Cycling Upgrades & Renewals

The Cycling Network Plan, adopted by City Council in  2019, seeks to build on the existing network of cycling routes to Connect gaps in the current network, Grow the network into new parts of the city, and Renew existing parts of the network to improve safety – with corresponding objectives and indicators for measuring and evaluating success.

Renewing existing cycling network routes can include:

  • upgrading existing bicycle lanes or cycle tracks for safety and comfort by adding physical protection such as pre-cast curbs, planters or poured-in-place concrete medians
  • upgrading existing intersections for safety and comfort by adding protected features such as corner islands or reducing curb radii
  • enhancing bikeways for convenience and clarity by refreshing line markings or creating wayfinding routes to guide people cycling between existing trails and on-street bikeways
  • adding public art to existing infrastructure or at intersections to draw attention to the presence of people cycling and pedestrians, and to encourage active transportation

Upgrades and renewals may be carried out by implementing new line markings, bundling with state-of-good repair road or water projects, or standalone cycling or intersection improvements.

As part of the ActiveTO temporary cycling network, cycle tracks were installed on Dundas Street East between Broadview Avenue and Sackville Street in 2020 to connect the existing Dundas Street bicycle lanes (Broadview Avenue to Kingston Road) into the downtown core via River Street and Shuter Street. This is the only protected, accessible, and connected cycling route over the Don Valley Parkway south of Bloor Street and north of the waterfront trail.

Further improvements to the now-permanent ActiveTO section between Sackville Street and Broadview Avenue are planned for 2023. This work will include refreshing the existing line markings, adding chevrons to guide people cycling across the intersection, and installing flexible bollards and concrete curbs as separation between people cycling and motor vehicle traffic in specific locations.

The Harbord Street and Hoskin Avenue corridor is a two-way minor arterial roadway that runs between Ossington Avenue and Queens Park Crescent. The corridor is approximately 2.5 km long, and has volumes at approximately 20,000 vehicles per day. People cycling comprise about 40% of the total vehicular traffic during peak periods. The bicycle lanes were first built along a portion of this corridor in 1997, and have since been updated in several iterations. Most recently, in 2020-2021, curbs were placed where there was sufficient space.

A curbside parking lane has been maintained on one side of the street for the majority of the corridor. Typically, the preference is to have the cycle track curbside and parking protected. In the current configuration, there is more opportunity for conflicts between people driving and people cycling, and it limits the ability to place physical protection between the cycle tracks and motor vehicle travel lanes.

A cross-section shows the existing and planned streetscape for Harbord Street and Hoskin Avenue following upgrades to the bike lanes
Existing (left) and planned (right) cross-section of Harbord Street and Hoskin Avenue, showing the cycle track and parking lane reversed and poured-in-place curbs. (Click to enlarge)

Major road resurfacing has been planned for 2024, including repairs to sidewalks and curbs. Transportation Services is proposing to renew the existing bike lanes by:

  • Flipping the location of the parking lane and cycle track throughout the corridor, as the curbside cycle track provides more safety for people cycling. This will also allow the City to include separation and a buffer zone, which can help reduce the chances of dooring. Geometrically, this change also provides a straighter path for people cycling, instead of navigating around parked vehicles. 
  • Installing poured-in-place curbs as separation between the travel lanes and cycle tracks in both the eastbound and westbound directions to provide a more permanent solution.
  • Transportation Services is also reviewing opportunities to include raised bus platforms, green infrastructure and curb radii modifications.

As part of the ActiveTO temporary cycling network, cycle tracks were installed on University Avenue/Queens Park Crescent between Bloor Street West and Adelaide Street West in 2020, and were extended further south to King Street West in 2022. This is the only protected and accessible north-south cycling route west of Yonge Street that connects the Bloor Street cycle tracks to the Richmond-Adelaide cycle tracks.

After they were made permanent by City Council in December 2021, the University Avenue/Queens Park Crescent cycle tracks pavement markings were refreshed to bring them up to standards with added safety features, such as decorative curb extensions at key locations along the route, which reduce crossing distances, improve sight lines and reduce turning vehicle speeds.

In 2023, the City is planning to upgrade University Avenue on the west side only with permanent features between College Street and Dundas Street West, including:

  • Raised medians between the motor vehicle travel lanes and new designated spaces for people cycling on Elm Street.
  • Raised concrete islands at the northwest and southwest corners of Elm Street and University Avenue, which provide a protected space for people on bicycles to wait before crossing the intersection, and reduced turning radius for drivers.
  • Raised concrete islands on University Avenue at intersections, which act as curb extensions. There is also the potential to add plantings in these islands.
  • Raised cycle track/curb ramp on University Avenue just north of Elm Street, which allows for accessible travel between the parking spaces and sidewalk.

These features will continue to provide safety for people walking, cycling and driving on University Avenue, while offering accessibility, durability and neighbourhood beautification.

Concrete curb island located at the north side of Richmond Street West at Brant Street.
Concrete island at Richmond Street West and Brant Street. (Click to enlarge)

Recent upgrades to the cycling network include low barrier walls and islands as a permanent replacement for quick-build features (such as bollards, concrete curbs and temporary barriers) at intersections. These upgrades provide increased safety for people cycling from motor vehicle drivers entering an intersection, and a protected area for people cycling to wait while turning.

Low barrier concrete islands have been installed at the following locations:

  • Argyle Street and Ossington Avenue
  • Woodbine Avenue and Corley Avenue
  • Richmond Street West and Brant Street
  • Queen Street East and Woodfield Road