Toronto to trial European-Style Bike Lanes
Studies show that University Ave has excess capacity, so the city will take the opportunity to test bike lanes separated from motorized traffic by a buffer zone. It’s the fear of cycling in the same lanes as motor vehicles that keep many from bicycle commuting.
Currently, University is a difficult commute; vehicles entering, exiting and turning from many angles. And, perhaps because of this excess capacity, they seem to travel faster than other traffic downtown. We know of a couple of GO Train commuters who take their Strida Folding Bikes from Union Station and head up University to work. They describe University Ave. as a “magnificent street, but scary for bikes.”
Here are most of the details from a Toronto Star article.
Toronto’s Bikeway plans
The IbikeTO blog posted an update on the meeting at Metro Hall Monday night where city staff reveal a politically ambitious bikeway plan.
We remind all mayoral candidates that it is time to implement solutions to the city’s gridlock and air quality crises, not simply use hack political judgement, satiating automobile driving voters temporarily to “uptick” your poll results.
A coherent, connected plan serves both bicycling and driver communities. From the post:
These politicians need to get with the times. The types of folk who bike are not some fringe group of white males who bike because they want a rush. A wide range of people bike, particularly in downtown where the percentage of bike commuters is above 13% in some parts. Before you whip up the hate-on, Rossi, take a look at these people and try to explain to them why they don’t exist and why you think they should just buy a car.
Survey of Toronto Cycling 1999 compared to 2009
Blog TO has posted on the recently released Ipsos Reid survey on Toronto Cycling.
Since lack of bike lanes and safety concerns appear frequently as barriers to bicycle use, one wonders how different the results of the survey would be had the city met its bike lane targets as articulated in 2001.
Raise a glass to Cycling in Toronto
Don’t miss the Toronto Cyclist’s Union Fundraiser Cocktail & Masquerade, Oct 28th at Steamwhistle’s Roundhouse.
This is an important event where you can meet change-makers and others with an affinity for bicycling in Toronto, join in a celebration of some wonderful progress to date and most importantly, your presence there will help ensure that the work continues.
Details on the event are right here
Please invite everyone you know who wants to see more cyclists, on safer streets in Toronto.
Lane envy
From Bicycle Queensland, a posting with an image of a “Copenhagen” style bike lane.
Segregated two way bike lanes are a very safe and efficient way to enhance bicycle travel. Talk about adding to quality of place. Brisbane has a population of almost 2 million and has evolved a great bicycle culture; even a website that reports on bike lane closures and news.
This posting, while having me think wouldn’t it be nice, had me checking out Copenhagenize.com, and they commented on the same post. What a nice feeling of pride…
Also from Copenhagenize.com is a post on
cycling around New York City with some lovely images of bicycle lanes in that city.
Toronto is where I do most of my bicycle commuting. As I think about my ride home tonight, I think it’d be best if quit looking at bike lanes in other cities.
Sept 29: Yonge St bike & pedestrian lane opens
It was always a bit of a deadly ride or walk from downtown, past the access points to the Gardiner to the lakefront. But, a safer and easier access to the waterfront trails opens tomorrow.
From the City of Toronto’s Media Advisory:
Ribbon cutting for Yonge Street pedestrian promenade and bicycle lanes
Media are invited to join Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre – Rosedale) as she officially opens the Yonge Street pedestrian promenade and bicycle lanes. The section of Yonge Street that has been improved is located between Front Street and Queens Quay. This significant transportation project will result in safer and more aesthetically pleasing conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
Date:Tuesday, September 29
Time:11:30 a.m.
Location: Northwest corner of Yonge Street and Harbour StreetThe project features wide sidewalks with decorative pavement, pedestrian-scale lighting and granite-clad planter boxes with seat walls. There are also groves of trees, landscaped traffic islands, new crosswalks, public art installations, and new plazas and walkways. As well, the improvements include a reconf igured Yonge Street off ramp from the Gardiner Expressway, safety and lighting improvements in the railway underpass, weather protection along new buildings, 0.6 kilometre-long bicycle lanes and bicycle parking.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. 2009 marks the 175th anniversary of Toronto’s incorporation as a city. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.
