Item - 2024.TE15.65

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Directed the General Manager, Transportation Services to implement a protocol to ensure bike lanes are clear and safe from debris and dust following construction projects in Toronto and East York and report to the September 25, 2024 meeting of the Toronto and East York Community Council.

2. Requested the General Manager, Transportation Services conduct an investigation of Greenwood Avenue and Danforth Avenue, and Carlaw Avenue and Dundas Street East to address the uneven pavement and unsafe cycling conditions and report to the September 25, 2024 meeting of the Toronto and East York Community Council.

The winter maintenance of bike lanes has been a long discussion and now there is an organized cleaning procedure in place.

It’s now time to take the same, if not a better, approach to summer cleaning.

Many more Torontonians utilize bikes in the summer months, especially as the Bike Share program continues to grow.

The city has many kilometres of cycle routes to maintain safety for cyclists, separating them from cars.

However, one aspect needs to be improved for cyclist safety is maintenance of these bike lanes. Keeping these critical corridors clean and swept regularly is key to maintaining safety within our city.

Patches of mud, sand, gravel, and glass may not be dangerous for cars (cars typically weigh upwards of 1170 kg) but are very dangerous for cyclists (bikes weigh typically 8kg to 25kg). Dust and debris blowing into cyclists’ eyes from construction sand and dust is a constant problem.

Sweeping of lanes after water main breaks and construction work has not been consistent. This should be a regular part of the city’s cleaning procedure, especially after completion of projects on city property.

After the recent watermain break at Broadview and Danforth, there were patches of mud left in the bike lane.

Ontario Line construction at Dundas has create a block of unsafe sand and gravel conditions east of Logan.

This doesn’t even begin to address the issues of uneven pavement and raised or depressed water main holes. These patches remain from frequent underground repairs are a nuisance for cars and larger vehicles, but for cyclists can result in serious injury.

Lastly, I want to shed light on the conditions at Greenwood & Danforth and Carlaw & Dundas, which are especially treacherous. How have these conditions been allowed to linger and create unsafe conditions in the very spaces that are meant to be safe for cyclists. I have heard from and witnessed cyclists sliding on this debris resulting in punctured tires and injuries in designated lanes, designed to protect them.

These issues need to be addressed accordingly. Residents should not have to be hindered by these dangerous conditions during their commutes. Cleaner streets are the first step in addressing safer streets, especially for cyclists.