A fate of a popular bike lane pilot project on a central Toronto thoroughfare was set to be decided today at a meeting of the city’s infrastructure and environment committee. Amongst the dozens of deputants who spoke out for (mostly) and against (meh), two pint-sized cyclists from the city gave their two cents in support of the project capturing the spirit of cycling advocacy and causing an internet sensation in the process.
Aubree, with her little borther Nick in tow, addressed the committee and asked for them to keep the bike lanes.
“We love riding our bikes,” she said. “We ride to the park, we ride to the school. We love it. We ride it because it gets us places faster than walking.”
Aubree goes on to explain that she’s still little and so rides on the sidewalk, which is fine for now, outside of the occasional dog, and garbage day. But she realizes that she will soon graduate to a bigger bike and bid sidewalk cruising a fond farewell. Then what?
“I’m excited but still scared. I will be on the streets with cars and trucks with only a helmet to protect me. I don’t think that’s a safe idea,” she added. “So I am asking you today to support bikes in midtown and all over Toronto. We need more bikes and less cars, thank you for listening.”
It’s been a couple of years since the pilot project began during which time the impact of the bike lanes was studied, city staff are recommending that these bike lanes be made permanent.
In April 2022, city council extended the Yonge Street pilot provisionally until January 2023 “subject to additional data collection, operational adjustments, further stakeholder consultation, monitoring and evaluation.”
According to a city report, cycling and pedestrian traffic is up.
“After 18 months of installation, the data demonstrates increases (ranging between 57 percent and 250 percent) in cycling trips and increases in pedestrian trips (ranging between 59 percent and 145 percent) on the corridor, as well as support for local business including an increase from 10 CaféTO patios in 2020 to 21 patios on the corridor in 2022,” the report read.
The recommendation to make the bike lanes permanent now goes to city council in February for a final vote.
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