cycling infrastructure

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.

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This is a guest blog post, originally written by Laura Fylyshtan, volunteer writer, for pointA.

Not far from my house is the lovely multi-use West Dean Trail. A gently winding path tucked between residential neighbourhoods, this trail connects to the Eglinton West Trail which in turn connects to the Mid-Humber Trail. As far as recreation goes, it is possible for me to cycle for quite some time along safe and enjoyable routes. I am very fortunate.

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Cycle Toronto recently submitted feedback on the draft design of the Bloor West Bikeway Extension. We’re thrilled to see the highly successful and heavily-used bike lanes between Avenue Rd and Shaw St extended to Runnymede Rd and we’re strongly supportive of the planned extension.

This extension will grow transportation choices outside of the downtown core, connect neighbourhoods, and enable residents, businesses, and visitors to experience all the benefits that the current Bloor St bike lanes already provide.

Rendering of the proposed design at the intersection of Borden St and College St, looking west.

The City of Toronto has proposed building contra-flow bike lanes on Borden St and Brunswick Ave. As part of the project, a short, two-way cycle track is also proposed on College St to connect Bellevue Ave to Borden St. This will make it easier for someone to cross College St at a signalized intersection.

Cycle Toronto supports this project as it will:

The big question: who’s allowed in bike lanes?

As Toronto gets busier and denser, our streets must evolve to accommodate many types of mobilities. Electric bikes and scooters are increasing in popularity and are a great option for people to get around the city, and could contribute to reducing the number of cars on the road.

However, there is a lack of clarity around what types of vehicles can travel in bike lanes, cycle tracks, and trails. The information gap is causing confusion and frustration.

What's happening with the Vehicles-for-Hire Bylaw?

The City of Toronto is reviewing the Licensing of Vehicles-for-Hire Bylaw (Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 546 PDF), and invited input from individuals and groups. Feedback will be used to inform updates to the Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw in a report going to the General Government and Licensing Committee in June 2019. The bylaw provides regulations for taxicabs, limousines and private transportation companies (PTCs), such as Lyft and Uber.

We got bike lanes on Bloor. Now let's extend them westward to High Park! 

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