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Cycling infrastructure (Separated bike lanes)

Northern Light said:
You've made this argument more than once now.

I'm going to suggest that its time to move on.

The problem you'll face making it aside from the obvious (this is a pro cycle-track thread and forum).........is that the most well known disability advocate in Ontario (and by far the most annoying) David Lepofsky would adamantly oppose your idea of putting the cycle track on level with the sidewalks, and has excoriated the City for that where/when its been done.

The City is left in a no-win position......

I'm an open minded soul..........so if you want to advocate for a different design.........I'm happy to listen....but you're going need to bring evidence of actual danger, not perceived danger, and an alternate design choice that will meet the needs of cyclists and perform better for those with physical challenges.

Elsewise this is one of two preferred design-styles going forward, each of which will attract criticism from some, but without any better solutions on the table.
Click to expand...
I appreciate how unwelcome some of my opinions are, but understand that we come from different life experiences & perspectives. I have no problem being an outlier in a pro cycle track forum, as that is exactly who should hear about the well meaning but unintended impacts to their advocacy.

I did see the David Lepofsky piece on the cbc a long time ago and appreciate his perspective, but his views also differ from mine. My perspective has never been one of safety, but rather one of accessibility. Placing bollocks on roads is akin to putting up fencing or railings on sidewalks for pedestrians.

My suggestion for a different design (in this particular case) is to simply remove the bollocks and replace them with paint, while deterring cars by keeping the flexi-poles (or unflexible ones) in place. I could navigate by stopping between the poles to unload a wheelchair and its occupant (yes offloading would temporarily occupy the bike lane). Not installing the bollocks would be cheaper.

BTW, I appreciate your knowledge and contributions to this site, so will heed your advice & move on.
 
Midtown Hank said:
My suggestion for a different design (in this particular case) is to simply remove the bollocks and replace them with paint, while deterring cars by keeping the flexi-poles (or unflexible ones) in place.
Click to expand...

This suggestion will not be popular with the City or with Cyclists. Aesthetic issues are part of that, but also the perception that the posts are inadequate for purposes of cyclist safety (easy'ish for large vehicle in particular to run over on purpose or by accident).

Midtown Hank said:
I could navigate by stopping between the poles to unload a wheelchair and its occupant (yes offloading would temporarily occupy the bike lane). Not installing the bollocks would be cheaper.

BTW, I appreciate your knowledge and contributions to this site, so will heed your advice & move on.
Click to expand...

How would you feel about this design on Danforth that incorporates a mid-block loading zone which can be used for deliveries or for accessible loading/off-loading?

1734555462462.png



You can see that room has been set aside that doesn't block traffic (it replaces parking) and the cycle track temporarily rises to sidewalk/curb height only for that specific spot.

This design is contemplated as part of many cycle track projects on wider roads, where gapping parking can afford the space while maintaining both the cycle track and vehicle lanes.

It wouldn't be available on every block, but would be available mid-block in larger blocks.

PS, the one here is temporary, but permanent designs would be built with reconstruction.

This is generally being done at bus stops as well.
 
Midtown Hank said:
I appreciate how unwelcome some of my opinions are, but understand that we come from different life experiences & perspectives. I have no problem being an outlier in a pro cycle track forum, as that is exactly who should hear about the well meaning but unintended impacts to their advocacy.

I did see the David Lepofsky piece on the cbc a long time ago and appreciate his perspective, but his views also differ from mine. My perspective has never been one of safety, but rather one of accessibility. Placing bollocks on roads is akin to putting up fencing or railings on sidewalks for pedestrians.

My suggestion for a different design (in this particular case) is to simply remove the bollocks and replace them with paint, while deterring cars by keeping the flexi-poles (or unflexible ones) in place. I could navigate by stopping between the poles to unload a wheelchair and its occupant (yes offloading would temporarily occupy the bike lane). Not installing the bollocks would be cheaper.

BTW, I appreciate your knowledge and contributions to this site, so will heed your advice & move on.
Click to expand...
Even if cheaper, I am not sure that 'placing bollocks on the road' is likely to prove at all useful, bollards might be better but ..

1734557765461.png
 
Northern Light said:
This suggestion will not be popular with the City or with Cyclists. Aesthetic issues are part of that, but also the perception that the posts are inadequate for purposes of cyclist safety (easy'ish for large vehicle in particular to run over on purpose or by accident).



