It is estimated that about 700 showed up for public consultations on the City’s Cycling Network Plan. Photo by Sandy Cameron.
Hundreds of concerned residents showed up to speak their mind as part of the City’s Cycling Network Plan which has Bloor Street W. narrowed to one lane each way.
Many of an estimated 700 people who gathered on February 28 at the Etobicoke Collegiate Institute meeting chaired by Ward 2 Councillor Stephen Holyday seemed to be opposed to the Bloor Street Bike lanes.
Feelings run so high, that more than 12,000 area residents have signed a petition opposing the bike lanes that narrowed Bloor Street W. to one-way in both directions.
Many of the attendees did not seem to be happy with the Bloor Street bike lanes.
Holyday said the meeting was to provide information and gather community feedback on candidate cycling locations that are being considered for study and installation in 2025 to 2027.
“City staff are currently reviewing the locations before advancing a report to council for approval consideration,” he said.
Attendees said it was a boisterous and sometimes unruly meeting as many people opposed to the bike lanes on Bloor Street W.
Residents have “pressing concerns about the recent bike lanes that have been added to our Bloor Street community streets,” according to petition organizer Cody MacRae. “We believe that the current method of bike lane implementation requires reconsideration and a more balanced approach.”
Those in attendance said the bike lanes are bad for businesses and cause much traffic congestion and a lack of parking.
The petition said a Bloor Street cycling study was based on inaccurate data that has led to little usage by cyclists, as many ‘residents and businesses along Bloor Street W. have observed a limited number of cyclists using the designated lanes.’
The petition said the bike lanes on Bloor Street W. has led to a loss of business.
“With the added congestion and limited cyclist patronage, businesses along Bloor Street W. are reporting reduced footfall, which threatens their livelihoods and impacts the vitality of our local economy,” it stated.
“It’s crucial for Bloor Street to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction to accommodate the heavy vehicular flow,” the petition states. “The reduction to a single lane has caused significant congestion and has been a source of constant frustration for motorists.”
The attendees claim Bloor Street W. should be returned to four lanes rather than two which causes a host of problems.
MacRae said 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,” he wrote on the petition.
It said the loss of lanes can lead to delayed emergency response as it can significantly hinder the rapid movement of emergency vehicles, leading to potential delays in critical responses.
The petition calls for a re-assessment of the bike lanes on Bloor Street W. to “engage with the local community, business owners, emergency service providers, cyclists, and traffic experts to develop a well-rounded solution.”
Bloor Street W. businesses say they are taking a beating as customers go elsewhere due to a lack of parking.
“Local neighbours report near misses caused by cars diverting to side streets,” petitioners were told.
“Our intention is to advocate for a re-evaluation to emphasize the need for Bloor Street W. to retain two lanes of traffic in each direction.”
Long-time Mimico resident Sandy Cameron said he attended the meeting to protest the narrowing of Superior Avenue for the addition of bike lanes as part of the Mimico Mobility plan.