Toronto Cyclists Demand Clear Bike Lanes After Record Snowstorm

Following a significant snowstorm, Toronto cyclists are voicing concerns over blocked bike lanes. The recent storm left the city with heavy snowfall, rendering many bike lanes unusable. This situation has prompted serious safety issues for individuals reliant on biking, particularly food delivery workers.

Delivery Workers Facing Challenges

Karan Singh, an Uber delivery worker, expressed his frustration as he cycles alongside cars due to obstructed bike lanes. He described the experience as “very scary,” noting aggressive behavior from drivers, such as honking and dangerously passing cyclists. For many delivery personnel, including Singh, staying home is not an option, as they cannot afford to miss work during snow removal efforts.

Biking Advocates Demand Action

Biking advocate David Shellnutt echoed these concerns. As a founding member of the Toronto Bike Brigade, he has witnessed blocked bike lanes along major routes, including Bloor Street and University Avenue. Shellnutt indicated that many volunteers have stepped back from food deliveries due to safety fears. He highlighted the anxiety cyclists feel sharing the road with vehicles, stating, “It’s scary for me, and I’ve been biking since I was a kid.”

Concerns About Safety Increases

Shellnutt, also a lawyer representing injured cyclists, warned of potential collisions if bike lanes remain blocked. He emphasized that the lack of cleared infrastructure poses a significant risk. The ongoing blockage has lasted over a week since the storm hit, and no clear indications of when it will be resolved have been communicated.

Call for Clear Communication

Michael Longfield from Cycle Toronto called on city officials to provide clarity regarding snow removal from bike lanes. He acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the recent snow event but expressed concern over the prolonged inaction. “It’s been a week, and we don’t really have any clarity on when these bikeways will be clear and usable,” Longfield stated.

City’s Response to Snow Removal

The City of Toronto has reiterated its efforts to clear bike lanes and sidewalks. Officials noted receiving around 260 calls related to bike lane maintenance, accounting for only 1.6 percent of total winter maintenance inquiries. Snow removal crews are actively working but cannot guarantee timelines for clearing all 956 kilometers of bikeways due to the snow volume and the city’s size.

Encouraging Reporting of Issues

City officials urged residents to report problem areas through the 311 service or online requests. As the snow continues to impact the city’s cycling infrastructure, the need for an effective plan to keep bike lanes clear is now more crucial than ever for Toronto’s cycling community.