In My Opinion: More bike lanes, better transit among traffic congestion solutions

By ANIKA MUNIR

GUEST COLUMN

Do you recall the days when a quick five-minute drive would have you to the Beach, a 10-minute trip brought you to Parkview Hills, and turning right off Danforth was a breeze? Nowadays, it seems every trip or arrangement within the Beaches-East York area has become increasingly challenging.

This congestion isn’t exclusive to our community; it’s a widespread issue affecting numerous neighbourhoods across the city.

But what is the state of transit infrastructure, specifically in the Beach? How are we handling the increasing challenges?

By adding dedicated bike lanes along Danforth, Dawes, Woodbine, and other roads, cycling has become a more appealing option for many, enhancing its accessibility and enjoyment in the area.

However, while these lanes primarily run east-west, there is a lack of north-south lanes in my opinion.

Given the influx of cyclists from across Toronto during the warmer months, expanding the dedicated bike lane network within the Beaches-East York ward would significantly benefit both locals and visitors.

It would encourage even greater participation in biking and reduce the number of individuals who choose to drive down with bike racks and vehicles on the roads to the Beach or other parts of the ward.

However, it’s essential to note adding more bike lanes often creates frustration among drivers.

Many residents who use cars may argue that these bike lanes reduce the space available for vehicles on the road, leading to congestion and increased difficulty finding parking. This perspective highlights a common tension between active transportation options and traditional vehicle traffic.

To address this issue, I strongly recommend developing biking programs and events specifically designed for ward residents. These events could be done in collaboration with various community groups. By actively involving the community, more people will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the benefits of bike lanes.

Often, the value of these lanes becomes clear only when individuals are cycling alongside vehicles traveling at speeds of 40 km/h or more.

Additionally, it is essential to recognize that as more individuals move to the city and the population rises, we are seeing more cars in the area. Some days, it can take a while to reverse out of your parking spot.

Based on news claims, the City of Toronto estimated millions of dollars for the creation of smart signals in the 2023 budget. While this would help support moving vehicles along some of the busier roads, it would still be a while before these smart signals are implemented.

Therefore, I strongly recommend that we enhance both active transportation infrastructure and the public transit system in the area.

Buses are currently delayed due to traffic congestion, so it’s essential to consider implementing dedicated bus lanes in specific ward areas. This would help improve bus efficiency and encourage more people to use public transit.

Transit infrastructure improves the ward’s appeal to visitors and residents. Without ongoing efforts to explore practical solutions, we risk creating a gap in transit services, which could lead to increased challenges and inefficiencies.