Item - 2024.IE16.7

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:

1. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services and the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, to work with other City Officials, the Toronto Police Service, and City agencies as appropriate, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, as part of the next staff report on congestion management, on methods for minimizing the blocking or obstructing of bicycle lanes by City of Toronto owned and contracted vehicles or by unauthorized objects, such as garbage bins and on a workplan for implementation.

I am writing to request that the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services and Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, to work with other City Officials, the Toronto Police Service, and City agencies as appropriate, take action to address the growing issue of obstructions in Toronto's bike lanes, particularly those caused by construction companies and improperly parked City of Toronto vehicles.

The presence of garbage bins, construction equipment, and improperly parked vehicles in bike lanes poses a significant safety hazard to cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike. These obstructions can lead to accidents, injuries, and traffic congestion.

I propose that the City Divisions work collaboratively the Toronto Police Service, and City agencies as appropriate on methods for minimizing blocking or obstructing of bicycle lanes, including but not limited to the following possible measures:

1.  Prohibit Construction Companies from Using Bike Lanes for Garbage Bins: Construction companies should be strictly prohibited from placing garbage bins or other equipment in bike lanes. Alternative storage solutions should be required.
 

2.  Enforce Parking Restrictions for City Vehicles: City of Toronto vehicles, including those from all departments and agencies, should be subject to the same parking regulations as private vehicles. Parking in bike lanes should be strictly prohibited.
 

3.  Work with other City Officials, the Toronto Police Service, and City agencies as appropriate, to ensure that:

a.  City of Toronto owned and contracted vehicles do not block bicycle lanes

b.  No unauthorized objects, such as garbage bins, obstruct bicycle lanes

By taking these steps, we can ensure that Toronto's bike lanes remain safe and accessible for all users. I believe that this is a critical issue that requires immediate attention.