Bike lanes on Bloor no longer just a slogan, thanks to pilot project

Love them or hate them, bike lanes are coming to Bloor Street West between Shaw Street and Avenue Road.

The city of Toronto has given the green light to a one-year pilot project starting in 2016.

Public meetings will be held to discuss these three design options.

To view the design options, click here.

Coun. Joe Cressy says the local Business Improvement Agency (BIA) is working on an economic impact study, but the bike lane plan is seen as a way to boost foot traffic into local shops and businesses.

“What research has shown us is that in downtown environments — when you put in bike lanes — it enhances the local businesses,” Cressy said.

Base Camp Climbing is scheduled to open in mid-December and owner Mathew Languay says he’s already working with the city to bring more bike locking posts and extra bike bars to his location.

“We’re expecting a tonne of bike traffic,” Languay told CityNews. “That’s what we’re pushing for is more transit, less cars, and more bicycle traffic.”

To learn more about the pilot project and provide your own feedback,  there will be a public drop-in event at Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church on Dec. 2.