City council approves expanded cycling network with 120 km of new bike lanes

Toronto city council has voted in favour of a plan to expand the city’s cycling network, with 120 kilometres of new bike lanes to be built over the next three years.

“More people are riding bicycles in our city than ever before and we are responding by responsibly and rationally investing in and expanding Toronto’s cycling infrastructure,” Mayor John Tory said in a release. “We are meeting this unprecedented demand by delivering more bike routes that are safe and protected, and will better connect people to the places they want to go.”

The city says the approved Cycling Network Plan “will help improve coordination of the overall cycling network with neighbourhood planning, improve accountability with an aim to deliver routes and safety enhancements on time, and continue to grow the network.”

The city will also focus on expanding cycling in suburban areas, with new and improved bike lanes in parts of Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York.

“Planning and delivering new and upgraded cycling routes that serve all Toronto residents is an important way we are expanding and growing our transportation network,” added Coun. James Pasternak, Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. “To be truly committed to the future of cycling in our city, we must make cycling a safe and viable option for everyone.”