City council is expected to decide Tuesday whether putting designated bike lanes in one of Toronto's most well-travelled roadways is a good idea.
The proposal suggests converting two lanes along University Avenue to bike lanes, from Queen Street to just south of Bloor Street. If city councillors vote in favour of the project, the bike lanes would be the first of its kind in Toronto.
"Usually bike lanes are just painted beside all the cars and if you swerve out you swerve out," said Works committee chair Glen De Baeremaeker. "This will actually provide more comfort for drivers and cyclists by putting a row of posts between the cars and bikes so that they are physically separated."
The bike lane project has the support of Toronto's cycling community, especially because University Avenue connects to several east-and west-bound roadways, making it easier for cyclists to travel across the city.
However some motorists say traffic along University is congested enough and that the problem will only get worse if two lanes are taken away.
A spokesperson with the Canadian Automobiles Association told CTV Toronto that congestion is also a safety concern, especially if cars need to move to make way for emergency vehicles.
The new bike lanes would extend from Queen Street, to just south of Bloor Street.
