The Ward 22 chapter of the Toronto Cyclists Union is pleased to see the city contemplating bike lanes along the 10-kilometre stretch between Brentcliffe Road and Black Creek Drive as part of a broader Eglinton Avenue study. Public consultation will begin this month to create a vision for the entire 20-kilometre stretch along which the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown light rail transit will be constructed, both above and below grade.
Rod McPhail, director of transportation planning for the city, said the study will involve discussion of a variety of issues, including bus lanes and sidewalk widths.
While tunnel boring will occur below grade, the road cuts required to create the new stations will present the opportunity to alter the roadway.
As far as bike lanes go, McPhail thinks on-street parking, which many Eglinton Avenue shop owners rely on for business, may present the biggest challenge.
John Taranu, a representative of the Ward 22 chapter of the Toronto Cyclists Union, welcomes the chance to have input into improving the current state of Eglinton Avenue, which he finds troublesome for everyone, drivers and pedestrians included.
“It’s an area that most cyclists avoid because it’s quite dangerous,” Taranu said. “We’d love to see it made safer.” City staff are expected to report back to the Toronto City Council Planning and Growth Management Committee in the spring of 2014.
