Toronto Centre Cyclists (TCC) hosted a celebration of the opening of cycle tracks on the Esplanade and Mill St today. There are now protected bike lanes extending east from Sherbourne to Corktown Commons, and beyond to Bayview.
Arthur is our MC today.
Just before we get started, this incredible bike and trailer combination arrives.
Peter and Julia show off the shirts that Peter designed for the occasion.
Councillor Wong Tam reminds us of all of the members of the community that worked together with the city and city staff to get this project done after many years of advocacy. She says that this is another step towards making the whole city safer for non-motorized transport. She also acknowledges the close collaboration with Councillor Cressy.
Donna speaks on behalf of TCC and the many community volunteers that did bike counts and surveyed road safety in this neighbourhood to demonstrate to city councillors the need for this infrastructure.
Owen from city staff reminded us that this was just phase one of the project. Next year, these cycle tracks will extend further west to Jarvis, and there will eventually be a connection to Yonge St once the reconstruction of part of the St. Lawrence Market is complete.
Janet Joy Wilson spoke next on behalf of the Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition. She reminded us of the need to have similar infrastructure all across the city. (sorry but the only photo I got was very out of focus).
Next was Stewart, president of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association. He talked about all of the hard work that was done to make this change. He said that there were still some teething problems to be sorted out, but that this was a positive addition to the neighbourhood. He also noted that the non-cyclists present all had umbrellas, whereas the cyclists were all standing in the rain.
Finally, former president Suzanne also thanked everyone present who came to celebrate this enhancement to the neighbourhood.
The ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.
And we’re off, starting out towards Sherbourne.
Turning back at Sherbourne.
This section is along the existing multiuse path, but I was told that Metrolinx is developing the lot to the left, and they have granted enough right of way so that a separate cycle path will be added here.
Biking by the Distillery.
Waiting for the light at Cherry St.
Now headed to Corktown Commons.
We were thankful to have Owen along for the ride as he noted some signalling problems that needed to be sorted out on our ride westbound at Cherry St.
Thanks to Arthur, Donna, and the other TCC members for organizing this event, and to all who actually made this happen.
Update: the discussion about signalling at Cherry St. Thanks to Brian for the video.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TorontoCyclists/posts/4319021211540388/
Leave a comment