Toronto’s recently-introduced CurbTO initiative is intended to make it safer for all of us to navigate the intersection of Bloor & Bathurst. The City has now launched a companion initiative, ActiveTO, “to introduce spaces for the use of pedestrians and cyclists across the city” such as closing some major roads, creating “quiet streets” for local traffic only, and providing temporary active cycling lanes. Councillor Layton has already sent a letter with feedback to transportation services, but is appealing for suggestions of sites in our neighbourhood where more space is needed to allow cyclists and pedestrians to manage with safe distancing in mind. Suggestions can be directed to Councillor Layton or PARA before Monday.
ActiveTO is about making sure people have space to get outside, have space to get around while respecting physical distancing, and – when it comes to the larger bike lane projects – that we have a safety valve when it comes to the TTC.
City of Toronto News Release, May 6, 2020
ActiveTO Initiatives
Creating Quiet Streets
These will be local routes with traffic calming measures that will enable local car traffic only and open up space for pedestrians and cyclists. These projects will roll out fairly quickly and the initial target will be 50 kilometres of quiet streets.
Major streets for active transportation
Transportation Services staff and Toronto Public Health recommend closing some major roads adjacent to major trails or recreational attractions where crowding on weekends and holidays has been observed. These would include some locations with complete closures to all car traffic and would be delivered through recurring short-term road closures, such as on weekends. When this happens, on a trial basis, staff will be monitoring adjacent routes with real-time data and will make adjustments as necessary.
Expanding cycling network
More bike lanes will help people move around the city as the restart gets underway. This plan would see the cycling network expanded and temporary active transportation lanes installed. The City will expand and accelerate key parts of the council-approved Cycling Network Plan, that connect the cycling network, as well as bikeways that mirror major TTC routes.