Toronto moves to expand bike infrastructure to increase safety
In an effort to ease urban congestion, Ontario’s Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca and Toronto’s deputy mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong revealed plans to purchase $4.9 million worth of bikes and docking stations. The purchase is expected to double the size of the existing network, as reported by CBC.
According to the Ontario Transportation Minister: “We know that cycling generates a broad range of economic, environmental, health, social and other benefits, which helps build healthy, more active and prosperous communities.”
In addition, there are plans in the works to expand bike lanes. According to the Globe and Mail, this comes only a few weeks after the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee backed a staff recommendation to expand bicycle infrastructure across Toronto.
“We’ve got to do more to connect the grid,” said Jared Kolb of Cycle Toronto. “We need to do more for on-street safety.”
Councillor Jaye Robinson, chair of the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee, says the wheels are in motion to make it happen, but it will take time, and money.
“We are rolling out this whole plan for a bike network that follows a grid system,” she told CityNews.
The importance of these infrastructure announcements cannot be understated. In the past two weeks, three cyclist deaths were reported with the latest being a hit-and-run in Yorkville.
Protected bike lanes will play a large part in bicycle safety for years to come. We commend the city and province for making steps to improve infrastructure in Toronto and across the province of Ontario
If you are a bicyclist and a vehicle has struck you down, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Jeremy Diamond, Sandra Zisckind or anyone on the team at Diamond & Diamond Personal Injury Lawyers. We will work tirelessly to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-567-HURT (4878) or visit us here.