Toronto Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 16 Don Valley East) and Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 6 York Centre), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, were joined by other members of Council and representatives of the TTC Board and Toronto Police Service Board today to dedicate the Sherbourne cycle track in honour of Alan Heisey.
Heisey, whose family and friends were also in attendance for the ceremony, is Vice Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Board and has served as Chair of the Toronto Police Services Board and Chair of the Toronto Parking Authority.
A Toronto resident who grew up in the Don Mills area of the city, Heisey is an avid cyclist who advocates for safer cycling infrastructure. He has played a key role in the conception of separated cycle tracks on Sherbourne and Richmond Streets as well as the most-travelled cycle tracks in Toronto, on Adelaide and Richmond Streets.
The Sherbourne cycle track opened as Toronto’s first separated bike lane in 2013. Sherbourne Street is the only street in Toronto that connects Bloor Street to the Martin Goodman Trail with separated cycle tracks. After the installation of the separated bicycle lanes, cycling traffic increased by more than 150 per cent and it is now a safer route for nearly 2,800 cyclists a day.
More information about Toronto’s cycling network is available at http://www.toronto.ca/cycling.
Quotes:
“Alan Heisey has had a profound and positive influence on our city through his time spent on various public boards as well as through his advocacy for safer cycling options. This dedication demonstrates the City’s appreciation for his hard work and commitment to the residents of our city.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Toronto’s first separated bike lane, the Sherbourne Cycle Track, came to be through Alan Heisey’s vision and determination. I’m happy to see him recognized for his leadership role in the project, which has become a crucial part of our downtown cycling network.”
– Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong
“Community leadership and advocacy is an important part of growing our cycling network. Alan Heisey has, among other important civic roles, been a champion for safe cycling routes and his commitment has resulted in creating some of the busiest cycling routes in Toronto.”
– Councillor James Pasternak
“It is an honour to receive this recognition today. Hundreds of people have helped advance the creation of safer cycling infrastructure in Toronto and I want to acknowledge and thank two people who helped make this happen, the late Councillor Pam McConnell and Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong.”
– Alan Heisey
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