Mayor John Tory says the study of a bike lane pilot project on Bloor Street will be “scrupulous” if it goes ahead as planned.
The city’s public works committee approved the plan to instal bike lanes along a section of Bloor Street during its meeting on Monday.
The lanes, which now must be approved by council, would be part of a pilot project initiated by the city’s general manager of transportation services.
“This is going to be a pilot project perhaps unlike others done in the city where there will be scrupulous, very, very detailed study of the consequences of this to make sure we’re doing something that in the end improves the urban fabric of the city for everyone,” said Tory.
The temporary lanes would run on both sides of Bloor Street, between Shaw Street and Avenue Road, beginning in the summer and running until late 2017. The 2.4 kilometre-long lanes would be separated from the roadway using a painted lane marker and “flex-post bollard,” similar to those implemented on the Richmond Street bike lane.
City engineers said the installation of the lanes will ultimately require the removal of nearly 135 street parking spaces. As a result, on-street parking would only be available on one side of Bloor Street at a time. By eliminating these parking spaces, the city will lose approximately $840,000 in parking revenue yearly.
Additionally, the lanes will cost the city around $95,000 per year to maintain and clean in the winter.
The estimated cost of the Bloor Street bike lane pilot project is $500,000.
Mayor John Tory said he is in support of the project so long as its effect is reviewed from every perspective – including local motorists and Bloor Street businesses.
He said his final decision on a permanent bike lane will be based on the project’s conclusive evidence.
City councillors Joe Cressy and Mike Layton, both of downtown districts, have publicly supported the pilot project.
