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September’s edition of Ring & Post features an urgent call to action, a look back on our 2024 Big Toronto Bike Ride, and a peek at some recent bikeway upgrades around town. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
- A Message from the Executive Director
- “I Love Bike Lanes”
- The Big Toronto Bike Ride 2024 presented by Bike Law Canada
- Taking a look at summer 2024 bikeway upgrades
- Cycle Toronto answers questions from the community
- Cycle Toronto deputes at Toronto Police Services board meeting
- Just for Fun: How a Bike Lane is Born #6
- Social media Spotlight
- In the Media
- Events
A Message from the Executive Director
21%.
That’s my top takeaway from a recent Toronto Region Board of Trade Ipsos poll about traffic congestion in Toronto and across the GTHA.
Yes, the headlines scream that 86% of respondents agree that there is a traffic and congestion crisis in the region. (Note the survey's reach extends beyond Toronto residents.)
And 61% say their biggest concern are long and unpredictable journey times. Others were increased costs (45%), stress (40%), pollution (37%), and safety concerns (36%).
But when asked about the causes of congestion, folks can see plainly what’s right in front of them: 68% say too much construction and mismanagement of construction schedules, and 57% say too many cars and trucks on the road.
We wholeheartedly agree. Our transportation systems need to be more predictable, more cost effective, less stressful, cleaner, and healthier. Construction zones need to be safer and better coordinated. And too many people don’t have convenient options to choose not to drive.
Here’s the kicker. Only 21% see the main reason for traffic congestion being [and we quote] “other on-street uses (e.g. bike lanes, parking, CafeTO)”. To restate the obvious. That’s not even 21% blaming just bike lanes. That includes on-street parking and business-boosting initiatives like CafeTO.
Even with bike lanes consistently and without evidence being blamed for the problem, the majority of folks refuse to take the bait.
But the proposed provincial legislature to limit where municipalities could build new bike lanes (and possibly remove existing bike lanes) is an existential threat to healthier and more vibrant communities. It could represent the biggest set-back since the removal of the Jarvis, Pharmacy, and Birchmount bikeways over a decade ago. It will also fail to keep Toronto moving by instead limiting the tools municipalities have to tackle these issues.
We know we’re not going to tunnel our way out of this problem.
Michael Longfield
Executive Director
“I Love Bike Lanes”
Reports have come out that the Ontario government plans to bring forward legislation that could block the installation of new bike lanes (and even remove existing ones). This represents a massive overreach that would severely limit the ability of Toronto and municipalities across the province to expand their networks of safe and protected bike lanes.
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- Bike lanes are good for business
- They’re good for the environment
- They’re good for public and personal health
- They give us freedom and mobility
- Bike lanes save lives
Help us tell the province to stay in their lane.
We’ve already collected over 6,000 signatures. Add your name to our petition today:
The Big Toronto Bike Ride 2024 presented by Bike Law Canada
(Riders prepare to depart.)
Thank you to all who made The Big Toronto Bike Ride 2024 presented by Bike Law Canada a ride to remember. Thank you Bike Law Canada, Toronto Hydro, and Curbside Cycles for your support. And thank you to our prize partners MEC Canada and the Canadian Opera Company.
This year, we rode from Woodbine Beach to Villiers Island to test out some new cycling infrastructure that recently opened to the public, before heading to our post-ride social for some snacks, drinks and a game of trivia.
See you at next year’s Big Toronto Bike Ride!
(Riders cross the new Commissioners Street bridge.)
(Banana riders depart Woodbine Beach.)
Taking a look at summer 2024 bikeway upgrades
We often talk about new cycling infrastructure and how it can transform communities by making riding a bike safer and more convenient. But sometimes, upgrades to already-existing bikeways can be just as impactful.
Several prominent bikeways have been upgraded around Toronto over the course of the summer of 2024. Have a look at some of the changes on our website.
(University Avenue looking south.)
Cycle Toronto answers questions from the community
In mid-September, Cycle Toronto Executive Director Michael Longfield took part in an “AMA” on Reddit. AMA stands for “ask me anything” and is a chance for members of a certain community to ask an expert about their area of expertise. In this case, members of the Toronto Reddit community asked Michael anything they had on their mind about cycling in Toronto.
