Traffic & Transportation

After years of writing about traffic enforcement and pedestrian and cyclist safety, I became convinced that Toronto police either just don’t like or don’t respect policing the roads, and the leadership doesn’t see good reason to change that.

A former police officer told Habibinia much the same. There is a long-standing culture inside the police service where traffic enforcement is not considered “real police work” compared to “sexy” crime-fighting. Yet city hall, which sets the police budget, believes gridlock is a major problem, for people and for the economy.

ABCRA commissioned the Planning Partnership to produce a study to provide recommendations for near term improvements with a lifespan of approximately 10-15 years, which constitute the interim condition for the Avenue Road streetscape, until such time as the final condition can be constructed. 

In a significant development last month, the City of Toronto unveiled new designs for Avenue Road at an open house event, signalling progress in addressing the long-standing issues. The designs aim to transform Avenue Road into a more pedestrian-friendly, people-friendly environment, prioritizing safety, comfort and connectivity.

Cycling enthusiasts from various communities are gearing up to challenge the construction plan for a 50-storey condo along a stretch of Yonge Street, challenging the proposed closure of bike lanes and sidewalks for nearly three years.

The City of Toronto wants to hear from you to help make recommendations on which bikeways to build, upgrade and study in 2025 to 2027. Please fill out the survey and submit it by December 10.

The City of Toronto is seeking public feedback on the use of micromobility, e.g. bikes, e-bikes and other small vehicles. The results from this survey will be used to develop a city-wide strategy for micromobility, including what new forms might be allowed in future. The survey will be open until December 13, 2023.

Toronto police officer stops 3 distracted drivers — all on their cellphones — at the same time.On Monday afternoon, Toronto police officer Kirk Papadopoulos was parked on a curbside near Avenue Road and Davenport Road in his unmarked car when he stopped three distracted drivers within the span of about 30 seconds.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered how people work, move and interact with each other. Patterns of employment, shopping, food consumption and leisure have shifted markedly.

One of the most visible changes, particularly in big cities, is the embrace of e-bikes and other micro-mobility devices (scooters, hoverboards, e-skateboards, e-trikes, Segways and more).