Danforth Avenue By-Pass Bicycle Route -

Broadview Avenue to Woodbine Avenue, and Jones Avenue

Bicycle Lanes - Danforth Avenue to Queen Street

East (Don River and East Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that:

(1) the bicycle route identified in Drawing No. 421F-5211 entitled "Proposed Danforth Avenue By-pass Bicycle Route and Jones Avenue Bicycle Lanes", May 1998, attached to the report (May 19, 1998) from the Director, Infrastructure Planning and Transportation, City Works Services be approved in principle;

(2) approval in principle be given to narrow the pavement in order to facilitate the Danforth Avenue By-Pass Bicycle Route, at the locations described as follows:

(a) The narrowing of the pavement on the south side of Chatham Avenue from a width of 8.6 metres to a width ranging from 6.6 metres to 8.6 metres, from Jones Avenue to a point 15 metres east thereof;

(b) The narrowing of the pavement on the south side of Strathcona Avenue from a width of 7.4 metres to a width ranging from 5.4 metres to 7.4 metres, from Pape Avenue to a point 15 metres east thereof; and

(c) The narrowing of the pavement on the north side of Strathcona Avenue from a width of 7.3 metres to a width ranging from 5.3 metres to 7.3 metres, from Pape Avenue to a point 20 metres west thereof.

(3) bicycle lanes be approved in principle on both sides of Jones Avenue from Danforth Avenue to Queen Street East as detailed in Appendix A attached to the report (May 19, 1998) from the Director, Infrastructure Planning and Transportation, City Works Services;

(4) in conjunction with the implementation of the bicycle route, roadway alterations and bicycle lanes identified in Recommendation Nos. 1, 2 and 3 respectively, the traffic and parking regulations detailed in Appendix B attached to the report (May 19, 1998) from the Director, Infrastructure Planning and Transportation, City Works Services be approved in principle;

(5) bicycle lanes be approved in principle on Strathcona Avenue as follows:

(a) from Pape Avenue to Carlaw Avenue on the north side for westbound cyclists; and

(b) from Pape Avenue to Blake Street on the south side adjacent to the parking lane for eastbound cyclists.

(5) the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect to the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that may be required.

The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (May 19, 1998) from the Director, Infrastructure Planning and Transportation, City Works Services:

Purpose:

To initiate the process of establishing an on-street bicycle route parallel to Danforth Avenue from Broadview Avenue to Woodbine Avenue, and establishing bicycle lanes on Jones Avenue from Danforth Avenue to Queen Street East.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to cover the cost of the proposed work in the estimated amount of $70,000 are available under Capital Code No. 296702.

Recommendations:

(1) That the bicycle route identified in Drawing No. 421F-5211 entitled "Proposed Danforth Avenue By-pass Bicycle Route and Jones Avenue Bicycle Lanes", May 1998 be approved;

(2) That approval be given to narrow the pavement in order to facilitate the Danforth Avenue By-Pass Bicycle Route, at the locations described as follows:

(a) The narrowing of the pavement on the south side of Chatham Avenue from a width of 8.6 metres to a width ranging from 6.6 metres to 8.6 metres, from Jones Avenue to a point 15 metres east thereof;

(b) The narrowing of the pavement on the south side of Strathcona Avenue from a width of 7.4 metres to a width ranging from 5.4 metres to 7.4 metres, from Pape Avenue to a point 15 metres east thereof; and

(c) The narrowing of the pavement on the north side of Strathcona Avenue from a width of 7.3 metres to a width ranging from 5.3 metres to 7.3 metres, from Pape Avenue to a point 20 metres west thereof.

(3) That bicycle lanes be approved on both sides of Jones Avenue from Danforth Avenue to Queen Street East as detailed in Appendix A attached hereto;

(4) That, in conjunction with the implementation of the bicycle route, roadway alterations and bicycle lanes identified in Recommendation Nos. 1, 2 and 3 respectively, the traffic and parking regulations detailed in Appendix B attached hereto be approved; and

(5) That the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect to the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that may be required.

Background:

The Toronto City Cycling Committee released a report in late 1993 entitled "Proposed New Bicycle Lanes and Routes - Various Locations". This document set out a rough master plan for establishing a network of on-street lanes and routes for bicycles. The former Toronto City Services Committee directed staff to report on the feasibility and implementation of these facilities. Over the past few years, staff have incrementally reported on and implemented the identified on-street bicycle facilities to the stage where there are now over 50 km of bicycle lanes in place. One of the remaining facilities which Works was requested to assess and report on is the Danforth By-Pass Bicycle Route between Broadview Avenue and Woodbine Avenue. This project was specifically identified in a report entitled "Enhancing Bicycle Safety" which was adopted by the former City of Toronto Council at its February 24, 1997 meeting.

A bicycle route is a recommended route for cyclists on streets, and is identified by circular blue and white bicycle route signs. Bicycle lanes, by way of comparison, are exclusive on-street traffic lanes to be used by bicycles only. They are identified by white edge lines, diamonds and bicycle logo symbols on the pavement, and regulatory (black and white) bicycle lane signs. Motor vehicles are not allowed to drive or park in bicycle lanes, whereas a bicycle route is not exclusive to cyclists.

