Jon Love C.M.’s Post

The concept of increasing bike utilization is an interesting concept. I would rather ride my bike when going downtown than drive, but I have no confidence my bike will still be there upon my return. Diamond based saws can cut through the best locks in seconds. No one ever talks about proving a secure place to store your bike. Utilization of empty bike likes would increase dramatically if people felt their bicycle would be safe. I don't, so I drive.

Built it and they will come.

Use transit Jon, you’re taking the inefficient mode of transport and causing traffic.

Has anyone studied how frequently bike lanes are actually used? Oh and winter time?

What Mayor are you referring to ?? 

What does that data show?

Why do you think people would be riding bikes on Poplar Plains - a 1km detour from Avenue (which by the way does not exist south of Bloor) via Bloor, Bedford, and Davenport (all of which have no or inadequate bike lanes) when Queens Park and the core is a straight shot up Avenue with significantly fewer stops and left turns? It's always a wonder to me why proponents of clearing gridlock refuse to support getting cars OFF the road and insist that adding space for MORE cars is the solution.

There is a reason there is little bike traffic southbound on Avenue Rd. and that is the construction between College and Queen has completely eliminated the bike lane and bikes need to merge with cars, so it feels much safer to come south on Bay! I've certainly seen a lot of bike traffic northbound on Avenue Rd, as well as southbound south of Queen. When the construction ends (if it ever does!) and there is a continuous bike lane again, I fully expect to see the bikes in both directions.

After having just moved back to Canada from living in Europe for years, I find it astonishing how Canadians hate cyclists and complain that our cities aren’t drivable anymore. Our cities are consistently congested because people are still stuck to the idea that driving is a fundamental right as a North American yet most European cities I’ve seen are much less congested, have much safer streets for cycling, fantastic public infrastructure, greater urban density, etc. North Americans have badly failed at urban planning for the most part. Look at most major North American cities, NYC, LA, Toronto, Vancouver, etc. They’re simply not drivable. Eliminate cars as much as possible, increase density, build public transit around new dense areas, make public transit a community good and build communal pride around it, and build cycling lanes everywhere. Look at Switzerland, the population sees driving as something for the broke and public transit as a national jewel. Canadians, we hate it the moment people talk about building new subway stations. Why, new subways reduce the value of our beautiful single family homes and who would want that 🤔 like they say, Not In My Backyard

I understand the concerns about placing bike lanes on Avenue Road where visible bike traffic is minimal during rush hours. However, we must consider bike lanes as part of a broader, forward-thinking approach to urban planning. These lanes ensure safety and promote sustainable transport options, irrespective of their usage during peak times. By implementing bike lanes, we're not only looking out for current cyclists but also encouraging “potential” riders who may feel deterred by safety concerns on busier roads. Investing in bike lanes across all parts of the city, including quieter or less-used areas, underlines a commitment to equitable city planning. This ensures that everyone’s mobility needs are valued and protected, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Let’s engage with community leaders and figures like Mayor Chow to advocate for a balanced and visionary approach that champions safety and accessibility for all residents. As the saying goes, let’s sow the seeds today so our children can reap the benefits of a safer, healthier, and more accessible tomorrow. I wish my daughter to ride her bicycle to her university in future, knowing she can do so safely and freely and there is option to choose.