vic
Senior Member
Imagine if they could build up the new Bloor bike lanes at sidewalk level (but separated from sidewalk!) through the underpasses? Then they could have an easier access to the staircases.
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Metrolinx staff at a recent railpath meeting mentioned that they expect the connection from Perth south of the townhouse development to be open before the railpath closes for reconstruction at Bloor Station, i.e., early 2020, which be very helpful as a detour route.To the south, the Perth re-alignment hasn't happened yet, so that access point doesn't exist. The one at MOCA is a gravel trail -- not exactly ideal for cycling -- and the access point next to it requires cycling through the parking lot for the building with the Drake Commissary and Henderson. At that point you're also making a significant detour to cut off a very short portion of Sterling, so most cyclists would probably just take Sterling to Dundas, but that section of Sterling has the loading dock for Nestle and the parking lot for their employees, which results in lots of traffic, including heavy trucks passing through. And speaking of heavy trucks, both the first two properties on the south-west corner of Perth and Bloor are planned for condo towers soon, as you mentioned, which will mean lots of heavy vehicles coming and going from that corner for a while.
Long term, they could build solid connections in both directions, but in the summer of 2020, probably not so much.
Imagine if they could build up the new Bloor bike lanes at sidewalk level (but separated from sidewalk!) through the underpasses? Then they could have an easier access to the staircases.
Metrolinx staff at a recent railpath meeting mentioned that they expect the connection from Perth south of the townhouse development to be open before the railpath closes for reconstruction at Bloor Station, i.e., early 2020, which be very helpful as a detour route.
That would be great. I am curious about what they will do at the Barrie and Kitchener line underpasses in general. It isn't necessary for the bike lanes to dip as far down as the car lanes, and it would be easier on cyclists if they didn't have to go as far back up. The Kitchener underpass is also particularly bad for flooding during bad storms which consistently chews up the road. That said, I suspect they'll just paint some lines and maybe add some bollards like they did where those lines cross Dupont.
That would definitely help with the southern connection!
From Google, at this link.
This is the one just east of Dundas Street West, at the Bloor GO/UPX Station.
View attachment 214874
And this is the one just west of St. Helens Avenue.
View attachment 214875
If they could raise the bicycle lanes to be level with the sidewalk, it would be better. But will they?
Of course they won't - you think this cheapass municipal government will actually spend extra money to ensure cyclist's safety?
You will find out at the next public meeting in January.If they could raise the bicycle lanes to be level with the sidewalk, it would be better. But will they?
As part of the Davenport Diamond: Guideway & Greenway project (see link), it will include removal and reconstruction of new Bloor Street bridge.
Since this would mean a rebuild on the railway bridge, it would be a good opportunity to include a RAISED bicycle lane and pedestrian sidewalk under the bridge.
You would probably have to discuss this with the appropriate city officials, who are currently designing the bike lane.
From Google, at this link.
This is the one just east of Dundas Street West, at the Bloor GO/UPX Station.
just west of St. Helens Avenue.
View attachment 214875
If they could raise the bicycle lanes to be level with the sidewalk, it would be better. But will they?
Information panels have been added to the project website, containing some interesting details and a few images of what the bike lanes will actually look like.
Link: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/8cca-BWBE_PDIE_InformationPanels_v18r.pdf
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A reminder that there are two open houses coming up where you can learn more about the design and provide feedback to the team.
January 27th
- Date: Monday, January 27, 2020
- Drop-in: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Location: St. Wenceslaus Church, 496 Gladstone Avenue
January 30th
- Date: Thursday, January 30, 2020
- Drop-in: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Location: Lithuanian House, 1573 Bloor Street West
I’m baffled as to why they are not doing one at the Spadina intersection as well, or anywhere along the extension (unless I’m mistaken).Also another interesting tidbit: The city will be installing a protected intersection at St George and Bloor this year.