Comments:

(1) Danforth Avenue By-pass Bicycle Route - Broadview Avenue to Woodbine Avenue

Existing Conditions

Danforth Avenue is the busiest cycling street east of the Don Valley. Many cyclists, however, do not feel safe cycling on Danforth Avenue. Recent pavement marking changes have improved general traffic operations and cycling safety on Danforth Avenue between Broadview Avenue and Pape Avenue, but the intense traffic and parking activities on the street remain a deterrent for many cyclists. The east-west residential streets, generally to the south of Danforth Avenue, provide a good alternative for these cyclists. In addition, there are numerous schools and public parks in this area which attract young cyclists and families who could benefit from the by-pass route.

As the attached drawing entitled "Proposed Danforth Avenue By-pass Bicycle Route and Jones Avenue Bicycle Lanes", May 1998 shows, it is possible for cyclists to by-pass Danforth Avenue and travel between Broadview Avenue and Woodbine Avenue. Although many cyclists already choose this option, eastbound cyclists do so illegally, as there are no connecting streets between Jones Avenue and Pape Avenue which permit eastbound traffic. In addition, the westbound route is somewhat indirect if cyclists abide by the existing one-way regulations.

Many of the one-way regulations on streets in this neighbourhood were originally introduced to reduce the amount of motor vehicle traffic. Unfortunately, these regulations also affect cyclists, although cyclists are not the concern of most residents.

Proposal Details

The Danforth By-Pass is designed to maintain the restrictions to motorised traffic while allowing cyclists to legally and safely use the neighbourhood streets. In order to accomplish this, the following one-way regulations would be rescinded:

(1) Strathcona Avenue between Carlaw Avenue and Pape Avenue (one-way eastbound);

(2) Strathcona Avenue between Pape Avenue and Blake Street (one-way westbound); and

(3) Chatham Avenue between Jones Avenue and Byron Avenue (one-way westbound).

In conjunction with the rescindment of the one-way restrictions, entry onto these streets would be prohibited at one end to simulate the current operating conditions. For example, entry onto Strathcona Avenue at Pape Avenue would be prohibited at all times and from all directions, except for bicycles. This has two advantages. Cyclists would legally be able to enter the street from both directions and in addition residents and others who are parked on the street or in the rear lane-ways would be able to travel in either direction and exit the street at either end. The potential for motorised through traffic would still be avoided by means of the entry prohibitions.

Besides the one-way designation changes and entry prohibitions, traffic islands would also be installed at the three locations where entry is to be prohibited. The attached "enhanced" photograph entitled "Danforth Avenue By-Pass Bicycle Route - Proposed Chatham Avenue/Jones Avenue Changes", March 1998, illustrates the proposed concept. The purpose of the traffic island is to physically discourage illegal entry by motor vehicles onto the street, and also to enhance the safety of bicycle, motor vehicle and pedestrian operations. This concept (in various design forms) is currently used in the United States, Europe and in a number of Canadian cities, including Edmonton, Vancouver and Ottawa, but has not yet been implemented in Toronto.

The changes will not impact the parking supply on Chatham Avenue and Jones Avenue. On Strathcona Avenue between Carlaw Avenue and Pape Avenue, the existing alternate side parking regulation would be rescinded and parking authorized only on the south side of the street to reflect

the predominantly eastbound flow of traffic. On Strathcona Avenue between Pape Avenue and Blake Street the parking would be changed from the south side to the north side of the street to reflect the predominantly westbound flow of traffic. There would be a reduction in the parking supply on Strathcona Avenue as follows:

Although the proposed plan would result in the loss of 2 parking spaces between Carlaw Avenue and Pape Avenue, and 5 spaces between Pape Avenue and Blake Street, residents and visitors would have the added benefit of being able to drive in both directions on the street. This would also benefit visitors to Earl Grey Senior Public School on the north side of Strathcona Avenue.

The intersection of Greenwood Avenue and Chatham Avenue/Mountjoy Avenue is another key location along the by-pass route. At this off-set intersection cyclists must cross Greenwood Avenue without the aid of a traffic signal or pedestrian crosswalk. It is proposed that the 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. parking prohibition on the east side of Greenwood Avenue opposite Chatham Avenue be rescinded, and a 2.4 m wide "hatched" area be implemented in the centre of the road with adjacent 3.8 m travel lanes. The proposed changes are shown in the attached Drawing No. 421F-5184, April 1998.

The hatched area would provide storage for pedestrians and left-turning bicycles, and motor vehicles. The concept is similar to changes recently implemented on Danforth Avenue between Broadview Avenue and Pape Avenue. This option would increase the parking supply by allowing parking on the east side of Greenwood Avenue during the evening peak period.

