Network of Toronto laneways could help bridge gaps in cycling infrastructure, advocates say
Toronto’s network of 2,400 laneways is being suggested as an option for cyclists while the city continues to roll out its 10-year cycling plan.

thestar.com
By GILBERT NGABO
July 20, 2017

Toronto’s laneways have been getting a lot of attention for their housing potential. But now urban planners are eyeing them for a different purpose.

A group of planners and cycling advocates believe Toronto’s network of 2,400 laneways could help bridge the gaps in the city’s cycling infrastructure.

“There’s a lot of areas where you can’t continuously stay on a bike lane when you’re biking across the city,” said Ariana Cancelli, a planner and researcher at the Canadian Urban Institute. The non-profit group is partnering with the Laneway Project and Community Bicycle Network to spearhead the initiative, aptly called Laneways As Bikeways.

“We believe this can potentially provide at least an interim solution, while the city is investing and building more significant cycling infrastructure,” she added.

A survey is currently underway to gauge public opinion before a report with recommendations goes before city staff later in the fall.

As the city continues to roll out its 10-year cycling plan, the Bloor Bike Lane project, and similar ideas, Cancelli said bikeways should at least be considered for a pilot.

All it would take, she argued, is creating some signage preventing delivery trucks from parking at the entrances and exits of laneways, as well as other basic safety measures like new paint on pavement for visibility or raised sidewalks.

“The other thing is that some people don’t feel comfortable riding on busy streets,” she said. “Laneways are already separated from streets, so that increases the safety of riders.”