Cyclists complain over garbage truck knocking over flexible posts in the Bloor bike line. The city says that’s by design

Thestar.com
July 10, 2018
Inori Roy

See accompanying video here: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/07/10/cyclists-complain-over-garbage-truck-knocking-over-flexible-posts-in-the-bloor-bike-line-the-city-says-thats-by-design.html

A video shows what appears to be a city garbage truck driving in a bike lane. As it goes, the truck flattens the flexible post dividing the lane from traffic.

According to the city, that’s what it’s supposed to do.

A video posted to Twitter shows a solid waste collection vehicle driving over a flex post on Bloor St. The city responded saying the posts are designed for this action.

Twitter user @TObikelanes posted the video and tagged @311Toronto. In the video, the truck drives along Bloor St. W. near Clinton St. and straddles one of the posts, which bends as the vehicle moves over it.

It’s been viewed more than 2,400 times, with other Twitter users commenting with their own tales and frustrations.

311 said the manoeuvre allows bikes to pass on the left and keeps staff from criss-crossing the bike lane for pickups, which it said “improves safety” for cyclists and staff.

It added collection only takes place on Thursdays.

In response, some users pointed out the prevalence of destroyed flex posts through downtown streets, including one in the video itself.