This past Thursday, February 22nd marked the 16th anniversary of the incorporation of the Toronto Cyclists Union (the official launch would happen later in May). The group was formed during Mayor David Miller’s tenure to build a collective, citywide voice to counter growing frustration of Toronto’s failure to implement its official bike plan.

From the start, membership was key to the organisation’s advocacy strength and sustainability, and membership will be essential to achieve that vision a safer, greener city for everyone. 

Not a Cycle Toronto member? There’s no better time to join.

(Councillor Holyday’s cycling network plan meeting brought out the worst in terms of anti-cycling rhetoric.)

Dear Cycle Toronto members:

Last week, you may have seen some troubling footage from Councillor Stephen Holyday’s Ward 2 cycling network plan public consultation. Cycle Toronto was there. The event was advertised as a forum for the Councillor to “provide information and gather feedback” on the ward's cycling projects - but it immediately devolved into chaos. The event featured endless heckling, climate conspiracies, casual threats of violence, and even a suggestion that "the truckers" be called about the new Bloor West bike lanes.

That night was an unfortunate reminder that our dream of a safe cycling city for all is still far from reality and none of our past successes can be taken for granted. And your membership matters more now than ever. 

On behalf of the entire organisation, I want to offer a sincere thank you for your support. Your membership helps counter the vocal minority who try to make cycling and cyclists another target in the culture wars. In the last mayoral election, some candidates tried to use bike lanes as a wedge issue to divide us. Luckily, over 85% of voters rejected their tactics. With a louder voice, we can continue to fight against misinformation and continue to use cycling and active transportation to bring Torontonians together.

Read on to find out about how your membership is helping lead the change to build a safer city for cycling in 2024 and beyond.

-Michael Longfield, Executive Director

Toronto Budget

On February 14th, Toronto City Council adopted its 2024 budget. Cycle Toronto deputed on the importance of funding the cycling network plan, and ultimately $31 million was allocated for cycling infrastructure, which is up from $20 million in 2023. That’s a big win for active transportation!

(An infographic showing an increase in cycling infrastructure funding in 2024’s budget.)

Dollar for dollar, bikeways are one of the best investments a city can make for tackling climate change, easing traffic congestion, and improving the physical and mental health of our communities. 

100 km of new bikeways, including Eglinton and Danforth-Kingston, were approved over 2 years ago. With increased funding for cycling projects this year, there should be no more delays - this is the year to get these projects built.

2024 Major Campaigns

As part of the Council approved 2022-2024 Cycling Network plan, Torontonians are still waiting for two transformational projects to break ground:

• Danforth-Kingston Complete Street Extension in Scarborough
• eglintonTOday Complete Street project in midtown

These projects both reflect years of advocacy from Cycle Toronto, our partners, and folks who want more safer, accessible transportation options in their neighbourhoods. “Complete Streets” aren’t just about cycling: they’re better pedestrian infrastructure, additional traffic calming, improved transit access, and general streetscape improvements. Both projects represent key additions to a more equitable active transportation network extending outside the downtown.

(A map of the Bloor-Danforth-Kingston bikeways. Image: City of Toronto)

It’s crucial the Mayor and your councillor know they have your support for these key Complete Streets projects.

Add your name to the grassroots campaign for Danforth-Kingston 4 All:

Add your name to show your support for an Eglinton for everybody:

2025-2027 Cycling Network Plan: 150km

Torontonians want a more vibrant, friendlier public realm. We want to ease traffic congestion and give people more transportation options. We want to achieve net zero for a greener, healthier future. We want to connect communities from downtown to the suburbs. We want to eliminate road violence and make VisionZero a reality. And we know bikes can do that.

But in order to accomplish this, we are calling on Mayor Chow and City Council for an even more ambitious vision for the 2025-2027 Cycling Network Plan and to build at least 150 km total and average over 50 km of new bikeways a year.

(Map of Major City-Wide Cycling Routes)

Even with the recent expansion of the cycling network, there are still too many parts of the city where making even a short bike trip feels unsafe or impossible. Without safe, protected cycling infrastructure to enable more people to choose to ride a bike in Etobicoke, York, North York, and Scarborough, we will fail to meet our city’s road safety goals and climate action targets. 

Other major cities like Montréal under Mayor Valérie Plante and Paris under Mayor Anne Hidalgo are making headlines and transforming communities by creating friendlier public realms that embrace active transportation. Toronto cannot be left behind. Add your name:

Construction Zone Safety

Construction is inevitable in a growing city like Toronto. Without it, new housing could not be built, roads could not be repaired, and transit could not be expanded. More housing and transit upgrades are essential to the growth and vibrancy of our city. But none of this should come at the expense of safety and mobility.

We’ve increasingly heard from folks who are concerned that vulnerable road users including bikes are being put at risk by poorly planned or poorly managed work zones without providing a safe passage for people walking, rolling, or biking.

(Cycle Toronto and partners hold a press conference at City Hall about construction zone safety.)

We’ve had key wins recently on Yonge, Bloor, and Strachan making on keeping sidewalks and bikeways open, and are making progress on pushing the city for more long term solutions.Help keep our city moving by signing our Construction Zone Safety petition now:

2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for cycling in Toronto. Continue to stay updated by signing up to our monthly newsletter, The Ring & Post.