TORONTO – The first phase of a 14-kilometre network of cycle tracks in Toronto’s downtown core is now open to bicycles.
Sherbourne Street between Bloor and King streets is home to the city’s first separated bike lanes as part of $2.4-million in upgrades to the road.
The lanes feature a curb that separates car and bike traffic, and were built after council voted to get rid of the Jarvis Street bike lanes.
Mayor Rob Ford and Coun. Denzil Minnan-Wong, chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, were on hand for a ceremony at Allan Gardens.
Minnan-Wong said these bike lanes are just the beginning.
“Not only are they the first separated bike lanes in the city, but the first of a planned downtown network,” he said.
He added that in partnership with the province, they will be developing and implementing “a new cycling education program for Ontario.”
Buses will not be allowed to stop in the cycle track; however, cyclists are required to stop for passengers coming off those vehicles.
Motorists caught parked in the bike lanes will be fined $150 dollars or could be towed.
