tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141272356113079264.post3041548553656374537..comments2024-03-28T19:41:10.484-04:00Comments on Two Wheeled Politics: North York's Cycling Black HoleRZaichkowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301796874060189228noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141272356113079264.post-87439951624632870602018-11-11T12:09:09.653-05:002018-11-11T12:09:09.653-05:00I have always known the 35 year strong Councillor ...I have always known the 35 year strong Councillor for the area, Maria Augimeri, to be pro-cycling. She has been pushing for a bridge over the New Market / Barrie rail line to connect the area north of Wilson Avenue (east side of tracks) with the new residential area on the west side of the tracks (technically part of Downsview Park). Once built, cyclists coming from the downtown area and going to York University can completely avoid Wilson, Sheppard, and Keele. Two unfortunates though: (1) Last I heard it is expected to be at least 10 years before the bridge over the RR tracks is built and (2) Maria Augimeri is no longer Councillor. Instead, non-cyclist supporter James Pasternak has been elected. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141272356113079264.post-20890925590661185252018-11-11T11:59:39.204-05:002018-11-11T11:59:39.204-05:00It takes me 5 minutes to walk from where I live to...It takes me 5 minutes to walk from where I live to the Sheppard/Keele corner of Downsview Park.<br /><br />I regularly cycle commute from home, through Downsview Park, and eventually finishing just down the hill from Casa Loma Castle. My route completely avoids Sheppard Avenue and Keele, although I need to cross both. The only arterials I am on are Wilson and Dufferin - for about 1 km each.<br /><br />From my place I go north about 1/2 km to Dovehouse, then I climb the hill, cross Keele and am in Downsview Park. From there I take quiet, smooth (about 2/3), wide paved paths south through the park, including taking a pedestrian/cycling bridge OVER Sheppard Avenue (the bridge is just a few hundred metres east of Keele). After the paved paths of Downsview Park I go through a new residential area (not quite 100% complete), then connect to an old residential area via a short pedestrian/cyclist pathway. I eventually get to Wilson via Dubray Avenue. From here it is Wilson, residential, Dufferin (under the 401), Ranee, through Lawrence Square, residential, Marlee, short L/R jog on Eglinton (this can be tricky), residential, then through Cedarvale Park and path which surfaces just north of St. Clair West subway station. From here it is mostly residential again until the top of the hill across from the castle. Then it is down the hill and the end of my commute. About 15 km one way. <br /><br />My return trip is mostly the same, except I usually go from Ranee, through Yorkdale Park, and then take Yorkdale Road (parallel to the Allan and then 401). Getting from the small park onto north bound Yorkdale Road can also be tricky. I used to take Dufferin under the 401 and then immediately turn L. But there is no left turning lane and all that is needed is a speeding motorist to not see me and up goes another ghost bike. So now I cross Dufferin at the lights then take the west sidewalk under hwy 401. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com