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

Mixing Up the Commute (and Improving Bike Share)

Back in March 2022, I got an e-scooter to make getting to the office in Vaughan easier. At the time, transit users needed to pay double fare between the TTC and York Region Transit (or other GTA transit agencies). With the cost of the e-scooter being $700 plus tax at the time, the savings from the double fare more than paid for itself. However, the Ontario government introduced the “One Fare” program in February 2024, while the TTC banned e-bikes and e-scooters on their subways, buses, and streetcars during the winter months in December 2024. Add the high cost of maintenance after having a third flat tire in less than three years back in November (and a battery replacement earlier in 2024) and I gave up on the e-scooter ever since. Of course, York Region Transit’s bus service could use some serious improvements with the Jane bus (#20) sometimes being full during the afternoons.

While I no longer see the e-scooter as a viable long-term commuting option, I recently took on a different way to mix up my thrice weekly commute.

I got an annual 30-minute bike share membership!

Barrie to Brampton - Part 2 (Caledon Trailway)

Happy Canada Day, everybody!

Part one of my Barrie to Brampton ride covered Barrie to Tottenham including the Thornton Cookstown Trail. While there were some gaps such as from Beeton to Tottenham, it makes for a promising route. Let’s start Part 2 which covers the Caledon Trailway with this picture of the trail entrance.

Barrie to Brampton - Part 1 (Thornton Cookstown Trail)

One trail I wanted to do for a while was the Caledon Trailway. However, I noticed on Strava Joric did a one-way ride from Barrie to Brampton in June 2023 using that trail plus the Thornton-Cookstown Trail which prompted me to consider that ride as a follow up to the Kitchener to Hamilton ride in July 2023. Yesterday, I finally crossed that Barrie to Brampton ride off my bucket list! Part one of this series covers the Thornton Cookstown Trail and the second will focus on the Caledon Trailway.

TCBC 5th Anniversary Ride to the Brickworks

Last month marked five years since the Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition was started by Albert Koehl, Janet Joy Wilson, and I; among others. To help mark the anniversary and Bike Month, Jessie Ye and Janet Joy organized a ride from AccessPoint on Danforth to the Evergreen Brickworks along with Marvin of Scarborough Cycles (and Access Alliance) and Regenesis. About thirty people took part.

June 2025 Cycling Consultation Roundup

As Bike Month continues to pedal along, the City of Toronto has recently launched public consultations for three projects. Two of them are in Scarborough; those being the Alton Towers and Malvern neighbourhood connections. The third is a Phase 2 consultation for the Leaside Bridge to Danforth Avenue Cycling Connections. Let’s review these projects, as well as one recent installation I came across yesterday.

Neighbourhood greenway option for Ingleton Boulevard (via City of Toronto)

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.