June 3: Public Works and Infrastructure Committee Considers Walking & Cycling Reports

On June 3rd, TCAT will be addressing the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the following four issues:

1. Motorized Bicycles on Sidewalks. TCAT supports the Toronto Pedestrian Committee's recommendation that no bicycle that includes a motor of any kind be allowed to travel on the sidewalk. For more info, see this recent Toronto Star article.

2. 2009 Bikeway Network Program. The Committee is being asked to approve 24 km of new bicycle lanes (including Bloor Street West from Mill Road to Beamish Drive) and to approve the installation of contra-flow bicycle lanes on several streets in the west end (including Argyle, Bellwoods, Florence, Gladstone and Shaw). Progress!

3. Toronto Public Bicycles Project. Transportation Services is seeking authorization to enter into negotiations with the Public Bicycle System Company (BIXI) to reach an agreement on operating a public bicycle system in Toronto, to be launched in Spring 2010. This is exciting news and TCAT supports the implementation of a new bicycle sharing program in Toronto. Last year, TCAT hosted a community forum and stakeholder roundtable entitled "Bikes as a Public Good: What is the future of public bike sharing in Toronto?" A system such as Bixi's that is financed without the use of advertising was the preferred option. TCAT's summary report can be found here.

4. Toronto Bike Plan - New Strategic Directions. Transportation Services' reports on its Bike Plan priorities for 2009 to 2011, including a brief update on Bloor-Danforth. Instead of moving into action, the report calls for yet another study before proceeding with implementing bike lanes on Bloor Street. The report identifies the goal of "maintaining the existing parking and traffic capacity" along the Bloor-Danforth corridor. This, despite the fact that the Clean Air Partnership's recent research report found that only 10% of patrons drive to the Bloor Annex neighbourhood.

The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee agenda can be viewed here.