Item - 2026.MM41.13

Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher, recommends that:

1. City Council request the Toronto Parking Authority Board of Directors to request the President, Toronto Parking Authority, in consultation with the General Manager, Parks and Recreation starting in the 2026 operating season, to:

a. provide clear education for cyclist behavior with Bike Share rental on Toronto Island including valet assisted on-the-ground direction;

b. ensure BikeShare takes steps to avoid adverse environmental impacts including to turtle populations when siting BikeShare stations or other infrastructure on Toronto Island;

c. minimize the use of internal combustion vehicles for servicing Bike Share stations on Toronto Island;

d. coordinate signage that reinforces identification of residential community areas on Toronto Island; and

e. provide suggested routes for BikeShare on Toronto Island that avoids disruption to the residential community.

In May 2025, Bike Share Toronto launched a pilot project on Toronto Island, introducing service to this destination park for the first time. This program aligned with the goal of enhancing access on Toronto Island park for all users, and was implemented in coordination with Parks staff from Toronto Island Park Plan team.

Six Bike Share stations at Centre Island, Ward’s Island, Hanlan’s Point Beach and Gibraltar Point were installed for the pilot. The program was successful with users, with over 216,000 trips started on Toronto Island between May and October 2025. In this first year, the Centre Island Ferry Dock and Ward’s Island Ferry Dock station were respectively the first and third most used stations in the entire Bike Share system in 2025.

Following the summer season, City staff have taken feedback from stakeholders on the use in the first year. Several enhancements to the program have been identified to manage the use of Bike Share in the unique conditions of Toronto Island, including its residential communities. These recommendations should be implemented this season, to support a successful program.