Bloor St and Danforth is so much more vibrant since the bike lanes were installed. I have to imagine that is bullish to small restaurant and retail shops.
Agreed. I walk my dog there every day and it’s so nice not to have cars and trucks whizzing by you. I’m looking forward to patio season for that reason.
According to all actual research data, walkable and bikeable streets are good for business. Maybe start taping the research studies next to these signs.
before WFH i would use the bike share bikes to run around the city for lunch and after work. an "i biked here" sticker campaign that you attach to their receipts would be a good way to let them know they're benefitting, though as per my other posts here, i do believe parking is more money for them.
There are big parking lots directly behind all the businesses along Bloor St. They will always be parking lots because the subway is directly below them. Even a lot of the street parking was preserved with the bike lane going between the parking spots and the sidewalk. “Losing parking” is a bullshit argument.
I've seen a bunch of studies done before and after 'complete street' projects, and more bike infra/less parking always turns out to be better for local businesses.
I found one from bloor street, actually: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01944363.2019.1638816
> We find no negative economic impacts associated with the bike lanes: Monthly customer spending and number of customers served by merchants both increased on Bloor Street during the pilot.
This is not a good comparison as the Kingsway is not downtown. Comparing apples to oranges. "Downtown retail strips may therefore be suited to tolerate bike lanes and even benefit from increased retail activity. "
This is pedantic. Most of Bloor isn't exactly "downtown", but we're talking about retail strips in an urban setting. It's more like Macintoshes to Granny Smiths, at worst.
Completely disagree. Apples to Oranges. The study does not specify downtown, but I'm guessing Jarvis to Spadina. You probably have more people working in one tower in "downtown" than you have along Kingsway/Bloor West Village combined. This is the problem with these types of "studies", they keep trying to implement square pegs into round holes. You cannot hire someone from Seattle and them trying to implement what worked there in Toronto. Completely different climate, population etc
The abstract mentions it was the bit installed in 2016, which is Avenue road to Shaw, so it's a mix, but at least half of this is surrounded by low density neighbourhoods. On the other side, there is also some dense development around Bloor and Islington, so it's not *that* different.
But regardless, if your argument is that the 'complete street' design is bad for local businesses, can you find a relevant study to support this?
The 50+ businesses in the Kingsway that stated business is down doesn't count as a "study", the empty store fronts all along Bloor don't count as a "study". But heck, get the University of Toronto (who Barbara Gray is on the advisory board, no conflict of interest there) to do another "study" and everything will be fine at 10km/h on Bloor St.
TCAT also did an economic impact study in Bloor West Village which found only 20% of customers arrived by car. In case after case, merchants often overestimate how many arrive by car; probably because that's how many of them get to their businesses.
>Kingsway is not downtown. Comparing apples to oranges.
The businesses in downtown Toronto used to say "We are not NYC." And before that, the businesses in NYC used to say " We are not Amsterdam." And in the 1970s, the businesses in Amsterdam had the same complaints as you are now.
>What studies? Any recent ones in similar cities?
When NYC implement bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets, data showed that businesses also improved. Data also showed that traffic flow around Times Square also improved but interviews with taxi drivers, they said it was worse.
The same thing was replicated with bike lanes on Bloor (from Sheppard to Shaw), Danforth and removal of cars from King Street.
The same anti- bike lane arguments were used in 1971 when the Netherlands was going through their "Stop Killing Our Kids" campaign.
So it seems that local businesses just don't pay attention until it's their street.
The comparison to NYC is ridiculous. Toronto is not, nor ever will be similar to NYC. When NYC implemented bike lanes, they went from 5 one way lanes to 4. What major Toronto street has 5 lanes?
As per the King St project, it's an unmitigated disaster. Listen to the feedback now as the Gardiner & Queen St are under construction. The problem with the city is that they never admit they are wrong.
>Toronto is not, nor ever will be similar to NYC.
But all the arguments you use are all the same as those against bike lanes in NYC and in Amsterdam. And the end result in all those places are all the same too: better public safety and improved businesses.
My argument once again, is reducing one of the main roads in Toronto, Bloor St, to one lane of traffic each way is a bad idea. Not reducing a 5 lane road to 4 as in NYC. As experienced this weekend, when the subway is down, it's utter chaos. Toronto is not as densely populated as NYC and areas of the city, eg Kingsway, are not cycle conducive, regardless of how much the city pushes this ideology.
That argument in its various forms has been repeated many times around Toronto and around the world, including Amsterdam. And the end result has always been the same: improved public safety, improved business and better traffic flow.
