ACTION ALERT – RapidTO at July 16 Executive Committee Meeting

Yesterday, the July 16, 2025 executive committee agenda was published which included the final report for RapidTO bus priority lanes on Bathurst and Dufferin Streets. The TLDR (too long didn’t read) version is city staff capitulated to the astroturf “Protect Bathurst” and “Protect Dufferin” campaigns by reducing the scope of both RapidTO routes to south of Bloor Street. This was in line with the latest language from the “Protect Bathurst” website which called for a pause north of Bloor Street, while Councillor Dianne Saxe (who represents my University-Rosedale ward) had previously called for the exclusion of the Bloor to Dupont stretch from RapidTO Bathurst. (see open letter from June 11)

Photo from TTCriders

Open Letter to Councillor Saxe RE RapidTO Bathurst

Last night, the Toronto Star reported that Councillor Dianne Saxe proposed exempting the Bloor to Dupont stretch of from the TTC's RapidTO Bathurst project. A move which would significantly compromise the project. One thing I learned over the years of doing bike advocacy is that we must NEVER EVER EVER compromise with the car-brains who go up in arms over the slightest inconvenience to their driving privileges. This applies to bike lanes, bus lanes, or creating car-free spaces. This morning while on the subway to work, I sent this note to Councillor Saxe (who happens to be my councillor) and encourage you to do the same. Please copy your city councillor as well if you don't live in University-Rosedale, as well as customize the letter to fit your personal situation.

If you haven't already done so, please sign and share this TTCriders campaign which over 800 people signed on.

Let’s Show Solidarity with Transit Riders!

Earlier this month, I reflected on how Toronto’s car-brain issues go far beyond bikes including with the opposition to proposed RapidTO bus priority lanes on both Bathurst and Dufferin Streets. However, the anti RapidTO push has seen more short turns than the 504 King streetcar which deserve a follow up post on its own! Let’s look at how the current RapidTO proposals came to be, the evolving opposition, and what you can do to show solidarity with transit riders!

RapidTO on Eglinton Avenue East

Car-Brain Extends Beyond Bikes!

The presence of car-brain – or motonormativity as the experts call it – in Toronto has been quite infuriating as of late. In addition to some new developments surrounding Bill 212, even transit developments and revenue tools are being affected along with a different cycling matter. Let’s look at this mayhem and how we can respond!

April 2025 Consultation Roundup

The month of April brought some good news for Toronto’s cycling community with Justice Paul Schabas having granted an injunction until he can decide on Cycle Toronto’s Charter challenge against the bike lane removal aspects of Bill 212. While that decision may not be made for another few months, there are several public consultations which we need to get involved with. Let’s round them up here! 😊

The Leaside-Danforth public consultation from March 2024

Keeping the 2022 Election Momentum Going

While John Tory’s re-election as Mayor was widely expected during last month’s municipal election, there were still some positive changes. Amber Morley defeated five-term councillor Mark Grimes in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, while the unfortunate death of Councillor Cynthia Lai (RIP) lead to Jamaal Myers getting elected in Scarborough North. On the road safety front, 12 candidates who signed onto the Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition’s road safety calls to action were elected, while mayoral candidate Gil Penalosa presented lots of good policy platforms covering various sectors.

To help keep the 2022 election momentum going, I will discuss five of Penalosa’s policy platforms which road safety advocates are encouraged to keep fighting for.

The Gardiner Expressway ramps east of the Don Valley Parkway were removed last year