COVID-19: UrbanToronto Updates from the Industry for July 13, 2020

Urbantoronto.ca
July 14, 2020

The global COVID-19 pandemic is having far-reaching effects in Toronto, including major impacts to what have been booming real estate and building industries. Many jobs and most events are currently suspended, postponed, or affected in other ways, though UrbanToronto is still operating at full strength with our team working remotely. As a means to keep the public in the loop about the shutdowns, we'll be sharing information and status updates from around the industry on a regular basis.

In today's report: City of Toronto launches CaféTO blitz to accelerate curb lane patio installations, Vaughan's cycling network is growing, and more news from the COVID-19 front.

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Vaughan’s cycling network is growing

The City of Vaughan’s multi-use paths, tracks, lanes, routes and trails are designed to bring the community together, establish transit connections and get more people moving. With more citizens choosing cycling as a method of transportation, the City continues to expand its comprehensive transportation network to further promote a full range of options to get around, including walking, cycling and transit.

Enhancing existing multi-use networks and installing new active transportation options will contribute to a healthier environment, help alleviate traffic and encourage active-living habits. The current cycling and multi-use network in Vaughan is growing and consists of six types of cycle facilities:

• Multi-use recreational pathways: A recreational trail is an area completely outside of the road right-of-way and often passes through parks or other green spaces. Multi-use trails are designed for pedestrians, cyclists, in-line skaters and skateboarders and are located where trail surfaces permit these activities.
• Shared-use pathways: A shared-use boulevard path runs along the roadway but is separated from the traveled portion of a road by a curb or other physical barrier. Shared-use paths are intended for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Cycle tracks: A cycle track is a dedicated cycling area within the boulevard, separated from motor vehicles by a curb or a physical barrier. They are typically marked by a bicycle symbol and diamonds.
• Bike lanes: Bike lanes are designated for exclusive use by cyclists and located in traveled portions of the roadways. Either a painted line or hatched buffer separate cyclists from other motorists. Diamond pavement markings indicate the dedicated lanes, and bicycle symbols mark the type of vehicle it is dedicated for. Motorists are not allowed to park, stand or drive within a bicycle lane. Bike lanes are typically located on urban streets.
• Bike routes: Bike routes are areas where cyclists share the road with motor vehicles. They are typically marked with signage that could be supplemented by sharrows (a bicycle symbol and chevron combined, painted on the road). These symbols indicate a cyclist’s position within a lane; they serve as a reminder to drivers to expect cyclists and are sometimes used to guide cyclists through neighbourhoods. No physical changes are made to the roadway.
• Paved shoulders: A paved shoulder is a paved portion along a rural roadway outside of the motor vehicle lane. Paved shoulders can be used to accommodate cyclists on rural roads that generally have less than 10,000 daily vehicles and posted speed limits of less than 80 kilometres per hour.

A number of active transportation projects are underway. Vaughan’s growing cycling and multi-use network aligns with the City’s commitment to improve transportation and mobility, foster sustainable communities and create an active, safe and diverse city -- all priorities outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. The following projects also support the Vaughan Official Plan 2010 and the 2019 Council-approved Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan update.