How would you feel about this design on Danforth that incorporates a mid-block loading zone which can be used for deliveries or for accessible loading/off-loading?

View attachment 620514


You can see that room has been set aside that doesn't block traffic (it replaces parking) and the cycle track temporarily rises to sidewalk/curb height only for that specific spot.

This design is contemplated as part of many cycle track projects on wider roads, where gapping parking can afford the space while maintaining both the cycle track and vehicle lanes.

It wouldn't be available on every block, but would be available mid-block in larger blocks.

PS, the one here is temporary, but permanent designs would be built with reconstruction.

This is generally being done at bus stops as well.
Click to expand...
Looks like a good solution. Didn't see that on Davenport pics. Moved on.
 
Midtown Hank said:
Looks like a good solution. Didn't see that on Davenport pics.
Click to expand...

I don't know that it was incorporated on Davenport.

Midtown Hank said:
Moved on.
Click to expand...

That's good, I simply wanted to make you aware of what might be a win/win option, so you know what to advocate for, and you even have a picture you can pull, when cycling projects come up for consultation.

The people you need to connect with are the City Cycling Unit, and particularly when projects are at an early design stage, and there's more flexibility as to how to make things work.
 
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Just an update on this segment of the Finch Trail:

www.toronto.ca

Finch Corridor Trail - Birchmount Road to Pharmacy Avenue

The City of Toronto is planning to build a multi-use trail along the Finch Hydro Corridor from Birchmount Road to Pharmacy Avenue . This trail connection will run 1.6 km within the hydro corridor on the south side of McNicoll Avenue (see map tab). The trail will provide a safe route for...
www.toronto.ca www.toronto.ca

December 2024
The tender has closed, and construction on the trail is expected to begin in March 2025.
Click to expand...

Metrolinx has said the cost of the trail will now double in price. They aren't involved in its construction in any way but still wanted to try to get the city to give them more money.

Doug Ford is actively looking into how the trail can be converted into a north-south highway.

Ok those last two are too believable to be seen as satirical, so im joking to be clear.
 
robmausser said:
Just an update on this segment of the Finch Trail:

www.toronto.ca

Finch Corridor Trail - Birchmount Road to Pharmacy Avenue

The City of Toronto is planning to build a multi-use trail along the Finch Hydro Corridor from Birchmount Road to Pharmacy Avenue . This trail connection will run 1.6 km within the hydro corridor on the south side of McNicoll Avenue (see map tab). The trail will provide a safe route for...
www.toronto.ca www.toronto.ca



Metrolinx has said the cost of the trail will now double in price. They aren't involved in its construction in any way but still wanted to try to get the city to give them more money.

Doug Ford is actively looking into how the trail can be converted into a north-south highway.

Ok those last two are too believable to be seen as satirical, so im joking to be clear.
Click to expand...
I did a quick google search but didn't find anything on costs just that it was tendered.

Contract: 17ECS-TI-110LR
 
robmausser said:
Just an update on this segment of the Finch Trail:

www.toronto.ca

Finch Corridor Trail - Birchmount Road to Pharmacy Avenue

The City of Toronto is planning to build a multi-use trail along the Finch Hydro Corridor from Birchmount Road to Pharmacy Avenue . This trail connection will run 1.6 km within the hydro corridor on the south side of McNicoll Avenue (see map tab). The trail will provide a safe route for...
www.toronto.ca www.toronto.ca
Click to expand...

Oh no.............

Look who the winning bidder was:

1734786430077.png


Hey, @DSC ...............they weren't even the lowest bidder..........somehow the two lower bidders were disqualified so that Sanson could pick this one up.....

1734786502609.png


From the report:

1734786585181.png

Source: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ba/bgrd/backgroundfile-249025.pdf

Cough.....
 
Northern Light said:
Oh no.............

Look who the winning bidder was:

View attachment 621138

Hey, @DSC ...............they weren't even the lowest bidder..........somehow the two lower bidders were disqualified so that Sanson could pick this one up.....

View attachment 621139

From the report:

View attachment 621140
Source: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ba/bgrd/backgroundfile-249025.pdf

Cough.....
Click to expand...
Just means they'll have another competing priority if we can manage to get them that cycle track removal contract!
 
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