Although Toronto has seen major improvements to cycling infrastructure in recent years, medium- and long-distance bike trips remain a challenge. The core of the city contains many bike lanes, but areas outside the core have seen fewer cycling infrastructure improvements.
Even on streets with bike lanes in place, cyclists must often make frequent stops at intersections. This can significantly increase travel time and may also present safety challenges.
GO Bike responds to the need for better medium- and long-distance cycling infrastructure in Toronto. By taking advantage of the existing “expressways” along Toronto’s railway corridors, we can create an extensive network for cyclists that will eliminate conflicts with motorists to enable safe and smooth cross-town riding. What makes this idea even more attractive is that these trails are already safe and grade-separated; therefore, the implementation is relatively simple.
One of Toronto’s few examples of a bike path next to an active rail line is the West Toronto Rail Path, but it is only 2 km long. This shows the potential of rail-adjacent cycling infrastructure, while also highlighting how limited this type of route currently is.
By implementing this idea, Toronto has the potential to add over 100 km of bike trails in a relatively affordable way.
The proposal identifies opportunities to use existing and planned rail corridors to create grade-separated cycling routes, new connections, and trail designs that respond to different corridor conditions.
The concept includes both basic and more generous trail design options. In narrower corridors or areas with lower cycling volumes, bikes and pedestrians could share a trail. In busier areas, a more generous design could provide additional space and separation for different users.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, cycling is becoming a much more desirable mode of transportation, and cities are beginning to respond to this demand at a rapid rate. Municipal governments across Canada are moving quickly to create clearly marked bicycle lanes in order for people to travel safely.
Overseas, there are also ambitious plans being put in motion to transform streets by reallocating space from cars to cycling and walking. For instance, despite being only 15 km from end to end, Milan recently announced it will convert 35 km of street space to expand cycling and walking in an effort to protect residents as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
GO Bike also considers how the network could adapt to bridges, tunnels, and crossings. In some locations, there may be enough space to continue a cycling route within the existing corridor. In others, new cycling bridges, road crossings, or alternate connections may be required.
With GO Bike, Toronto has a remarkable opportunity to make cycling a safer, more accessible, and faster travel option for residents, opening up new possibilities for transportation across the city.