Tell that to the people stuck on shuttle buses going 10km/h when the subway was down. How is the traffic flow around King St W/downtown Toronto. Guess that's why Toronto placed 3rd!!!! in the world in terms of worst traffic. Check out the Star article from this past weekend. Sorry, end result in Toronto will not be the same. We ain't Amsterdam, stop using that as an example.
These are once in a while occasions. While congested traffic and auto collisions occur everyday non-stop.
I'm sure that people of Tokyo, Amsterdam and NYC has had their occasion of public transit delays. But that's not a good reason to rip up all the public transit and bike lane infrastructure to put them all back into cars.
Toronto has the 3rd worse traffic congestion in the world and you'd like to keep it that way or bring it up to 2nd by doing nuthin.
Around the world, many major cities improved moving people by giving them options. People who choose to get stuck in traffic will stay stuck in traffic as others choose different available options.
And you actually know what happens when there's a disruption in transit? Car traffic gets worse. Guess why?
I'm a cyclist, and I love stopping for lunch and to shop along the bike lanes.
I won't support a business that doesn't advocate for safe bike lanes.
FFS if Manhattan has bike lanes, why not Toronto?
Im hoping that with the summer coming and some further improvements to the bike lanes, they will start to get a lot of use and people will begin to appreciate them. It's a big change for the area, and it's frustrating when traffic is super backed up, but over time I think the area will adapt.
I am pro bike lanes, but I am concerned about emergency vehicles' ability to traverse through the area with the changes. I saw an ambulance significantly delayed a few months back. There was no place for vehicles on the road to pull over and let it go past. I feel a better job could have been done in designing the roadway.
A begging the question fallacy....
BTW, I didn't say add another lane. Perhaps the solution would have been to remove street parking. My concern is that emergency vehicles do not appear to have been considered as part of the design. This is a health and safety issue and a potential civil liability.
I agree that there can be improvements made. One problem in that area of Bloor is the useless concrete median. If it wasn’t there, the cars could pull to the side and the emergency vehicles go through the middle. It should be removed but I expect the BIA will freak out over that.
But I like the big high concrete median barriers! Drivers need to learn their place. So what if their own ego's get them hung up on one, that's their problem they should've been paying attention to their driving.
They don't because of parking spots between the roadway and the bikelane. Bikelane also has barriers. Don't think emergency vehicles were considered when the roadway was redesigned.
i ride both road and mtb but
>Logic would dictate that
the likelihood of theft prevents cyclists from stopping at businesses, therefore the businesses would rather parking.
seriously, who would bike to a bar in the city???
I bike any time I plan to have even a single a drink. I even have a dedicated beater, theft deterred single speed bike I call my “pub bike”. So you would rather I drink then drive?
i've way better whisky at home so only hit the bars to eat and catch a game.
i've a beater that i use to run quick groceries.
also am honest enough to know that i'm among the few and a parking space would mean more revenue.
it's really a BS argument. the lane is there because promoting the bicycle for commuting while the only argument is still a valid argument.
Also, how many places along side Bloor are not bars? His point makes no sense because there are many destinations besides bars.
And let's say it is only bars. 100% bars. It would still make sense to have the bike lanes as part of the cycling network because people go other places and could use Bloor as their route instead of destination.
actually the whole bar spin was a landmine that I didn't really think much about because maybe I'll visit a bar once every other year. the business case for parking versus bike lanes is much stronger for non bars. the fact is, businesses are NOT witnessing or able to recognize any significant portion of their customers as cyclist. but this sub is tunneled and far too biased to be honest about the problem.
Can you explain your irrational logic here?
Because of bicycle theft, businesses gain more money from a few parking spaces that are almost exclusively taken by the business owners themselves?
Are you kidding? Bike share is cheaper than owning and maintaining your own bike (even a beater), and that way you can bike to the bar and then decide whether its bike/TTC/taxi home at your leisure.
have you see the reports of the rampant auto theft epidemic that this city is suffering from? Does the likelihood of theft prevent drivers from stopping at businesses?
I would, i have a beater that I don't mind locking outside for a bit.
And what'd you talking about theft prevents cyclists from stopping at businesses? All around the city, you'll see so many parked bikes inspite of the threat of theft.
If only we had mob rule - every time someone tries to steal a bicycle - riders could converge and deter the theft. But see police don't want that either. This is why theft goes on and on and on.
