Cycling infrastructure (Separated bike lanes)

[DSCToronto]

I remain concerned; however, the MTO is now flat out denying there will be any cycle track removals this month.

I'm looking into things further.

Can the PCs just come in and remove City property - I would have thought they would need permits of some kind and though the City would probably have to issue them they could do so slowly. (I was involved in getting a street occupancy permit last year, it took 6 or 8 weeks!)

 

[Jaye101]

Sigh, Are we gonna have to chain ourselves to Bloor (re: Spadina Expwy)? Where is Jane Jacobs when you need her? I know she's passed, but all jokes aside.

I don't think many urbanists have the stomach to watch construction workers tear up our complete streets. It's just too violent. Too many people have died on these streets. I can potentially see things bubbling over when construction crews arrive.

 

[Northern Light]

Can the PCs just come in and remove City property - I would have thought they would need permits of some kind and though the City would probably have to issue them they could do so slowly. (I was involved in getting a street occupancy permit last year, it took 6 or 8 weeks!)

With the legislation that has passed, and the existing regulatory environment, my understanding is that, in theory, yes they could.

However, in practice, its less likely.

Metrolinx is not required to get City permits or Site Plan Approvals, but it generally does.

****

The MTO and the City are talking.

 

[Northern Light]

Sigh, Are we gonna have to chain ourselves to Bloor (re: Spadina Expwy)? Where is Jane Jacobs when you need her? I know she's passed, but all jokes aside.

I don't think many urbanists have the stomach to watch construction workers tear up our complete streets. It's just too violent. Too many people have died on these streets. I can potentially see things bubbling over when construction crews arrive.

While I hope no removals come to pass; should they, I wouldn't recommend one-off disruptions at those locations. Not that I would suggest nothing be done, I merely don't think that would the most effective thing.

I am not going to convey publicly how to manage such events for maximum impact, but some here.......may have an idea or two...........

Its a math exercise, maximum impact with the fewest possible protesters, so that you can sustain the action and cause political ripples with government supporters and avoid disrupting locals.

 

[Andy_in_Toronto]

With the legislation that has passed, and the existing regulatory environment, my understanding is that, in theory, yes they could.

However, in practice, its less likely.

Metrolinx is not required to get City permits or Site Plan Approvals, but it generally does.

****

The MTO and the City are talking.

@Northern Light I really appreciate your efforts to keep us updated. Thank you very much. Our light in darkness.

What are MTO and City are really “talking” about?

To “remove” cycle tracks in front of PC donors is obviously proof how willing this government is for money. Northern Narco state? Maybe one politician - certainly not Singh Sarkaria - woke up to reflect about that bad optics. We may dream, but who knows. lol

I donated a few thousands to Cycle Toronto!

 

[Northern Light]

@Northern Light I really appreciate your efforts to keep us updated. Thank you very much. Our light in darkness

You're welcome.

What are MTO and City are really “talking” about?

I know some, but no one is giving me the minutes, LOL. (I'm not sure they're taking any...........but yeah)

 

[facepalming_brooklynite]

While I hope no removals come to pass; should they, I wouldn't recommend one-off disruptions at those locations. Not that I would suggest nothing be done, I merely don't think that would the most effective thing.

I am not going to convey publicly how to manage such events for maximum impact, but some here.......may have an idea or two...........

Its a math exercise, maximum impact with the fewest possible protesters, so that you can sustain the action and cause political ripples with government supporters and avoid disrupting locals.

I think if they come for the Annex bike lanes on Bloor, there will be hundreds of protestors. The recent critical mass ride had a huge attendance.

 

[turbanplanner]

@Northern Light I really appreciate your efforts to keep us updated. Thank you very much. Our light in darkness.

What are MTO and City are really “talking” about?

To “remove” cycle tracks in front of PC donors is obviously proof how willing this government is for money. Northern Narco state? Maybe one politician - certainly not Singh Sarkaria - woke up to reflect about that bad optics. We may dream, but who knows. lol

I donated a few thousands to Cycle Toronto!

Lmao letting someone pay $500K (likely less than the change costs) to re name a go station was pretty up there!

 

[Northern Light]

I think if they come for the Annex bike lanes on Bloor, there will be hundreds of protestors. The recent critical mass ride had a huge attendance.

I don't believe those are at risk, certainly not in the near-term.

****

That said........the point of my discussion about how to effectively protest is that 1,000 protesters for 1 day, delays work for 1 day.

Where as a protest that can be carried out effectively by 40 protestors {when 1,000 are available) can be carried out for 50 days.

See how that works. Here's the thing.........the Ford government already knows there's lots of opposition (but also some support) for its take here.

People yelling and waving signs for one day, two days or even a week, is just the cost of doing business, and might even be seen as a political benefit.......

But a protest that can cause real disruption.......but not to locals............and could last for two months.........is a game of chicken............

I'm not saying any more than that openly.

 

[PL1]

I don't believe those are at risk, certainly not in the near-term.

****

That said........the point of my discussion about how to effectively protest is that 1,000 protesters for 1 day, delays work for 1 day.

Where as a protest that can be carried out effectively by 40 protestors {when 1,000 are available) can be carried out for 50 days.

See how that works. Here's the thing.........the Ford government already knows there's lots of opposition (but also some support) for its take here.

People yelling and waving signs for one day, two days or even a week, is just the cost of doing business, and might even be seen as a political benefit.......

But a protest that can cause real disruption.......but not to locals............and could last for two months.........is a game of chicken............

I'm not saying any more than that openly.

I've seen paid ads from the anti Bike lane group "A Better City - Toronto Ltd" on the web - including banner ads here on UT. They appear to have $$$ if not sense behind them

 

[TheGrimSweeper]

I think if they come for the Annex bike lanes on Bloor, there will be hundreds of protestors. The recent critical mass ride had a huge attendance.

I think the more they come into downtown the more the protests will rise.

In Etobicoke - there is more local support to remove them from business and people alike. Its an easier and quicker win for Ford.

As they get to the Annex / High Park that support abruptly ends (even from Bloor BIA) .

I do hope the city finds a way to appease this by sacrificing those Etobicoke lanes. That said - we really need coordinated efforts if they do come any farther.

 

[bearcat]

I've seen photos of the redone Lower Don Trail that looks like this:

It the fencing on the river side temporary? It looks like https://ramudden.ca/urban-barrier-rental.html which seems to be a rental.

Does anyone know if it will get replace with something more permanent looking and attractive before the trail reopens?

 

[Northern Light]

It the fencing on the river side temporary? It looks like https://ramudden.ca/urban-barrier-rental.html which seems to be a rental.

Does anyone know if it will get replace with something more permanent looking and attractive before the trail reopens?

Sadly, and inexplicably.............that is the permanent barrier.

Yes, it looks awful.

 

[Northern Light]

Ellesmere Complete Street is back for another round of consultation, ahead of 2026 proposed construction.

Here's the survey link:

- Ellesmere Complete Street - Phase 2

cotsurvey.chkmkt.com

There are materials and renders within the survey allowing informed contribution.

 

[robmausser]

I've seen photos of the redone Lower Don Trail that looks like this:

View attachment 617561

It the fencing on the river side temporary? It looks like https://ramudden.ca/urban-barrier-rental.html which seems to be a rental.

Does anyone know if it will get replace with something more permanent looking and attractive before the trail reopens?

Looks great!!

My only wish, is that we would adopt a bit of a wider MUP standard and do the whole "bikes on this side/pedestrians on this side" thing that they do elsewhere in the world.

Of course, lots of people ignore the markings.