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April’s edition of the Ring & Post features an invite to one of our most important events of the year, an update on Eglinton, and discussion on some new cycling infrastructure that will be installed this year. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
- Message from Executive Director
- Annual General Meeting - May 8th
- Alex Amaro Cycling Kindness Award
- Eglinton
- Danforth-Kingston
- Cycling Projects Pass at City Council
- April City Hall Updates
- Partner Spotlight: Fix Coffee + Bikes
- Just for Fun
- In the Media
- Social Media Spotlight
- Events
Message from Executive Director
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Then there’s Elginton.
The Eglinton Complete street project, approved by Toronto City Council a decade ago, is finally coming to a vote next week. Cycle Toronto’s own Eglinton “cycling wishlist” and subsequent campaign goes back even further to at least 2012. Thank you to everyone who helped us get here. If the project is approved at Infrastructure and Environment Committee on May 2nd, its fate will be decided at City Council on May 22nd.
The impact that LRT construction has had on residents and businesses along the corridor cannot be minimized. Originally set for 2020, there’s still no firm timeline for the LRT to open. But it’s clear we’re one step closer to a transformational change through Toronto midtown that will benefit folks for decades. Voting YES to Eglinton today should be a no-brainer.
Even in 2014–before the Bloor pilot through the Annex, and long before the Danforth, University and Yonge bikeways–the idea of a complete street including bikeways along Eglinton had broad support. So much so that some leading Mayoral candidates backtracked from their opposition when it was clear it was a losing vote. The report noted:
Regardless of travel mode, participants were interested in safe and efficient movement along Eglinton Avenue. This idea was validated through the results of the second survey, where over 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with achieving a mobility mix that safely accommodates all users of Eglinton Avenue. The introduction of bicycle lanes along the entire length of Eglinton Avenue was strongly supported in the surveys, discussions with stakeholders and public consultations….
An exercise entitled ‘build a perfect street’ was carried out in the February 2013 consultation, where participants could design their ideal right-of-way, using scaled versions of sidewalks, trees and street furniture, vehicle lanes, bike lanes, and so forth. Over 90% of participants included a bike lane…
As part of a larger construction project, the delays to get this on the ground are not solely the result of political inaction. But we shouldn’t have to wait decades for the changes we need today. With the climate crisis at a tipping point and road safety in decline, Toronto needs a bold vision. We need the city to bring forward other key projects of the 2022-2024 Cycling Network Plan like Avenue and Danforth-Kingston before the end of the year. We need a more ambitious pace to accelerate the cycling network by targeting 150 km over 3 years and 50 km a year of new bikeways like Montreal, Paris, and New York. As Desmond Cole writes, “The power of organized local groups cannot be underestimated”. That power is yours. Use it today.
-Michael Longfield, Executive Director
Annual General Meeting - May 8th
(A poster for the Cycle Toronto AGM.)
Cycle Toronto's 2024 Annual General Meeting is Wednesday, May 8th at TRANZAC.
This is a members-only event featuring a year-in-review presentation, election of the Board of Directors, and approval of the financials. It’s also a great opportunity to meet your fellow members, and chat with staff and board.
Not a member? There’s no better time to join. Your support keeps our wheels turning.
This will be our first in-person AGM since 2019–and we’re excited to see you there!
Alex Amaro Cycling Kindness Award
The votes are in for the first recipient of the Alex Amaro Cycling Kindness Award!
Alexandra Mary Orme Amaro was 23 years old when she was killed in front of Dufferin Mall December 2nd, 2020 while riding her bike. A journalism student in her final year, a talented florist, and passionate cyclist, Alex embodied kindness, generosity, positivity and humbleness throughout her young life.
This award is supported by Alex Amaro’s family, McLeish Orlando Lawyers, and Cycle Toronto.
The committee received many compelling nominations, including Queer Bike Club TO, Adamo Donovan, Vanessa Gentile, Albert Koehl, and Natalie Presty. All were deemed to be worthy winners.
But another name earned the consensus of the committee. Find out who the inaugural beneficiary of the Alex Amaro Cycling Kindness Award is at Cycle Toronto’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, May 8th.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate someone in their community.