In addition to the changes discussed above, other modifications along the by-pass route are also being investigated. A review is underway to assess the feasibility of modifying existing vehicle sensors at traffic signals so that they also detect (and respond to) bicycles at the following locations:

(a) northbound and southbound on Monarch Park Avenue at Danforth Avenue;

(b) eastbound and westbound on Hanson Street at Coxwell Avenue;

(c) eastbound and westbound on Glebeholme Boulevard at Coxwell Avenue; and

(d) northbound on East Lynn Avenue and southbound on Woodmount Avenue at Danforth Avenue.

The implementation of the Danforth Avenue By-Pass Bicycle Route can be done independently of the Jones Avenue Bicycle Lanes.

2. Jones Avenue Bicycle Lanes - Danforth Avenue to Queen Street East

The 1993 report by the Toronto City Cycling Committee also recommended the implementation of bicycle lanes on both sides of Jones Avenue between Danforth Avenue and the CN Railway Overpass. Based on the current operating conditions on Jones Avenue, this investigation of bicycle lanes has been extended south from the railway overpass to Queen Street East.

Existing Conditions

Jones Avenue is 14 m wide with one travel lane in each direction and parking on both sides, except for the east side from Gerrard Street East to Danforth Avenue where parking is prohibited at all times. The permit parking program is in effect from 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The traffic volume on Jones Avenue is approximately 10,000 vehicles per day, which is well below the level on other streets which have successfully been converted to bicycle lanes. The No. 83 Jones TTC bus route also runs along Jones Avenue in both directions.

Proposal Details

The attached drawing entitled "Jones Avenue Bicycle Lane Proposal - Danforth Avenue to Queen Street East - Typical Cross-Section Before and After the Bicycle Lanes", April 1998 illustrates the proposed plan. Based on the existing conditions on Jones Avenue, the implementation of bicycle lanes is forecast to have a minimal impact on traffic and TTC operations. The impact on on-street parking on Jones Avenue is outlined in the table below.

3. Public Notification - Danforth By-pass and Jones Avenue Bicycle Lanes

Under the provisions of the Municipal Act, notice of Council's intent to enact any proposed by-law(s) to designate bicycle lanes or alter roadways must be advertised at least once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the community. This notice is also to indicate the date and time of the meeting at which Council will consider passing the proposed by-law(s) and hearing public deputations.

In accordance with procedures adopted by the former Toronto City Council at its meeting of July 24 and 25, 1995 set out in the joint report (June 13, 1995) from the City Clerk and Commissioner of Public Works and the Environment (Clause 27 in City Services Committee Report No. 10 contained in Executive Committee Report No. 19), additional notification will be given to occupants of affected properties by postal walk, and non-occupant owners by mail, advising in advance of the Toronto Community Council's meeting at which deputations will be heard on these proposals, and as soon as possible in advance of the meeting at which the draft by-laws are to be considered.

4. Implementation Programme

Works staff have initiated consultations with the emergency services and the Toronto Transit Commission regarding the proposals. Detailed design work in relation to traffic signal and transit operations is continuing. Refinements arising out of the above mentioned consultations, the deputation process and the detailed design work can be reported to subsequent meetings of the Toronto Community Council as necessary.

Due to the need to co-ordinate the implementation of the bicycle route and lanes in 1998, there is some urgency to initiate the approval process. Ideally, a greater level of prior public scrutiny of the plan would have been helpful, however, this has not been possible in this instance. Public consultation can continue concurrently with the approval process, and there are several opportunities through subsequent reports to the Toronto Community Council or City Council to make refinements to the plan, if necessary.

The narrowing of the pavement on Strathcona Avenue and Chatham Avenue and reconfiguration of its intersections as set out above constitute alterations to a public highway pursuant to the Municipal Act. This project is pre-approved in accordance with Schedule A of the Class Environmental Assessment for Municipal Road Projects.

Conclusions:

The proposal to implement the Danforth Avenue By-pass Bicycle Route and Jones Avenue Bicycle Lanes would benefit cyclists and residents, and have a minimal impact on parking and traffic operations.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Nigel Tahair, Transportation Technologist,

392-7711

APPENDIX A

Schedule Additions to Article IV

Required to Implement the Jones Avenue Bicycle Lanes

Add the following:

194-6 - Lanes designated principally for the use of bicycles

APPENDIX B

Parking Regulation Amendments Required to Implement the

Danforth Avenue By-pass Bicycle Route and Jones Avenue Bicycle Lanes

1. Delete the following:

§400-54 - Schedule I - One-Way Highways

2. Add the following:

§400-63 - Schedule X - Entry on Certain Highways Prohibited

3. Delete the following:

§400-76 - Schedule XXIII - No Parking Certain Times

4. Add the following:

§400-76 - Schedule XXIII - No Parking Certain Times

5. Add the following:

§400-77 - Schedule XXIV - No Stopping

6. Delete the following:

§400-79 - Schedule XXVI - Permit Parking

Part A: 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

7. Add the following:

§400-79 - Schedule XXVI - Permit Parking

Part A: 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

8. Delete the following:

§400-81 - Schedule XXVIII - Alternate Side Parking

(Copies of maps appended hereto are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)