Those with long memories may recall that the original EA for the Jarvis streetscape improvements called for widened sidewalks and boulevards, but no bike lane. IIRC, it was changed to the bike lane plan at the 11th hour, so all we ended up with were some lines on the road that could be (relatively) cheaply and easily ripped out with a change in administration. If we had widened the sidewalks as recommended by the EA, we'd have a much more beautiful and functional street today. I'm as much of a bike infrastructure supporter as you'll find, but I can't help thinking that the Jarvis bike lane plan was a huge blunder that will be with us for decades.I think the solution is to make bike lanes more palatable. Eliminate the parking lane, extend the sidewalk and make bike lanes 'grade-separated' by placing them on the sidewalk rather than on the road.
(shaky cell shot)
Vintage Toronto just posted a picture of the office building (later hotel) that once stood here that I haven't seen before.
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