TTC Stops along the Cycle Track
Cycle Tracks and Motor Vehicles
Cycling Etiquette in Cycle Tracks
Cycle Tracks near your home or business
What is a Cycle Track?
Cycle Tracks are separate lanes for bicycles that are adjacent to the roadway, but separated from vehicular traffic. The first such lane has been installed on Sherbourne Street between Bloor and King Street.
Why is Toronto building cycle tracks?
Cycle tracks help to make the area for cycling that is more separate from motor vehicle traffic than a painted bicycle lane. This fosters and environment which is safer for cycling, and which encourage people who wish to ride their bicycles, but do not feel safe in regular traffic lanes or in painted bicycle lanes.
Will the Cycle Track be cleared of snow, and other debris such as glass?
The level of service for ploughing and sweeping will be similar to that of the rest of the roadway.
Should pedestrians walk or stand in the cycle track?
No. Pedestrians should only walk on the sidewalk, not on the cycle track. The cycle track is for cyclists only.
Should cyclists ride on the sidewalk?
No. Cyclists should not ride on city sidewalks. Sidewalks are for pedestrians.
Are cycle tracks the same as multi-use park paths?
No. Multi-Use park paths are not part of a street. Cycle Tracks are part of the street. Multi-use paths are shared use facilities used by both pedestrians and cyclists in green spaces such as City parks. Cycle tracks in Toronto are built on roadways, next to sidewalks. Cycle Tracks are for cycling only and sidewalks are for pedestrians only.
Should people waiting for Transit vehicles stand in the cycle track?
No. Pedestrians should wait on the sidewalk, not in the cycle track, when waiting for a transit vehicle.
When a transit vehicle has stopped and opened its doors to pick up passengers, patrons should walk across the cycle track to board the transit vehicle.
When the doors of the transit vehicle are opened, cyclists must yield to these patrons, following the same protocol as when waiting for transit patrons to cross a curb lane to board a streetcar.
Should TTC Buses Stop in the Cycle Track, or regular Traffic Lane?
TTC Buses should stop in the regular traffic lane. Motor vehicles and cyclists must wait for TTC patrons to board the TTC vehicle before proceeding. When the doors of the TTC vehicle are open, cyclists must yield to these TTC patrons, following the same protocol as when waiting for TTC patrons to cross a curb lane to board a streetcar.
Why does the cycle track surface slope up and down TTC stops?
At TTC stops, the cycle track has been build to provide level boarding from the sidewalk, to the TTC vehicle.
Can emergency vehicles such as EMS or Fire Trucks stop, park, or drive in the Cycle Track?
From time to time, an emergency vehicle may cross or occupy a cycle track when responding to an emergency situation.
Should taxi drivers stop, park, or drive in the Cycle Track?
Taxi drivers with regular patrons should not stop, park, or drive in the cycle track. Private vehicles under contract to WheelTrans may pick up or drop off persons with a disability by pulling into the cycle track.
Should private cars, trucks or SUVs stop, park or drive in the Cycle Track?
Private vehicles should not stop, park, or drive in the Cycle Track.
Should delivery or courier vehicles stop, park or drive in the Cycle Track?
Private delivery vehicles should not stop, park, or drive in the Cycle Track. Private delivery vehicles must find a legal parking spot near the cycling track which they can use to make their delivery.\
Can E-Bikes drive in the Cycle Track?
In Ontario, E-bikes may be driven in regular traffic lanes, using muscular power, a combination of motor power and muscular power, or using motor power alone. When the e-bike driver wishes to use a cycle track, painted bike lane, or multi-use path, they may do so, but must use muscular power alone. Cycling facilities have not been built for motorized traffic. E-bikes may not engage their motor while using cycle tracks, bicycle lanes or multi-use paths.
Who has the right of way at intersections? Bicycles riding across the intersection in the cycle track or right turning vehicles in the regular traffic lane?
Signs have been erected at intersections giving the cyclists in the cycle track the right of way. Motorists turning right at an intersection must carefully shoulder check for cyclists using the cycle track, before merging across the cycle track in order to make their right hand turn.
I want to ride more quickly than the cyclist in front of me, how do I pass slower cyclists now that a curb separates the cycle track from the other traffic lanes?
It is important to be respectful of all cyclists using the cycle track.If you are in a section of the cycle track where passing other cyclists is not possible, remember that there are many breaks in the cycle track's curb including intersections, driveways and other junctions where there is more space to pass.
When I'm passing a slower cyclist, how much space should I leave between me and the person I'm passing?
Please pass other cyclists only when the space between the widest point on your bike, and the widest point on the other person's bike (usually handle bar to handle bar) has a minimum of 10 inches to 1 foot clearance. Always pass on the left. It can be dangerous to pass a slower cyclist when you are travelling in close proximity.
How do I position myself in the cycle track, if the cycle track is busy and I know I will be passed by faster cyclists?
Slower cyclists are encouraged to comfortably position themselves to the RIGHT side of the cycle track, so that they may more easily be passed by faster cyclists on the LEFT.
Is there a polite way to let someone know that you will be passing them as you approach?
The standard practice for both mountain bikers and road cyclists to say "on your left", "rider left" or "passing left" as you approach the cyclist you will be passing. You don't need to shout, just politely alert them to your presence in a regular speaking voice. You can also use your bell to help make other riders you are approaching them from behind.
Can I wear earbuds to listen to music while riding in the cycle track?
Whenever and wherever you are cycling, the more aware you are of your environment you are, the better. For this reason, refraining from listening to music, particularly loud music, is a good choice to make for your own safety. Music is a distraction which may make you less aware of other cyclists, vehicles, and pedestrians nearby.
Do I need to wear a helmet to cycle in the cycle track?
Cyclists under 18 are required by law to wear an approved bicycle helmet when riding a bike in Ontario. Learn more about helmets.
Where do I place my garbage, recycle and bins?
Please place your solid waste bins curbside, just as you used to before the cycle track was built. Please do not place your bins in the cycle track.
A new cycle track is being planned for my street; will the cycle track impact my property access?
Property access for vehicles using laneways or private driveways will be maintained. Careful consideration is being given to the impact of vehicles exiting a site and the potential conflicts with cyclists. Vehicles could totally block the bike lanes as they wait to enter the abutting traffic streams.
A new cycle track is being planned for my street; will traffic or parking in my neighbourhood be affected?
On certain streets, parking spots may need to be removed to ensure there is enough space to build a cycle track. When this is the case, City staff endeavour to find opportunities to create new parking spots on nearby adjacent streets. City staff encourage individuals who may be affected to contact bikeplan@toronto.ca or phone our 24 hr. voicemail at 416-338-1066 so that we may consider your concerns as the cycle track design is developed.
A new cycle track is being planned for my street, how do I contact the City to discuss my concerns?
City staff encourage individuals who may be affected by a new cycle track which has been built, or is in the design phase to contact bikeplan@toronto.ca, or phone our 24 hr. voicemail at 416-338-1066 so that we may consider your concerns as the cycle track design is developed.
When and where will there be public meetings for cycle track projects?
Please learn more about the planned cycle track projects, including when and where public meetings will take place for each project by visiting the web pages for pages for the cycle track projects in development.
