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?
Unsure of the current stats.

Do you support taking measures to increase this number?

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments Adults as role models must endeavor to promote healthy values to our children. It only makes sense that a healthy lifestyle and respect for the environment be a part of these lessons. Given the lethargy in school age children and the lure of static activities such as video games and television, I would like to see increased physical activity reintroduced into schools and into the private lives of our children. Therefore I would love to see an increase in the numbers.

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?
Unsure of the current extent of such programs.

Do you support increasing the extent of this teaching?

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments There must be both parent and teacher involvement on this issue. Parents that take their children to school should be adhering to pedestrian laws such as crossing at marked crosswalks and intersections. Children learn by doing and we must do what is right in order to provide the right message. Such example must also be followed when children are taken on excursions off school property. It is only common sense.

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?
None as far as I am aware..

Do you support increasing their availability?

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments I feel that several safe cycling courses should be offered according to skill level and age. What better venue for this than our schools. Those with adequate outdoor facilities should be used for such events, which could be run by qualified instructors on weekends so as not to interfere with regular school programs.

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?
I believe most schools offer bike locking facilities in minimal numbers.

Do you support improving these facilities?

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments Given the high bike theft rate in Toronto, indoor bike locking facilities should be made available to students. The number of available spaces could be ramped up according to the visible need. Outdoor bike racks can be repurposed for this task so as to remain cost effective.

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?
Safety issues in school zones involve speed of traffic, pedestrian crossings, visibility and policing.

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

Strongly
Support

Somewhat
Support

Somewhat
Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

No
Answer

Comments Many school zones now have traffic calming zones and necessary signage installed. This should continue in order to promote safety. Schools on major streets should be policed regularly to send a message to motorists that all pedestrians including our children are valuable and deserve the respect of their attention. Child safety in these zones is especially important due to the lowered visibility of the motorist to see smaller children. Awareness must be highlighted.

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 strongly support a measured approach to accomplishing the goal of reduced dependence on cars in transporting parents, students and teachers to and from school. Carpooling and school bus services are only some options available to us, however time must be taken to arrive at creative alternatives to this issue. Some of us depend on our cars and work within strict schedules. Changing this mindset will take time, but I feel it is a valuable and socially conscious approach that we should take steps toward achieving.