(Users must submit photo evidence proving it’s “really them”.)
Plenty of interesting discussion took place at the AMA, including questions and answers from Michael regarding bike lane skeptics, the rapid rise of micromobility devices, bike parking, and more. Read the full conversation here.
Cycle Toronto deputes at Toronto Police Services Board
Back in September, Cycle Toronto deputed at the Toronto Police Services Board regarding their multi-year hiring strategy, making the case that more of the current police budget should be allocated to the City of Toronto’s transportation department. This new funding could be used to help support the expansion of the Traffic Agent Program, and more automated enforcement technologies which are currently deployed as a way to curb speeding and red light running. They could also be used to enforce illegal bike lane parking.
Cycle Toronto Executive Director addressed TPS board members at the meeting to speak on the TPS’ budget strategy.
(Summary of 2024 proposed budget and staffing levels. Image: TPS)
Just for Fun: Hearing from the Experts
Welcome back to How a Bike Lane is Born, the investigative series where we try to understand, and then explain, how new bike infrastructure comes to be. From the earliest line on a map to the final flexpost, no stone will be left unturned.
Our first editions focused on the future Portland Street bikeways’ historical context, its community consultations, its first trip to City Hall for the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, its dramatic appearance at City Council, and most recently, its birth.
In this sixth edition of How a Bike Lane is Born, we sit down for a chat with some of the engineers working day and night to get this bike lane built.
(City of Toronto engineer Kasra Khajavi. Image: LinkedIn)
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:
(An Instagram reel showcasing the new Villiers Island bridges we rode at The Big Toronto Bike Ride. Note: Click image to watch video.)
(A Twitter post regarding the proposed provincial legislation that would block new bike lanes across Ontario. Note: Click image to watch video.)
In the Media
Critics slam Ford’s proposal to block new bike lanes to fix traffic problems | National Observer
Doug Ford makes several exaggerated claims about Toronto bike lanes | CBC
We must combat congestion. If that means stifling a fast, non-polluting form of transit, then so be it | The Globe and Mail
Le gouvernement Ford fait-il fausse route sur les pistes cyclables? | Le Droit
Gardiner Expressway to be closed for 35 hours this weekend | CBC
Drivers are licensed, so why aren’t cyclists? | The Globe and Mail
Events
Stay up to date with all our upcoming events by checking out our calendar. Here are just a few highlights for October:
Get Lit! Presented by Toronto Hydro
The days are getting shorter, and that means Get Lit! presented by Toronto Hydro is around the corner!
Riding with front and rear after dusk and before dawn isn’t just the law. It makes sense. We’ll be across the city handing out complimentary bike lights along with some educational materials and will demonstrate how to perform safety checks for those who may not have access to a bike shop but want to get riding. Check out the full Get Lit! schedule on our website.
Cycle Toronto Members Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, 8:00 pm
Where: The Internet
Cycle Toronto is the process of bringing our by-laws in line with Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) proclaimed in October 2021. A members meeting is being held virtually on October 15th to record the vote. These changes are intended to ensure compliance, and will not impact the day-to-day operations or advocacy direction of our charity. Our core mission and objectives will remain unchanged.
You must be a Cycle Toronto member in good standing to attend and vote. Not a member? You can join or renew today. If you’re unsure about your membership status, please contact [email protected].
Ride to Fall Fest
When: Saturday, October 19th, 2024, Meet: 11:00 am; Ride: 11:30 am
Where: Tom Riley Park parking lot, 3220 Bloor St. W.
Join Cycle Toronto and Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition (TCBC) for a family-friendly 5 km ride through Etobicoke to Deputy Mayor Morley's Fall Fest outdoor festival with free food, music, and fun activities. Complimentary Bike Valet onsite.
Christie Cross
When: Sunday, October 27th, 2024, 12:00 pm
Where: Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor St. W.
Cyclo-cross racing is back in Toronto at one of the most popular and beloved parks downtown. Cyclo-cross is a style of bike racing especially popular in Belgium done on drop-bar bikes with knobbing tires over mud and grass and sand and hills. This Ontario Cycling sanctioned event has plenty of space for spectators to watch the event. Plus riders new to bike racing can try for themselves with a FREE ANY BIKE TRY A LAP sponsored by Cycle Toronto.
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.
