By Al Ruggero
As we near the completion of the major work, including the raised centre guideway which encompasses the rails and stop platforms, the newly paved asphalt reveals the inclusion of bike lanes that will run along the curb of Finch Ave West from Keele Street to Highway 7, with a Multi-Use Pathway (MUP) section from Weston Road to Highway 400.
While we look forward to the completion of one of Toronto’s largest transit infrastructure projects that brings needed upgrades from buses to Light Rail Vehicles, the extensive 11-kilometre bike lane corridor is a first along a major street in the northwest quadrant of Toronto, connecting Etobicoke North, Humber River-Black Creek, and York Centre Wards.
This is good news for cyclists who benefit from a dedicated lane that is separated from traffic by a roll-over curb, providing a safer route, especially along what was previously a dangerous roadway. Cyclists will also have access to the extensive Humber River Recreational Trail and further connections to the growing Toronto Cycling Network. Many residents benefit by having a feasible option for traveling along the corridor or commuting to work by bike.
However, the good news here must be tempered by the need to raise awareness for drivers to be more cautious with cyclists sharing the road. Drivers need to yield to cyclists while entering and exiting driveways, and making turns in the pathway of cyclists. Cyclists, like pedestrians on sidewalks, have the right-of-way. Vehicles exiting plaza driveways need to stop before the sidewalk to look for any oncoming cyclists on the bike lane before them. However, unlike pedestrians, cyclists could be traveling at higher speeds, thus requiring drivers to look further down the roadway to their left for oncoming bikes as well as vehicles. When entering driveways, drivers must also yield to approaching cyclists.
Everyone is aware of Toronto’s congestion crisis. Encouraging cycling by expanding the bike lane network offers a positive shift towards more sustainable and diverse transportation options in the city.
Al is the Project Manager at the Emery Village BIA and can be reached at al@emeryvillagebia.ca or by calling 416-744-7242