I know these views all come from different people but I feel like there's 2 schools of thought?
One group of people think bikes will mostly be used for shorter trips that are too long to walk, and I think the cycling network is big enough for that since by definition that implies people would stick to a short distance. If that's the benchmark I think it's fair to have some initial thoughts.
The other group assumes people are willing to bike across several neighborhoods for work, which I think is wholly unrealistic except for a few hardcore cyclists. I'm curious what camp the city is in with their broader cycling plan, since it's sort of reminding me of bikeshare. Yes we might need more time to see if demand shifts but unless e-bike become more ubiquitous I don't personally see much of a shift happening.
I'm also curious what would the sentiment be if winter use was much lower? I'm happy to do a study in November or December, though that's months away. I'm also trying to think how would I be able to measure when it's raining since the camera's view will be obscured.
I also appreciate the thanks! I'm happy to film more days, reviewing the footage is incredibly tedious and takes slightly longer than real time to tally the results.
Bike lanes are for both short and long trips. And you really need a strong and protected network to make that shift happen (and time)
At the moment, the cycle tracks on Bloor end just west of Kipling. But these bike lanes don't connect to anything (apart from the Six Points bike lanes) At the moment, this won't switch any people who've never cycled previously.
However, you have to start somewhere, even if it is hard.
If we go a bit more west, we'll end up at the Etobicoke Hydro Corridor where Hydro One is building a major north-south trail.
If we go a bit more west, we'll get to Martin Grove where the city is building the main north-south on-street cycling spine for Etobicoke
And further west will get people to Mississauga and their soon-to-be bike lane, trails etc.
Kipling is also being touted as the southward cycling spine to the lake.
And the many local neighbourhoods that are within. Even people using bike lanes for recreation is still a net-positive, even if they always drive.
Once residents realize that there is a safe and connected network where they can get to places nearby safely, then people may consider cycling for some trips. The goal is to give people options.
This type of long-term planning is crucial for achieving the city's goals and objectives for giving residents more options to move around, but it will take time.
If we don't make the infrastructure now, we won't be able to make those goals a reality. We must also think about people who don't live in the neighbourhood just yet but will soon, due to future developments. Current residents may always drive but future residents may not, especially with the removal of parking minimums, and the cost of driving in general.
And even if you'll never bike in your life, everyone will benefit from speeds closer to the speed limit, less injuries and deaths, and more pleasant and vibrant streets. There are many benefits of bike lanes beyond cycling that people recognize.
