Context
Bike lanes were installed on Bloor from Shaw Street to Avenue Road as a pilot, in 2016; it was a test case for what a more complete street could look like in Toronto. It was a phenomenal success. After installation safety dramatically increased for everyone: car-to-car conflicts dropped 71%, car-to-bike conflicts dropped 61%, car-to-pedestrian conflicts dropped 55%. Spending at businesses increased. Stress on the TTC, Bloor’s main form of transportation, decreased.
After the success of the pilot, the bike lanes were made permanent. In 2020, they were extended west to Runnymede Road into the heart of Bloor West Village, and east Sherbourne Avenue connecting to the Prince Edward Viaduct and Danforth Avenue beyond. While there are still improvements to be made, it’s becoming a more people-centred place with people walking, biking, and dining on Bloor.
What’s next?
Bridging the gap from Runnymede west to existing bike lanes around Six Points in Etobicoke is the next step to make. Protected bike lanes are needed to give people in Toronto’s western communities better transportation access and spaces that work better for them.
Improved infrastructure along Bloor to Kipling Avenue would provide safer access to the Humber River Trail and Royal York Road bike lanes; it would connect numerous parks, businesses, and homes along the way.
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