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In February’s edition of the Ring & Post we reminisce about a memorable ride, delve into the details of this month’s City Council meeting, and check out the city’s 2024 cycling infrastructure budget. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
- Message from Executive Director
- Coldest Day of the Year recap
- Toronto Budget
- 2024 Major Campaigns
- City Hall Updates
- February Community Consultations
- Upcoming Community Consultations
- Just for Fun
- In the Media
- Social Media Spotlight
- Events
Message from Executive Director
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. On behalf of the staff and volunteer team at Cycle Toronto today, I acknowledge we are standing on the shoulders of giants.
From the start, membership was key to the organisation’s advocacy strength and sustainability. Did you know that as of 2021, Cycle Toronto is a registered charity? Official tax receipts for 2023 individual memberships will be issued via email next week (Tax receipts for donations including for Big Toronto Bike Ride were already issued through Canada Helps). If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at [email protected]. Thank you so much for your support.
Not a member? There’s no better time to join and get your 2024 tax receipt. Toronto has seen historic progress in its cycling network over the past years, but the gaps and inequity of that expansion are even more glaring. Change is hard, and consultation is crucial so folks feel they have a stake in the transformations happening in their communities. It’s essential that Mayor Oliva Chow and our public leaders feel supported to make the bold changes we need to make Toronto a more liveable city for everyone. Cities around the world are transforming their streets. Don’t let Toronto get left behind. Become a Cycle Toronto member today and keep our wheels turning.
Michael Longfield
Executive Director
(Toronto Cyclists Union Founder Dave Meslin and Coordinator Rick Conroy. Image: ibiketo.ca)
Coldest Day of the Year Ride - Thank you!
This year’s Coldest Day of the Year Ride was a great success – 210 of you (according to the bicycle counter on Bloor) came out to celebrate winter biking with us and show that cycling is truly a year round activity. Thank you to Councillor Morley and her team for coming out to ride alongside us on the newly installed Bloor Street West bike lanes. And thank you to our event partners Smart Commute, Bike Share, Meridian for your support. And while the sunny and temperate weather made for an extremely pleasant ride, it also highlighted the urgency with which we collectively need to tackle the climate crisis and the role bikes can play as part of the solution.
To quote Cycle Toronto Executive Director, Michael Longfield, “We were able to ride eight kilometres from Etobicoke to the edge of downtown all on safe bike lanes. That’s really something to celebrate!”
(Coldest Day riders enjoy the ride on a beautiful February day. Image: Jun Nogami)
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)
The clock is ticking for Mayor Chow and City Council. The city was due to report on Eglinton in fall 2023, but no report came to committee. Public consultations for Danforth-Kingston were due to start in early 2024, but as of today no date is set. It’s crucial the Mayor and your councillor know they have your support.
Add your name to the grassroots campaign for Danforth-Kingston 4 All:
Add your name to show your support for an Eglinton for everybody:
(An illustration of a complete street in the Toronto context. Image: City of Toronto)
City Hall Updates
2024’s first quarter cycling network projects passed 23 -1 at February’s City Council meeting, with Councillor McKelvie remarking that it may have been Toronto City Council’s shortest bike infrastructure debate of all time.
(A map of the 2024 first quarter cycling network plan. Image: City of Toronto)
Two more cycling-related items passed at February’s City Council: one on keeping all types of cycling infrastructure clear of snow, and one on making Bike Share’s payment structure more equitable. FInally, Councillors vote to pave the way for an expansion of the Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera programs,
We continued our advocacy work to keep construction zones safe for vulnerable road users this month, with a particularly concerning proposal to close a key segment of cycle tracks at Bloor and Dufferin.
Read more about February’s advocacy work in greater detail on our website.
February Community Consultations
Parkside Drive
On February 1st, the City of Toronto held a public drop-in to garner feedback on potential changes to Parkside Drive on the east side of High Park. While a full road reconfiguration is still 10 years away, in the interim the City is considering implementing two-way cycle tracks, improvements at major arterial intersections with Parkside, and public transit improvements.
(A rendering of a potential cycle track on Parkside Drive. Image: City of Toronto)
Ellesmere Road
Ellesmere Road in east Scarborough is due for road work in 2026 from Orton Park Road and Kingston Road, creating an opportunity for changes to be implemented that would lead to a safer and more accessible neighbourhood. The City of Toronto held a public consultation that featured plans for new sidewalks, protected cycle tracks and a multi-use trail to connect to the Meadoway and the existing multi-use trail east of Orton Park Rd.
(Some of the proposed changes on Ellesmere. Image: City of Toronto)
Upcoming Community Consultations
March 4 - Oakwood Village Streets Plan
A public drop-in event for community members to share feedback on potential changes to traffic operations and street designs in Oakwood Village on Monday, March 4.
March 5 - West Parkdale Cycling Connections
A public drop-in event regarding a proposal to connect a gap in the cycling network from The Queensway to Brock Street on Tuesday, March 5.
(A rendering of potential changes at Seaforth Avenue and O’Hara Avenue. Image: City of Toronto)
March 7 - Leaside Bridge to Danforth Avenue Cycling Connections
A public drop-in event focused on connecting the Thorncliffe Park Neighbourhood to bikeways on Cosburn Avenue and the Bloor-Danforth corridor via the Leaside Bridge on Thursday, March 7.
Just for Fun: How a Bike Lane is Born #2
There is nothing quite like that first ride on the fresh asphalt of a new bike lane. But have you ever wondered how that bike lane came to be? Of course you have - you’re a Ring & Post reader!
In this investigative series, we will try to understand, and then explain, just how a bike lane is born. From the earliest line on a map to the final flexpost, no stone will be left unturned.
In our first edition, we established our main character: Portland Street.
(Community members are encouraged to note their thoughts on the project with pen and paper. Some comments are insightful, some are passionate.)
The second edition of How a Bike Lane is Born focuses on the project’s community consultations. Read it now on our website:
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 Instagram post featuring clips from the Coldest Day of the Year Ride.)
(An Instagram post highlighting the City of Toronto’s High Park recreational cycling pilot.)
Note: Click on the above screenshots to access the posts.
In the Media
Cycle Toronto holds its 'Coldest Day of the Year Ride' as city experiences another unseasonably warm winter day | Toronto Star
'A huge, huge issue:' Growing number of food delivery bikes on GO trains sparking safety concerns | CP24
Toronto bike share price hike hasn’t damaged growth: report | Global News
Video shows SUV driving in bike lane in Toronto | CTV
Events
They Cycle Fundraiser and Movie Night
They Cycle's Fill The Podium program breaks down barriers to participation for gender-diverse cyclists through financial support, education, and, most importantly, community. Apply for it after March 1st. Any attendee that makes a donation over $5 will have the opportunity to win prizes donated by local businesses. Register by clicking here.
Date: Thursday, February 29th
Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm, Showtime at 7:00 pm
Location: Patagonia at 500 King St. W
Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Ring & Post. Feel free to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and stay updated by checking our website.
And as always, every donation counts to help us continue the work you've read about in this newsletter.
Cycle Toronto
