A city where it’s possible to cycle from North York to the waterfront, and Etobicoke to Scarborough, where cyclists can get wherever they’re going safely and efficiently, along major routes like Bloor and Yonge Sts.That’s the dream of Toronto’s ambitious $153.5-million, 10-year cycling plan that aims to double the existing network of cycling infrastructure in the city.In June 2016, city council committed to building up to 560 kilometres of new bike lanes and cycle tracks (lanes physically separated from cars), as well as up to 110 km of sidewalk-level boulevard trails that allow people to cycle along busy streets.Two years in, and the city has installed 28.5 km of bike lanes and cycle tracks — including the separated lanes on Bloor St. West from Shaw to Avenue Rd. — about 5 per cent of what was promised. Cycling advocate Albert Koehl called the pace of the plan “dismal” especially in the face of continued deaths on Toronto’s roads. By the Star’s count, four cyclists have died in 2018, already matching the total for 2017. “It’s painful and heartbreaking to look at these deaths... seeing it year after year,” said Koehl. Cyclist deaths have hovered between one and four over the last ten years, according to police data. “Because we know what’s lacking.”According to transportation services, more than 70 km of new cycling infrastructure has been installed since June 2016, including 13 km of multi-use trails, 23 km of sharrows (street markings) and 5.8 km of “contra-flow” lanes, which run opposite to traffic.Just 17 km of that total are physically separated cycle tracks, and 11.5 km are painted bike lanes — the kind of infrastructure advocates say give cyclists more protection from cars.It’s not money that’s needed, Koehl said, noting council pledged to spend $16 million a year, but rather political will “right from the top,” especia ...
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