Re-Evaluation and Balanced Integration of Bike Lanes on Bloor St. in Etobicoke
Re-Evaluation and Balanced Integration of Bike Lanes on Bloor St. in Etobicoke
The Issue
We, the residents of Etobicoke, express our reservations about the newly introduced bike lanes on Bloor St. Concerns arise from potentially inaccurate bike usage data from the High Park counter, noticeable congestion due to lane reductions, decreased business footfall, potential delays for emergency vehicles, and the observed scarcity of cyclists. We advocate for a re-evaluation to ensure a harmonious and safe balance between bike lanes and vehicular traffic, emphasizing the need for Bloor Street to retain two lanes of traffic in each direction.
We, the undersigned, are residents of Etobicoke and have pressing concerns about the recent bike lanes that have been added to our Bloor St. community streets. While we understand the importance of promoting sustainable transportation, we believe that the current method of bike lane implementation requires reconsideration and a more balanced approach.
Our primary concerns are:
1- Inaccurate Data from Bike Counter:
We have reservations about the accuracy of the bike counter located in High Park. Reliable data is paramount when making infrastructural decisions, and we believe that this counter may not be providing an accurate reflection of bike usage.
2-Scarce Cyclist Usage:
Many residents and businesses along Bloor St. have observed a limited number of cyclists using the designated lanes. When designing infrastructure, it's essential that it reflects the needs and usage patterns of the community.
3-Two Lanes Each Way on Bloor St.:
It's crucial for Bloor Street to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction to accommodate the heavy vehicular flow. The reduction to a single lane has caused significant congestion and has been a source of constant frustration for motorists.
4-Reduction in Traffic Flow:
The transition from two-lane roads to single lanes to accommodate bike lanes has significantly reduced the efficiency of vehicle flow. This change has caused increased congestion, prolonged travel times, and a heightened risk of accidents.
5-Impact on Community Traffic Flow:
While we recognize the importance of providing right of way for bikes, this should not come at the cost of significantly impeding the flow of vehicular traffic or causing confusion that may lead to accidents.
6-Loss of Business Revenue:
With the added congestion and limited cyclist patronage, businesses along Bloor St. are reporting reduced footfall, which threatens their livelihoods and impacts the vitality of our local economy.
Delayed Emergency Response: A reduced number of lanes can significantly hinder the rapid movement of emergency vehicles, leading to potential delays in critical responses.
7-Lack of Comprehensive Infrastructure:
Bike lanes must be a part of a broader, well-thought-out system that ensures safety and harmony between all road users.
Need for Proper Intersection Management: Efficient movement at intersections is vital. The inclusion of right and left turn lanes with bike signals will help in achieving this.
8-Inadequate Utilization of Roadbed Capacity:
Efficient utilization of our existing roadbed is necessary to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety for all users.
We earnestly request the City of Toronto to:
Re-assess the bike lanes on Bloor St., considering the concerns about data accuracy and the broader implications for the community.
Invest in infrastructure that provides a harmonious balance between bike lanes and vehicular traffic.
Engage with the local community, business owners, emergency service providers, cyclists, and traffic experts to develop a well-rounded solution.
By taking a more holistic and informed approach, we believe Toronto can create a bike lane infrastructure that meets the needs of all stakeholders. We thank you for your attention to this matter and eagerly await a positive response.
Additionally, local neighbours report near misses caused by cars diverting to side streets, though we clarify that our intention isn't to increase regulation on these side streets. Instead, we advocate for a re-evaluation to ensure a harmonious and safe balance between bike lanes and vehicular traffic, emphasizing the need for Bloor Street to retain two lanes of traffic in each direction.
Sincerely, Residents Of Etobicoke
PLEASE CONTRIBUTE HOW THESE CHANGES ARE PERSONALLY IMPACTING YOU!
13,734
The Issue
We, the residents of Etobicoke, express our reservations about the newly introduced bike lanes on Bloor St. Concerns arise from potentially inaccurate bike usage data from the High Park counter, noticeable congestion due to lane reductions, decreased business footfall, potential delays for emergency vehicles, and the observed scarcity of cyclists. We advocate for a re-evaluation to ensure a harmonious and safe balance between bike lanes and vehicular traffic, emphasizing the need for Bloor Street to retain two lanes of traffic in each direction.
We, the undersigned, are residents of Etobicoke and have pressing concerns about the recent bike lanes that have been added to our Bloor St. community streets. While we understand the importance of promoting sustainable transportation, we believe that the current method of bike lane implementation requires reconsideration and a more balanced approach.
Our primary concerns are:
1- Inaccurate Data from Bike Counter:
We have reservations about the accuracy of the bike counter located in High Park. Reliable data is paramount when making infrastructural decisions, and we believe that this counter may not be providing an accurate reflection of bike usage.
2-Scarce Cyclist Usage:
Many residents and businesses along Bloor St. have observed a limited number of cyclists using the designated lanes. When designing infrastructure, it's essential that it reflects the needs and usage patterns of the community.
3-Two Lanes Each Way on Bloor St.:
It's crucial for Bloor Street to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction to accommodate the heavy vehicular flow. The reduction to a single lane has caused significant congestion and has been a source of constant frustration for motorists.
4-Reduction in Traffic Flow:
The transition from two-lane roads to single lanes to accommodate bike lanes has significantly reduced the efficiency of vehicle flow. This change has caused increased congestion, prolonged travel times, and a heightened risk of accidents.
5-Impact on Community Traffic Flow:
While we recognize the importance of providing right of way for bikes, this should not come at the cost of significantly impeding the flow of vehicular traffic or causing confusion that may lead to accidents.
6-Loss of Business Revenue:
With the added congestion and limited cyclist patronage, businesses along Bloor St. are reporting reduced footfall, which threatens their livelihoods and impacts the vitality of our local economy.
Delayed Emergency Response: A reduced number of lanes can significantly hinder the rapid movement of emergency vehicles, leading to potential delays in critical responses.
7-Lack of Comprehensive Infrastructure:
Bike lanes must be a part of a broader, well-thought-out system that ensures safety and harmony between all road users.
Need for Proper Intersection Management: Efficient movement at intersections is vital. The inclusion of right and left turn lanes with bike signals will help in achieving this.
8-Inadequate Utilization of Roadbed Capacity:
Efficient utilization of our existing roadbed is necessary to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety for all users.
We earnestly request the City of Toronto to:
Re-assess the bike lanes on Bloor St., considering the concerns about data accuracy and the broader implications for the community.
Invest in infrastructure that provides a harmonious balance between bike lanes and vehicular traffic.
Engage with the local community, business owners, emergency service providers, cyclists, and traffic experts to develop a well-rounded solution.
By taking a more holistic and informed approach, we believe Toronto can create a bike lane infrastructure that meets the needs of all stakeholders. We thank you for your attention to this matter and eagerly await a positive response.
Additionally, local neighbours report near misses caused by cars diverting to side streets, though we clarify that our intention isn't to increase regulation on these side streets. Instead, we advocate for a re-evaluation to ensure a harmonious and safe balance between bike lanes and vehicular traffic, emphasizing the need for Bloor Street to retain two lanes of traffic in each direction.
Sincerely, Residents Of Etobicoke
PLEASE CONTRIBUTE HOW THESE CHANGES ARE PERSONALLY IMPACTING YOU!
13,734
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on October 23, 2023