Action Alert: Support 2021 cycling projects and ask for more!
Rendering of Martin Grove Road
The next slate of proposed 2021 cycling infrastructure will be voted on at the May 25 Infrastructure and Environment Committee (IEC) meeting. Combined, they make up just over nine kilometres of new bike lanes. Scarborough doesn’t have a single centimetre. The projects are useful connections, but not enough to meaningfully build out a safe cycling network across the city.
In March, Cycle Toronto worked with Councillor Pasternak to successfully advocate for cycling infrastructure installation to be tied to the City’s active transportation, climate, and road safety goals. This has not yet been done. In order for the City to deliver, they will have to include ambitious targets in the next phase of the Near Term Cycling Implementation Plan they are currently developing. Then they will have to provide the budget to follow through.
We have prepared a sample email for you, so please write to IEC and the Mayor now. Let them know you support cycling network expansion beyond the pandemic. It is crucial for the recovery of our city, the safety of its residents, and the vibrancy of its communities.
Write to IEC & the Mayor
Sample email at bottom
Full size map
The following roads have proposed new or upgraded cycling infrastructure:
- New protected bike lanes proposed:
- The Esplanade - Mill Street — neighbourhood bikeway with improvements for TTC and drivers as well
- Bayview Avenue
- The Esplanade
- George Street South
- Mill Street
- Chesswood Drive — a raised cycle track for safe cycling access to an industrial corridor
- Martin Grove Road — extending south from current bike lanes
- The Esplanade - Mill Street — neighbourhood bikeway with improvements for TTC and drivers as well
- Upgrade to protected bike lanes proposed:
- Rathburn Road — west of Martin Grove
- Painted bike lanes / contraflows:
- Winona Drive — neighbourhood cycling route connecting Midtown to Davenport Road bike lanes
- Woodfield Road — neighbourhood cycling route utilizing a combination of bike lanes, contra-flow bike lanes, and shared use on quiet streets
As a registered charity, Cycle Toronto continues to advocate for a better cycling city. We also deliver educational workshops and run encouragement programs like the upcoming Bike Month (May 31 - June 30). When you make a donation, you help improve cycling in Toronto and receive a tax receipt.
Sample Email to Committee
| TO: | iec@toronto.ca | |
| CC: | mayor_tory@toronto.ca | |
| BCC: | info@cycleto.ca | |
| SUBJECT: | IE22.11 - Expand the safe cycling network everywhere in Toronto | |
| BODY: |
Dear Members of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee: I support expanding cycling infrastructure. Riding a bike is an affordable, convenient, healthy way for me to get my essential trips done. It’s good for the environment too. The current slate of protected bike lanes is a good addition to the network. However, we need more ambitious expansion than this in order to meet TranformTO (climate), Vision Zero (road safety), and active transportation goals. I want to see these projects supporting residents across the city. Last year, the City of Toronto proved that it can be bold as ActiveTO bike lanes and road openings rolled out across the city. We need that continued boldness in the upcoming Near Term Cycling Implementation Plan and to have it backed up in the budget. Cycling needs to equitably reach every corner of the city: Etobicoke, Scarborough, and North York need to be included. Please support transportation in all its forms. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, YOUR NAME |