Summary of our petition:

We support the expansion of safer cycling infrastructure in Ward 14, including on Logan and Carlaw, because:

·      Contra-flow bike lanes increase road safety for all road users and make safer streets

·      People already cycle in both directions along these streets

·      Safer streets promote active transportation in our neighbourhood and support city planning goals

·      Safer streets mean the streets and sidewalks are safer for everyone including children, the elderly, people who walk their dogs, ride their bikes, use a wheelchair or mobility device, take transit, and drive their cars.

·      Not only should the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, for which Paula Fletcher is Chair, approve the proposed plans but contra-flow bike lanes on Logan and Carlaw should connect to Gerrard Street and beyond.

The petition:

Dear Councillor Paula Fletcher,

We, the undersigned residents of your community, write to express our strong support for the installation of contra-flow bike lanes on Carlaw and Logan Avenues. Contra-flow bike lanes make it safe for cyclists to travel in both directions on a one-way street, which people already do on these streets. We believe this infrastructure is not only a necessary step toward safer streets but also a vital investment in the well-being of our children, elders, pedestrians, and all of us who cycle. Drivers also benefit from calmer roads where everyone has a designated place to travel.

Carlaw and Logan Avenues are a key north-south route for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting Withrow Park to the Danforth. These streets serve as a vital corridor for people moving through the neighbourhood without cars—to go to the park, to walk their dogs, to get to the Danforth, to go to school. The street also experiences heavy car traffic, with many drivers speeding and routinely failing to stop at stop signs—a problem well known to local police, who regularly issue tickets in response.

The city is proposing to add contra-flow lanes to Logan and Carlaw north of the Danforth to connect the area to the Leaside Bridge bike improvements. We support this idea and ask that these improvements be expanded south to Gerrard Street.

The addition of contra-flow bike lanes would bring multiple, well-documented benefits to our community:

1. Improved Safety for All Road Users
Contra-flow bike lanes create a predictable and visible space for cyclists travelling in both directions. This clarity reduces confusion and conflict between drivers and cyclists, especially at intersections. More importantly, the presence of bike lanes has a proven traffic-calming effect. When drivers see cyclists and clearly marked lanes, they tend to slow down and drive more cautiously. This benefits everyone—especially children walking to school, seniors navigating crossings, people walking their dogs and everyone else out in their neighbourhood.

2. Encouragement of Active Transportation
By making cycling safer and more accessible, contra-flow lanes encourage more people to choose bikes over cars for short trips. This shift reduces traffic congestion, lowers emissions, and promotes healthier lifestyles. Carlaw Avenue is already a popular cycling route cycling north against traffic. Of all the streets between Broadview and Jones, it is the easiest hill to climb. But without proper infrastructure, cyclists and drivers risk conflict. Also, safe, designated lanes would empower more people to ride, including children, seniors, and less confident cyclists.

3. Alignment with City Goals and Climate Commitments
Toronto has committed to Vision Zero and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its TransformTO climate action strategy. Contra-flow bike lanes directly support both of these goals. They reduce the risk of injury and fatality on our streets while promoting low-carbon transportation. Adding this infrastructure to Carlaw and Logan would demonstrate the City’s commitment to building a safer, greener, and more inclusive transportation network.

4. Support for Local Businesses and Community Life
Streets that are safe and welcoming for cyclists and pedestrians are also good for local businesses. Slower traffic and increased foot and bike traffic mean more people on the streets to support our local businesses. Contra-flow bike lanes would help transform Carlaw and Logan into a more people-friendly streets and calm traffic. This includes slowing the many drivers who use these streets to cut through the neighbourhood and avoid major arteries.

We understand that change can be challenging, and that some residents may have concerns about parking or traffic flow. However, the evidence from other Toronto streets—such as Shaw Street and Argyle Street—shows that contra-flow bike lanes can be implemented successfully with minimal disruption and significant long-term benefits.

We urge you to support the installation of contra-flow bike lanes on Carlaw and Logan Avenues and extend them south of the Danforth to flank Withrow Park and connect to Gerrard Street. This is a practical, cost-effective, and forward-thinking solution that will make our neighbourhood safer, healthier, and more connected.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your continued leadership in making our community a model of safe, inclusive urban design.

Sincerely,
Residents of Carlaw Ave, Logan Ave, and the nearby streets of Ward 14 and #EastEnd4All