I think you are massively overestimating bike theft. Generally speaking, as long as you don't leave it locked outside all night, you're probably good. Even with Ebikes.
You just need a decent lock that can’t be cut quickly. Even thieves are hesitant to break out the angle grinder in the middle of a busy street during business hours.
I have an ebike, so I would assume it is a significant target for theft. I take it everywhere, including bars at night. A heavy ulock has been enough to keep it safe; if I'm nervous and it is nighttime I'll bring a heavy duty chain lock as well. Not that bike theft isn't a problem in this city, but with proper locks the risk can be reduced to the point I don't think about it.
Same experience. Except I always use the chain and ulock.
Also, parking in front of the bars helps to keep it safe since usually there would be more eyes on the bike (assuming it is a busy street).
that or I haven't been drunk in multiple decades so don't really think through the entire process.
still stands that I don't see bicycles and cyclist spending much at bars or any other businesses along the cycling lanes.
either way, fuck yourself.
I've been riding to bars and locking up outside them for 15 years in the city and never had my bike stolen. Of course I always ride my beater fixed gear with quick release nothing on it, and use a decent lock but I don't even worry about theft.
The big problem with parking at a bar is it just encourages drunk driving. You can't have drunk drivers in the first place if they don't visit there with a car.
first, I can't really speak to drunks because I barely do tipsy.
that said, I expect a designated, which means a group, which is far more preferred by the business owner over a single cyclist.
end of the day though, you simply do not see a bunch of patrons in any of the businesses, that are obviously cyclist.
my own experience is I ride the lanes to ride. on weekends I'll ride in groups and we'll hit an ice cream parlor, cafe or takeout to have lunch at a park. only other place I ride is for small grocery runs. 90% of the businesses then are meaningless to me while cycling and yes, I'll usually drive when I've a business need.
sure twenty somethings that do cycle might do ride and spend but again, the businesses aren't seeing "cyclist" spending in their stores.
Judging by your comment, it seems like you believe that almost all trips cycling-related are for recreation and not utility. This is the problem with this mentality. The benefits of utility cycling is often underestimated in North American culture. In the Dutch, you see all kinds of people cycle to trips that are not recreational.
There's a reason we don't see many cyclists to businesses. Because historically, infrastructure was built for cars and cycling just isn't safe. That can only change if we build infrastructure to enable such trips.
There were numerous stores that had them earlier this year, but due to "Karens" voicing their displeasure, they took them down. As the likelihood that the bike lanes are removed in the near future is very minute, it's not worth the hassle. The councillor in the area is adamant about these bike lanes, doubling if not tripling down about their effectiveness. (Side note: with the subway down in the area, traffic is crawling at best). Her hypocritical actions will lead to a very interesting next election: "Despite the staff report recommendations to not reduce the speed limit in this area, I believe in the necessity of this change for our community – especially after hearing the passionate advocacy of local residents."
I had to reply to this ill informed post.
That quote "Despite the staff report recommendations to not reduce the speed limit in this area, I believe in the necessity of this change for our community – especially after hearing the passionate advocacy of local residents" is not about Bloor street at all, but Burnhamthorpe between Kipling and Dundas.
The residents of that stretch of Burnhamthorpe have been advocating for slower speeds for years as there are a number of accidents along that stretch due to the nature of the road conditions. Even a child was recently hit in the area, so it really shows how much you know.
Also, your whole "Karens" comment doesn't even make sense as I have never heard of any people complaining about those Balance on Bloor signs and there are still many shops with them in the area.
It's perfectly fine to disagree with this project, but the level of disinformation you are spreading needs to be called out.
Bloor St and Danforth is so much more vibrant since the bike lanes were installed. I have to imagine that is bullish to small restaurant and retail shops.
Agreed. I walk my dog there every day and it’s so nice not to have cars and trucks whizzing by you. I’m looking forward to patio season for that reason.
According to all actual research data, walkable and bikeable streets are good for business. Maybe start taping the research studies next to these signs.
Poster adhesive to ensure removal is far more difficult. ;)
before WFH i would use the bike share bikes to run around the city for lunch and after work. an "i biked here" sticker campaign that you attach to their receipts would be a good way to let them know they're benefitting, though as per my other posts here, i do believe parking is more money for them.
There are big parking lots directly behind all the businesses along Bloor St. They will always be parking lots because the subway is directly below them. Even a lot of the street parking was preserved with the bike lane going between the parking spots and the sidewalk. “Losing parking” is a bullshit argument.
