Toronto’s first separated bike lanes aren’t preventing drivers from blocking cyclists’ paths

from NOW Toronto:



Sharing Sherbourne
Toronto’s first separated bike lanes aren’t preventing drivers from blocking cyclists’ paths

By Ben Spurr




Toronto’s first separated bike lanes are complete, but the jury is out on whether they will keep cars safely out of the paths of riders.

On Tuesday, the city issued a press release declaring the Sherbourne cycle tracks officially open from Bloor to King. A second phase of the project, from King to Queens Quay, will be completed in 2014, part of a planned 14-kilometre network of separated bikeways downtown.

At a cost of $2.4 million, the Sherbourne lanes are worth every penny according to some Toronto cycling advocates.

“I’d say it’s a good day for cycling in the city of Toronto,” said Jared Kolb of Cycle Toronto, who took a test ride on the track on Tuesday. “It’s the first time that there will be an increased separation for cyclists between motor vehicles and the rest of the roadway.” ...............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=190469