The decision by Toronto City Council to approve sub-standard bike lanes, 1.25 metres instead of the mimimum 1.5 metres on Royal York Road (see previous article) has prompted members of Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists ARCwww.respect.to to start circulating a petition demanding that this decision not set a precedent and that the minimum width of 1.5 metres for bike lanes be maintained. The text of the petition is quoted below.

"Toronto Cyclist Deserve Better!"

The Cyclists of Toronto Demand Safe Passage and Respect!

The Transportation Association of Canada recommends a width of 2,0m for marked bike lanes on major urban roads. The minimum acceptable width is 1,5m. That is the national standard.

On May 19th, City Council voted in favour of a 'reduced width' bike lane on a 1.6 km section of Royal York Road. How it will be marked is not yet decided. A majority of councillors felt that 1,25m was sufficient, and that the "margin of safety" for cyclists was not significantly different between a 1,5m and 1,25m bike lane.

This decision sets a precedent that puts at risk all future proposals for 1,5m bike lanes on major roads, and makes it possible for any local community to demand reduced space for cyclists.

Cyclists deserve better. Cyclists deserve respect. Our lives depend on having safe passage on city roads. We need space to make Toronto a better place to live and breathe.

Therefore, the we request that 1,5m be established as the minimum width for bike lanes on major roads in the City of Toronto.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The petition has been posted on-line so you can add your name to the call for respect. You can sign the petition here at the following link. Toronto Cyclists Deserve Better