Eglinton
(A rendering of an Eglinton complete street. Image: City of Toronto)
More than a decade in the works, the Eglinton Complete Streets project including protected bikeways from Mt Pleasant to nearly Keele is getting closer to being a reality as the report will be coming to City Hall next week. We need your help to get this over the finish line! Register to depute (in person or virtually) on Thursday, May 2nd:
Deputing means giving a short speech at one of City Council’s committees. It’s one of the most effective ways to show your support (or opposition) to an item coming to City Council. Not sure about what to say or how to say it? Sign up for Cycle Toronto’s Lunch and Learn Deputation Workshop on Monday, April 29th to feel more empowered to speak your truth to power:
(An illustration of a complete street in the Toronto context. Image: City of Toronto)
Danforth-Kingston Still in Limbo
Another project part of the Council approved 2022-2024 Cycling Network Plan is the Danforth - Kingston Complete Street. Public consultations were originally scheduled for fall 2023, but despite the official city webpage saying consultations in early 2024 no date has been scheduled. Residents of Scarborough Southwest need a safe and accessible option for active transportation and a connection to The Danforth’s cycling infrastructure to the west.
We’re still campaigning with community partners to make this project a reality before the end of this year. You can help by supporting the grassroots community campaign Danforth-Kingston 4 All and add your name that calls for a safer Danforth and Kingston:
(A map of the Bloor-Danforth-Kingston bikeways. Image: City of Toronto)
Cycling Projects Pass at City Council
On April 18th, several cycling infrastructure projects that are part of the 2022 - 2024 Cycling Network Plan passed at City Council. This new infrastructure will transform their respective neighbourhoods by making active transportation safer, more convenient, and more accessible.
In a rare unanimous vote on a cycling item, the item passed 22 - 0. Now that they have been approved at City Hall, these projects will be installed later this year.
(The 22 - 0 vote on the second quarter CNP projects.)
The projects are:
- Ferrand Drive Area Safety Improvements
- Galloway Road Cycling Connections
- Portland Street / Dan Leckie Cycling Connections
- Silverthorn Cycling Connections
- Weston Cycling Connections
- Jones Avenue Cycle Track Upgrades
(A map of the 2024 Second Quarter Cycling Projects. Image: City of Toronto)
Read about the projects on our website.
Unfortunately, despite these successes, Toronto is failing to meet even its own modest targets since the rapid acceleration of new infrastructure under ActiveTO in 2020 and 2021. Key projects part of the current Council-approved 2022-2024 Cycling Network Plan like Avenue Rd. and Danforth-Kingston remain in limbo with no clear timelines for next steps. With 17.8 km installed in 2022, 19.6 km installed in 2023, and to-date only 7.8 km approved in 2024 (plus another 8.0 km if Eglinton approved), the city remains well off-pace to complete the 100 km 2022-2024 Cycling Network Plan by the end of the year–and that includes wayfinding and shared lane markings.
(2023 Cycling Year in Revenue from City of Toronto Transportation Services.)
Business as planned is not good enough. Toronto needs to get back on track. Add your name for a more ambitious vision and urge Council to accelerate the cycling network plan to target at least 150 km over three years and average over 50 km a year:
April City Hall Updates
April’s City Council meeting featured votes on cycling projects, increased fines for parking violations, and the public realm plans for underneath the Gardiner.
In a unanimous vote, a new set of cycling infrastructure projects passed at Council and will be installed later this year. Head to our site to read about the six new cycling projects that will be added to the city’s network in 2024.
The expansion of the Under Gardiner project took another step forward with Council endorsing a plan for public realm improvements all the way from Dufferin to the Don River. The plan includes a multi-use path and cycling infrastructure.
(An illustration of the Under Gardiner project plans. Image: Under Gardiner)
While the city continues to defer and delay many decisions around parking, the fine for illegally blocking a bike lane was increased to $200 (up from $150). We continue to call for more increased automated enforcement for all our traffic rules, including parking in bikeways.
Cycle Toronto was also present at the 2024 Good Roads Conference and the Coalition to Reduce Auto Size Hazards this month.
Read more about April’s advocacy in more detail on our website.
Partner Spotlight: Fix Coffee + Bikes
Fix Coffee + Bikes is now open at The Well: a brand new mixed-use community, located at the corner of Front and Spadina.
(The new Fix location at The Well. Image: Fix)
Fix is an inclusive community hub for expert bike repairs, beautiful new rides, innovative accessories, delicious coffee and tasty bites, all under one roof. In business for over seven years, Fix brings its innovative concept from its original location in Little Portugal closer to the downtown core with its second location. Fix is now open with its full service department, bike and accessory sales, and coffee bar with house-made baked goods, and on Saturday, May 4th Fix is celebrating the Grand Opening of its new location with free coffee, other drink specials, and great deals on new bikes all weekend!
