Work is starting on approving another part of the Bikeway Network. Last year the Toronto Cycling Committee was told that the design work and traffic studies for bike lanes on Cosburn Avenue between Broadview Avenue and Gledhill Avenue were completed. The plan was to have it installed in 2003. The next step in the approval process was for the plans to be presented to the community at a public meeting to gather their comments and then for the plan to be approved by the Toronto South Community Council. The community meeting was never held so that project was stalled at that point.

The approval process is now back on track. An Open House has been scheduled for Wednesday May 26th, 2004 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. It will be held in the foyer of the East York Civic Centre at 850 Coxwell Avenue. The community meeting is an important stage in the process of approving a new bike lane. It is a chance for residents and cyclists to see the detailed plans and offer their feedback. On hand will be City of Toronto staff to hear your comments. This project spans two city wards so the two councillors of those wards have been invited: Janet Davis Ward 31 Beaches-East York and Case Ootes Ward 29 Toronto-Danforth If you support the bike lane on this street and you are from one of these wards it is important to express your support for this project to the councillors, either in person at the meeting or by calling or e-mailing them. (click on the links for their wards above to get their contact information.)

The proposed Bike Lane on Cosburn is highlighted. Red dashed lines are proposed bike lanes Blue dashed lines are proposed signed on-street routes (Map is from the Toronto Bike Plan. Click on the image to see all the maps)

This is a 2.2 km bike lane and would be the first in this part of the city. It would however provide an link into the Taylor Creek path which could take a rider to the new bike lanes proposed on Dawes Road to the east or the Don Trail system to the west. Its eastern terminus would be a block away from Haldon Avenue from which is an access point to the Taylor Creek path.

There is more information about the Open House and the Bike Lanes on the flyer being sent out by the City of Toronto. You can download a copy of it at the following link. Cosburn Bike Lane Open House.