April 14, 2008
[If you are having trouble reading this message please click here]
Recent TCAT activities and news items:
- Annette Street Bike Lanes - Public Meeting, April 17
- Jarvis Streetscape Improvement - Bike lane update
- Bike Summit 2008 - There's still time to register!
- Chicago Takes a Stand Against Dooring and other dangerous traffic offences - New ordinance passed
- Metrolinx Green Paper Consultation Extended
1. Annette Street Bike Lanes - Public Meeting, April 17
As reported in the March 17th TCAT News e-Bulletin, there are bike lanes proposed, as part of the Bikeway Network, for Annette Street in Etobicoke. From this month's Cyclometer:
You're invited to a Public Open House to review and provide comments on a proposal to install bicycle lanes on Annette Street between Jane Street and Dundas Street West. This is part of a 3.5 kilometre east-west bikeway planned for installation this summer.
- Date: Thursday, April 17
- Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Annette Recreation Centre, 333 Annette Street.
For more information or to provide comment e-mail bikeplan@toronto.ca or fax 416-392-4808.
2. Jarvis Streetscape Improvement - Bike lane update
Following a large volume of communication from the cycling community to the City's consultation team working on the Jarvis Streetscape Improvement Environmental Assessment, the City has responded. It appears that the City has taken a position whereby pedestrian and cyclist needs cannot be fully met - a compromise is needed. The following is an update from the City's public consultation coordinator working on the project.
"A number of people have expressed their concern that bike lanes on Jarvis Street were not included in the proposed alternatives for this study. These concerns have been shared with members of the project team. In light of these comments, I would like to share with you information that I have received from Transportation Services.
As you know, the purpose of the Jarvis Street EA study is to improve the streetscape of Jarvis Street, from Bloor Street East to Queen Street East, to compliment development and to enhance the pedestrian environment and to establish Jarvis as a cultural corridor with an emphasis on its historical significance.
Jarvis Street, from Bloor Street to Queen Street is characterised by its many heritage properties. Jarvis Street is classified as a "Special Street" in the City's Streetscape Manual, as well as a "Cultural Corridor" is the report entitled "Canada's Urban Waterfront - Waterfront Cultural and Heritage Infrastructure Plan."
Jarvis currently has five narrow traffic lanes with a reversible center lane. The traffic analysis conducted for the EA has concluded that the reversible centre lane can be eliminated, which would reduce the number of traffic lanes from five to four. This reduction in traffic lanes will result in a modest increase in delay and travel time for motor vehicles and a reduction in reserve capacity during emergency road closures.
Eliminating the reversible centre lane will result in approximately 3.0 metres of roadway width that can be re-allocated. Providing bicycle lanes on Jarvis Street would require all of this "extra width" to be dedicated to bicycles, with 1.5 metre wide bicycle lanes in each direction, and would maintain the current roadway width. The bicycle lane alternative does not provide an opportunity to substantially improve the pedestrian realm and, therefore, it does not fully meet the objectives of the Jarvis Street EA objectives.
Although bicycle lanes are not being proposed on Jarvis Street, the EA study team recognizes the importance of improving the cycling environment on Jarvis Street. The existing curb lanes on Jarvis Street are narrow and do not provide a comfortable environment for cyclists. The preliminary preferred alternative attempts to achieve a balance by reallocating a portion of the "extra" 3.0 metres to the pedestrian realm and to the roadway. This alternative will result in a significantly improved streetscape design, a more inviting pedestrian environment and wider curb lanes to improve conditions for cyclists.
I urge you to continue to be involved in this Environmental Assessment process either through the City's site http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/jarvis/index.htm, the Facebook group and upcoming public events."
TCAT will continue to monitor this project, and urge the City not to choose between cyclists and pedestrians; instead to continue working with the community to find the best option for all road users.
3. Bike Summit 2008 - There's still time to register!
Bike Summit 2008 is on April 25th. There are still spots available to attend, but we are filling up fast.
To register, please click here
Below is a list of confirmed speakers:
- London Cycling Campaign Chief Executive Koy Thompson
- Chicago Land Bicycle Federation Chief Strategy Officer Randy Neufeld
- Principal, Alta Planning + Design Jeff Olson
- Senior Transportation Planner, City of Seattle, Peter Lagerwey
- Vélo Québec Research Director, Marc Jolicoeur
- TREK Director of Advocacy Rebecca Anderson
- Toronto City Councillor Adrian Heaps
- Transport Canada Senior Advisor David MacIsaac
- BTAC Advocacy Director Usman Valiante
- City of Toronto Manager of Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure Daniel Egan
- Metrolinx Policy & Planning Advisor Briana Illingworth
- Bike Train Initiative Project Lead Justin Lafontaine
- Town of Markham Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Chair Dwight Richardson
For speaker profiles and the schedule for the day, please visit the Bike Summit 2008 web site by clicking here.
We hope to see you there!
4. Chicago Takes a Stand Against Dooring and other dangerous traffic offences - New ordinance passed
Thanks to some work by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, Chicago now has an answer to a few big problems we all face on busy roads. Torontonians are no strangers to dooring, cars parked in bike lanes and other traffic offenses that endanger cyclists.
"Chicago cyclists are cheering passage of a significant local ordinance promising much greater protection from motorists. The legislation -- endorsed by the Mayor and city Department of Transportation -- was passed on March 12 and prohibits opening a door into moving traffic; sets a three-foot minimum passing distance; increases fines for parking in a bike lane or marked shared lane; and prohibits motorists from turning right in front of a bicyclist. The ordinance sets a minimum fine of $500 when these actions lead to a bicycle crash. The provision was a major goal of the 2015 Bike Plan, and was backed enthusiastically by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation."
For more information, please visit the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation web site by clicking here
5. Metrolinx Green Paper Consultation Extended
Metrolinx has extended the period in which they will receive comments from the public on their 'Green Papers'. The Active Transportation Green Paper is included - you can submit comments until June 13th.
To read the Green Papers and submit comments, go to the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan web site by clicking here
Cycling-related events:
If you know of other cycling or pedestrian related calendars to include, please let us know by e-mailing info@tcat.ca
TCAT News - Help spread the word!
TCAT is continually looking to increase its list of supporters. It helps to be able to say how many people and organizations support the work we do when we speak with City Councillors, City staff, and the media, or put out a publication. Please send this message to any groups or individuals you think would be interested in learning more about TCAT, receiving our weekly e-Bulletin, or volunteering with TCAT.
To learn more about TCAT, visit our web site at www.tcat.ca, e-mail info@tcat.ca or call 416.392.0290
To subscribe to TCAT News, click here
