Toronto. Cheers, Jack! We wish you were here to enjoy this beer with us.