The sticker campaign is a cool idea
I've seen a bunch of studies done before and after 'complete street' projects, and more bike infra/less parking always turns out to be better for local businesses.
What studies? Any recent ones in similar cities?
I found one from bloor street, actually: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01944363.2019.1638816 > We find no negative economic impacts associated with the bike lanes: Monthly customer spending and number of customers served by merchants both increased on Bloor Street during the pilot.
This is not a good comparison as the Kingsway is not downtown. Comparing apples to oranges. "Downtown retail strips may therefore be suited to tolerate bike lanes and even benefit from increased retail activity. "
This is pedantic. Most of Bloor isn't exactly "downtown", but we're talking about retail strips in an urban setting. It's more like Macintoshes to Granny Smiths, at worst.
Completely disagree. Apples to Oranges. The study does not specify downtown, but I'm guessing Jarvis to Spadina. You probably have more people working in one tower in "downtown" than you have along Kingsway/Bloor West Village combined. This is the problem with these types of "studies", they keep trying to implement square pegs into round holes. You cannot hire someone from Seattle and them trying to implement what worked there in Toronto. Completely different climate, population etc
The abstract mentions it was the bit installed in 2016, which is Avenue road to Shaw, so it's a mix, but at least half of this is surrounded by low density neighbourhoods. On the other side, there is also some dense development around Bloor and Islington, so it's not *that* different. But regardless, if your argument is that the 'complete street' design is bad for local businesses, can you find a relevant study to support this?
I don't think any such study can be found easily. Lol
I know I've never seen one 🤷♀️
The 50+ businesses in the Kingsway that stated business is down doesn't count as a "study", the empty store fronts all along Bloor don't count as a "study". But heck, get the University of Toronto (who Barbara Gray is on the advisory board, no conflict of interest there) to do another "study" and everything will be fine at 10km/h on Bloor St.
What's so different from Seattle to Toronto that makes a study there meaningless for Toronto?
One word: climate
Do you know how much it rains in Seattle? I prefer cycling in cold over cycling in rain.
TCAT also did an economic impact study in Bloor West Village which found only 20% of customers arrived by car. In case after case, merchants often overestimate how many arrive by car; probably because that's how many of them get to their businesses.
I'm sure that's a real impartial study. That's like the Leaf fan club stating the Leafs are the best team in the NHL.
It's a full-on study, not impartial.
>Kingsway is not downtown. Comparing apples to oranges. The businesses in downtown Toronto used to say "We are not NYC." And before that, the businesses in NYC used to say " We are not Amsterdam." And in the 1970s, the businesses in Amsterdam had the same complaints as you are now.
Huh?!?!?! Toronto will never be like NYC, any comparison is ridiculous.
>What studies? Any recent ones in similar cities? When NYC implement bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets, data showed that businesses also improved. Data also showed that traffic flow around Times Square also improved but interviews with taxi drivers, they said it was worse. The same thing was replicated with bike lanes on Bloor (from Sheppard to Shaw), Danforth and removal of cars from King Street. The same anti- bike lane arguments were used in 1971 when the Netherlands was going through their "Stop Killing Our Kids" campaign. So it seems that local businesses just don't pay attention until it's their street.
The comparison to NYC is ridiculous. Toronto is not, nor ever will be similar to NYC. When NYC implemented bike lanes, they went from 5 one way lanes to 4. What major Toronto street has 5 lanes? As per the King St project, it's an unmitigated disaster. Listen to the feedback now as the Gardiner & Queen St are under construction. The problem with the city is that they never admit they are wrong.
>Toronto is not, nor ever will be similar to NYC. But all the arguments you use are all the same as those against bike lanes in NYC and in Amsterdam. And the end result in all those places are all the same too: better public safety and improved businesses.
My argument once again, is reducing one of the main roads in Toronto, Bloor St, to one lane of traffic each way is a bad idea. Not reducing a 5 lane road to 4 as in NYC. As experienced this weekend, when the subway is down, it's utter chaos. Toronto is not as densely populated as NYC and areas of the city, eg Kingsway, are not cycle conducive, regardless of how much the city pushes this ideology.
That argument in its various forms has been repeated many times around Toronto and around the world, including Amsterdam. And the end result has always been the same: improved public safety, improved business and better traffic flow.
Tell that to the people stuck on shuttle buses going 10km/h when the subway was down. How is the traffic flow around King St W/downtown Toronto. Guess that's why Toronto placed 3rd!!!! in the world in terms of worst traffic. Check out the Star article from this past weekend. Sorry, end result in Toronto will not be the same. We ain't Amsterdam, stop using that as an example.
