The City of Toronto is upgrading the existing bicycle lanes on Birmingham Street between Kipling Avenue and Dwight Avenue to protected bicycle lanes (cycle tracks). The project scope includes upgrading the pavement markings to add a painted buffer area between the existing bike lane and the motor vehicle travel lane and installing concrete curbs to provide physical separation between people driving or parking and people cycling.
This project was approved at the City’s Infrastructure & Environment Committee Item IE20.13 on March 23, 2021, and City Council on April 7, 2021.
In 2021, the City of Toronto is resurfacing Birmingham Street between Islington Avenue and Dwight Avenue as part of the City’s state of good repair program. When a road resurfacing is planned, there is an opportunity for road design modifications to increase safety.
A number of criteria are considered to determine the most appropriate bikeway type for a street to be safe and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. Based on the motor vehicle volume and speed along the corridor, upgrading the bicycle lanes to cycle tracks is warranted.
Protected bicycle lanes, also called cycle tracks, are lanes for people cycling that are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic. Cycle tracks have been shown to create a safer street for all users including people driving, walking, and cycling.
Some cycle tracks, including the proposed cycle tracks on Birmingham Street, have vehicle parking beside the lane. When passengers and drivers are leaving their vehicle, they must first ensure the cycle track is clear. The buffer area next to the parking lane is designed to provide room for people to enter and exit their vehicle.
Protected bicycle lane on Willowdale Avenue with curbs and bollards
Existing:
Proposed:
Existing:
Proposed:
All existing motor vehicle lanes would be maintained, but narrowed to encourage greater compliance with the existing speed limit. The existing parking along the north side between Islington Avenue and Dwight Avenue would be shifted away from the curb. Approximately five parking spaces would be removed to improve sightlines at driveways. Accessible parking or pick-up / drop-off that cannot occur off-street would be accommodated within the parking lane or on side streets.
Painted buffers, concrete curbs, and bollards would be added to separate the cycle tracks from the motor vehicle lanes. The existing westbound bicycle lane between Islington Avenue and Dwight Avenue would be relocated against the north curb, between the parking lane and sidewalk.
The concrete curbs proposed to separate the cycle tracks would increase separation between motor vehicle lanes and sidewalks. The road resurfacing between Islington Avenue and Dwight Avenue will include sidewalk upgrades that reduce crossing distances and encouraging slower turning speeds.
City services such as fire, emergency medical services, and solid waste pick-up would be maintained as they occur today. Separate snow clearing would occur for sidewalks, cycle tracks, and roadway.
Provide your feedback and questions by February 19, 2021
We invite you to email cycling@toronto.ca or call 416-392-1739 to discuss any questions, concerns or feedback. The proposed changes will be considered by City Council at the Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting on March 23, 2020.