The Fix team looks forward to welcoming Toronto’s diverse and vibrant cycling community at both its locations, and is excited to show off its beautifully-designed and optimally-functional new location at The Well.
Read more about Fix on their site!
(The new Fix location at The Well. Image: Fix)
Just for Fun
Did you go on a bike ride today? If you did, what did you hear? Many cyclists might have to think for a while to recall details of their sonic experience. But here on staff at Cycle Toronto we have an audio-oriented cyclist.
This month, Just for Fun delves into the sounds of cycling. Read it now on our website.
(An illustration of a singing cyclist. Image: Caitlin Chan)
Social Media Spotlight
Can’t get enough Cycle Toronto content? As we near the end of this month’s Ring & Post, you may find yourself already yearning for more. Although our newsletter is monthly, we post on our social media channels daily. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter / X, or TikTok to stay up-to-date on Cycle Toronto news and events. Here are some highlights from this month:
(A video rundown on the cycling projects that passed at City Council last week. Click image to see original post.)
(A thread on the City of Toronto TransformTO’s goals. Click image to see original post.)
In the Media
‘It made my heart hurt’: Hundreds of cyclists partake in ghost bike memorial ride to honour man killed on Bayview Avenue | Toronto Star
Are cyclists supposed to walk their bikes in crosswalks? | The Globe & Mail
New GO Transit system-wide policy on e-bikes, bicycles now in effect | CityNews
Toronto city council approves increased fines for more than 100 parking violations | CTV
The cycling revolution in Paris continues: Bicycle use now exceeds car use | El Pais
City Council and the Ground Game | The Grind
Events
Cycle Toronto’s Learn to Ride program is back!
There’s never been a better time to learn how to ride a bike.
We’re gearing up to host a series of learn to ride workshops in the city once again. Building on the successes of last year, we’re hoping to teach adults and children how to ride their bike, through barrier free programming - everyone should know the joy of biking!
Cycle Toronto’s Learn to Ride program mission is simple: to provide first-time riders with the tools, knowledge, and skills to get comfortable on a bike. Started in 2023, our Learn to Ride program is headed by a team of experienced cycling educators who provide a step by step curriculum to all participants, from helmet fits to basic rules of the road.
See the schedule below for upcoming classes.
Learn to Ride workshops in collaboration with Scarborough Cycles
When: Saturdays, April 27th, May 4th, May 11th, May 25th from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: AccessPoint on Danforth, 2079 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough
Learn more about the classes offered here.
Learn to Ride workshops with Community Place Hub
When: Thursdays, May 16th, 23rd, 30th 2024 at 4:00 - 6:30 pm (different times for different age groups)
Where: 1765 Weston Road, York
Learn more about the program here.
Special thanks to our partners, The Zita and Mark Bernstein Family Foundation, and Healthy Communities Initiative Grant, for supporting these events.
(A poster for Cycle Toronto's Learn to Ride program.)
Let's Move, Willowdale
Local charity NeighbourLink North York is collaborating with North York Seniors Centre and Councillor Cheng’s office to host a outdoor family event on Saturday May 4th. The event includes a 4 km walk, run, and 8 km bike ride from the park through the Finch Hydro Corridor followed by a BBQ featuring delicious food. There are plenty of free components including live entertainment, a caricature artist, kids activities, giant bubbles, milk tea and more! See full registration details below. Register for a chance to win incredible prizes!
When: Saturday, May 4th at 10:15 am
Where: Hendon Park (50 Hendon Avenue)
Cycle Toronto will be present at the event to help support the 8 km bike ride along the Finch Hydro Corridor trail.
Registration required. All funds raised will go towards NeighbourLink and the North York Seniors Centre’s programs targeted at alleviating social isolation for the most vulnerable in our community.
(A poster for Let's Move Willowdale.)
Jane’s Walk: Why Sidewalks Matter
Walk Toronto and Yonge4All have teamed up for a Jane’s Walk on May 4th. Beyond connecting us to work, shops, and leisure, sidewalks are urban lifelines that foster community, improve life quality, and add uniqueness to our journeys.
Join them for a walk on the newly installed complete street section of Yonge Street
to consider how elements of sidewalk design can improve, or possibly hinder, pedestrian movement and urban life.
When: Saturday, May 4th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: Yonge / Crescent Entrance to Ramsden Park
(A poster for the upcoming Jane's Walk.)
Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Ring & Post. As always, every donation counts to help us continue the work you've read about in this newsletter.