These are once in a while occasions. While congested traffic and auto collisions occur everyday non-stop. I'm sure that people of Tokyo, Amsterdam and NYC has had their occasion of public transit delays. But that's not a good reason to rip up all the public transit and bike lane infrastructure to put them all back into cars. Toronto has the 3rd worse traffic congestion in the world and you'd like to keep it that way or bring it up to 2nd by doing nuthin. Around the world, many major cities improved moving people by giving them options. People who choose to get stuck in traffic will stay stuck in traffic as others choose different available options. And you actually know what happens when there's a disruption in transit? Car traffic gets worse. Guess why?
I'm a cyclist, and I love stopping for lunch and to shop along the bike lanes. I won't support a business that doesn't advocate for safe bike lanes. FFS if Manhattan has bike lanes, why not Toronto?
Im hoping that with the summer coming and some further improvements to the bike lanes, they will start to get a lot of use and people will begin to appreciate them. It's a big change for the area, and it's frustrating when traffic is super backed up, but over time I think the area will adapt.
As they say, adapt or die (in a business sense that is). ;)
Only four. In west village, just two (haven't checked them all).
Not sure its that good. None of the restaurantss can have patios as a result of the bike lanes. No room on sidewalks....
Name the businesses 🙃
I am pro bike lanes, but I am concerned about emergency vehicles' ability to traverse through the area with the changes. I saw an ambulance significantly delayed a few months back. There was no place for vehicles on the road to pull over and let it go past. I feel a better job could have been done in designing the roadway.
More lanes for cars just means more gridlock.
A begging the question fallacy.... BTW, I didn't say add another lane. Perhaps the solution would have been to remove street parking. My concern is that emergency vehicles do not appear to have been considered as part of the design. This is a health and safety issue and a potential civil liability.
Finally someone who supports the removal of on-street parking. It's a win-win for everyone.
I agree that there can be improvements made. One problem in that area of Bloor is the useless concrete median. If it wasn’t there, the cars could pull to the side and the emergency vehicles go through the middle. It should be removed but I expect the BIA will freak out over that.
That would be a good idea to replace it with a smooth section (slightly raised), so emergency vehicles can use it to pass traffic.
But I like the big high concrete median barriers! Drivers need to learn their place. So what if their own ego's get them hung up on one, that's their problem they should've been paying attention to their driving.
This is a potential solution that should be considered. As it stands, there is a risk to public safety and potential civil liability to the city.
If they fit, emergency vehicles are permitted to drive through and down bike lanes during emergencies. Totally avoiding gridlock.
They don't because of parking spots between the roadway and the bikelane. Bikelane also has barriers. Don't think emergency vehicles were considered when the roadway was redesigned.
i ride both road and mtb but >Logic would dictate that the likelihood of theft prevents cyclists from stopping at businesses, therefore the businesses would rather parking. seriously, who would bike to a bar in the city???
I bike any time I plan to have even a single a drink. I even have a dedicated beater, theft deterred single speed bike I call my “pub bike”. So you would rather I drink then drive?
i've way better whisky at home so only hit the bars to eat and catch a game. i've a beater that i use to run quick groceries. also am honest enough to know that i'm among the few and a parking space would mean more revenue. it's really a BS argument. the lane is there because promoting the bicycle for commuting while the only argument is still a valid argument.
That’s great for you but your comment that no one bikes to bars is grossly inaccurate.
Also, how many places along side Bloor are not bars? His point makes no sense because there are many destinations besides bars. And let's say it is only bars. 100% bars. It would still make sense to have the bike lanes as part of the cycling network because people go other places and could use Bloor as their route instead of destination.
actually the whole bar spin was a landmine that I didn't really think much about because maybe I'll visit a bar once every other year. the business case for parking versus bike lanes is much stronger for non bars. the fact is, businesses are NOT witnessing or able to recognize any significant portion of their customers as cyclist. but this sub is tunneled and far too biased to be honest about the problem.
the inference is not "no one" but that from the business POV, parking is more money over the cycling lane again, because of theft.
Theft is not a factor with Bike share. And usage is growing quickly as the network expands.
Can you explain your irrational logic here? Because of bicycle theft, businesses gain more money from a few parking spaces that are almost exclusively taken by the business owners themselves?
Are you kidding? Bike share is cheaper than owning and maintaining your own bike (even a beater), and that way you can bike to the bar and then decide whether its bike/TTC/taxi home at your leisure.
