Survey Results

Active Transportation

1.Walking and Cycling to School

Despite the benefits described above, the percentage significantly in recent decades. This decline has contributed traffic congestion, and environmental pollution.

Can you describe what proportion of students walk or cycle to school in your ward?
I would say that the proportion of students who walk or cycle in my ward (Scarborough East) is directly tied to both socio-economic status and neighbourhood – but it is pretty mixed. Many of the elementary schools are within walking distance for a subdivision, but it is also a truth that many parents drop off their elementary-school aged kids, especially in the mornings. Cycling is definitely not an option that many students choose in this part of the city.

Do you support taking measures to increase this number?

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments I would qualify my answer as “somewhat support” only because I think some parents would see walking as a safety issue for their kids. What I would support is encouraging more to students to walk alongside a plan to put more crossing guards and other supportive adults in place to make walking to and from school a more favourable option for families.

2.Walking Safety Education

Walking safety programs taught in elementary school play an important role in teaching young children how to walk safely in the city, which reduces accidents and gives children the confidence to begin to walk regularly.

Can you describe the extent to which walking safety is taught in elementary schools in your ward?
It’s unclear to me how much walking safety is taught. I can tell you that at least 2 schools in the area (Highland Creek PS and Peter Secor PS) have had issues with students crossing busy intersections and that residents living around those schools are very concerned about potential accidents.

Do you support increasing the extent of this teaching?

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments Teaching students to be aware of their surroundings and physical safety is key learning for elementary-school aged students. In addition to taking care of their safety, this kind of education also makes students more observant and also I imagine more considerate because I think they would be looking out for other students and hazards in a niegnbourhood

3. Cycling Courses

Various levels of cycling courses can be made available at public schools. These courses give students confidence to ride their bikes in the city, and the skills to make sure they can do so safely.

Can you describe the extent to which cycling courses are provided at schools in your ward?
I have tried to find more information about cycling safety in this ward, but I haven’t been able to. As mentioned, cycling is not really an option that many people choose – mostly because students fear having their bicycles damaged or stolen, but also because many students are privileged enough to be dropped off in the mornings and picked up after school.

Do you support increasing their availability?

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments It would be really great to see more bicycles instead of cars in this part of Scarborough.

4. Bicycle Locking Facilities

In order for students to ride their bikes to school, they must be confident that there are sufficient and secure facilities for them to lock their bikes on school property. However, the provision of such facilities varies widely from school to school.

Can you describe how much provision there is for locking bikes securely on school property in your ward?
There is not a lot of provision at all for locking bikes securely on school property. Maybe one or two of the high school shave adequate racks of bike locks, but certainly not all.

Do you support improving these facilities?

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments As previously mentioned, there are many issues with unsafe crossing and busy intersections – particularly along Morningside Ave. and Lawrence Ave. Last spring the local councilor in Ward 44 held a consultation with the neighbourhood to install cross walks at one of those schools (Highland Creek), but as yet, none have been installed. In the course of my campaigning, several parents have expressed concern over the lack of crossing guards at busy school intersections.

Walking

5. The School Vicinity

Issues with the area around schools can make it dangerous or uncomfortable for students to walk or cycle to school. For example, there may be a dangerous street crossing, traffic may move too quickly, there may be excessive car traffic from parents driving kids to school, sidewalks may be inadequate for the volume of walking student, or there may be a lack of bike lanes leading to the school.

Can you describe any issues with the safety and comfort of students walking or cycling in the vicinity of schools in your ward?
As previously mentioned, there are many issues with unsafe crossing and busy intersections – particularly along Morningside Ave. and Lawrence Ave. Last spring the local councilor in Ward 44 held a consultation with the neighbourhood to install cross walks at one of those schools (Highland Creek), but as yet, none have been installed. In the course of my campaigning, several parents have expressed concern over the lack of crossing guards at busy school intersections.

Do you support working with the City of Toronto to address these issues?

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments Local councilors have to be more proactive on these issues as they are the ones with the power to regulate traffic in a ward. School issues and municipal issues are not separate and a relatively simple act like installing a crosswalk in front of a school may prevent a really tragic accident down the road.

6. Reducing Car Use

The use of cars to get to and from schools by parents, students, and teachers increases congestion and pollution, and causes danger and discomfort to students and teachers who walk or cycle to school. As well, excessively large school parking lots reduce green space for students and have negative environmental impacts.

Do you support taking measures to reduce the use of cars for transportation to and from school by parents, students, and teachers? If the answer is yes, please describe what measures you would support.

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments I would support more funding and expansion of the TTC, especially because Ward 44 ends at the Pickering border and we could really use more frequent and more accessible buses out here, I would also encourage the TTC to become more youth and student friendly. I would encourage carpooling for both parents and teachers.