I don't ride bikeshares, I don't like clunky heavy bike form factors. But I suppose they'll be there if I'm needing to ride home blitzed.
have you see the reports of the rampant auto theft epidemic that this city is suffering from? Does the likelihood of theft prevent drivers from stopping at businesses?
Leave your keys at the door, TPS advice can't be wrong. Right?
I would, i have a beater that I don't mind locking outside for a bit. And what'd you talking about theft prevents cyclists from stopping at businesses? All around the city, you'll see so many parked bikes inspite of the threat of theft.
If only we had mob rule - every time someone tries to steal a bicycle - riders could converge and deter the theft. But see police don't want that either. This is why theft goes on and on and on.
I think you are massively overestimating bike theft. Generally speaking, as long as you don't leave it locked outside all night, you're probably good. Even with Ebikes.
You just need a decent lock that can’t be cut quickly. Even thieves are hesitant to break out the angle grinder in the middle of a busy street during business hours.
I have an ebike, so I would assume it is a significant target for theft. I take it everywhere, including bars at night. A heavy ulock has been enough to keep it safe; if I'm nervous and it is nighttime I'll bring a heavy duty chain lock as well. Not that bike theft isn't a problem in this city, but with proper locks the risk can be reduced to the point I don't think about it.
What lock do you use?
Same experience. Except I always use the chain and ulock. Also, parking in front of the bars helps to keep it safe since usually there would be more eyes on the bike (assuming it is a busy street).
No they're not, they're as bold as all get out. They'll cut your lock right in front of you while you watch.
Ah no they won’t.
Lol you just admitted to routinely drinking and driving, dumbass
that or I haven't been drunk in multiple decades so don't really think through the entire process. still stands that I don't see bicycles and cyclist spending much at bars or any other businesses along the cycling lanes. either way, fuck yourself.
I've been riding to bars and locking up outside them for 15 years in the city and never had my bike stolen. Of course I always ride my beater fixed gear with quick release nothing on it, and use a decent lock but I don't even worry about theft.
The big problem with parking at a bar is it just encourages drunk driving. You can't have drunk drivers in the first place if they don't visit there with a car.
first, I can't really speak to drunks because I barely do tipsy. that said, I expect a designated, which means a group, which is far more preferred by the business owner over a single cyclist. end of the day though, you simply do not see a bunch of patrons in any of the businesses, that are obviously cyclist. my own experience is I ride the lanes to ride. on weekends I'll ride in groups and we'll hit an ice cream parlor, cafe or takeout to have lunch at a park. only other place I ride is for small grocery runs. 90% of the businesses then are meaningless to me while cycling and yes, I'll usually drive when I've a business need. sure twenty somethings that do cycle might do ride and spend but again, the businesses aren't seeing "cyclist" spending in their stores.
Judging by your comment, it seems like you believe that almost all trips cycling-related are for recreation and not utility. This is the problem with this mentality. The benefits of utility cycling is often underestimated in North American culture. In the Dutch, you see all kinds of people cycle to trips that are not recreational. There's a reason we don't see many cyclists to businesses. Because historically, infrastructure was built for cars and cycling just isn't safe. That can only change if we build infrastructure to enable such trips.
There were numerous stores that had them earlier this year, but due to "Karens" voicing their displeasure, they took them down. As the likelihood that the bike lanes are removed in the near future is very minute, it's not worth the hassle. The councillor in the area is adamant about these bike lanes, doubling if not tripling down about their effectiveness. (Side note: with the subway down in the area, traffic is crawling at best). Her hypocritical actions will lead to a very interesting next election: "Despite the staff report recommendations to not reduce the speed limit in this area, I believe in the necessity of this change for our community – especially after hearing the passionate advocacy of local residents."
I had to reply to this ill informed post. That quote "Despite the staff report recommendations to not reduce the speed limit in this area, I believe in the necessity of this change for our community – especially after hearing the passionate advocacy of local residents" is not about Bloor street at all, but Burnhamthorpe between Kipling and Dundas. The residents of that stretch of Burnhamthorpe have been advocating for slower speeds for years as there are a number of accidents along that stretch due to the nature of the road conditions. Even a child was recently hit in the area, so it really shows how much you know. Also, your whole "Karens" comment doesn't even make sense as I have never heard of any people complaining about those Balance on Bloor signs and there are still many shops with them in the area. It's perfectly fine to disagree with this project, but the level of disinformation you are spreading needs to be called out.
The hardened sort. They’ll drive their DUIcycles as they please