Cycling Good Cheer 2025

One of my favourite winter rides is by far Cycling Good Cheer; a ride organized by Community Bikeways. This is the sixth year they put it together with this year’s ride starting at Raccoon Park and ending at Biidaasige Park with feeder rides coming from High Park, North York (a.k.a. the North Pole), Scarborough, and the St. Lawrence Market. Helen and Mozzie came along as they did last year, while it was a much-needed positive ride after my LeMond road bike got stolen on Thursday while waiting to depute on a bike plan item at City Hall.

Impact of Bill 60 on Toronto’s Bike Plans

On Monday, the Ford government approved Third Reading of Bill 60 which – among other things – would ban the conversion of motor vehicle lanes for bike lanes or “any other prescribed purpose”. Given this sad day which will be a major setback for cycling in Toronto, we need to look at how bad this bill really is. For this purpose, I will look at Toronto’s 2025-27 near-term bike plan and other projects which were already approved with a focus on arterial roads.

November 2025 East Don and Meadoway Checkup

Earlier this month, The Meadoway noted on their Facebook page that a new stretch had opened from Marcos Boulevard to Midland Avenue, though some people noted the trail had been paved since September. I was also informed by city staff recently that one of the bridges needed to complete the East Don Trail could be done as early as last week, though the November 9 snowstorm likely hindered things. Given these developments, I checked out both projects yesterday during my afternoon off.

2025 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is held on the third Sunday in November. Last year’s event drew a large turnout of 200 to 300 people because of Bill 212 and six cyclists killed in Toronto that year. However, this year’s was more subdued with about 40 people even with Bills 56 and 60 prompting further attacks on road safety, though the colder temperatures didn’t help. Since Jun was unable to make it, I covered the event in his absence.

More Provincial Interference with Bill 60

Here we go again, folks! And unfortunately, not in a good way.

When Queen’s Park resumed on October 20, the Ford government introduced two omnibus bills which contains provisions that are hostile to road safety advocates. Bill 56 – Building a More Competitive Economy Act – includes a provision which bans speed cameras and received royal assent on Monday, November 3 after skipping the committee stage. Yesterday, the Ford government announced Bill 60 – Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act – will also skip committee stage after Second Reading and go straight to Third Reading. Talk about an affront to the democratic process!

What’s Happening with Scarborough’s Waterfront?

Right now, large parts of the official Waterfront Trail in Scarborough from East Point Park to Silver Birch Beach next to the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant require cyclists to go on-road. However, that may not be the case for too much longer. Last week, ground was officially broken for the Brimley Road South multi-use trail which is the first step in realizing the Scarborough Waterfront Project from Bluffer’s Park to East Point Park. Let’s look at what’s in store for Scarborough’s Waterfront.

Rendering of Scarborough Waterfront West Segment Trail (Via TRCA)

More October 2025 Cycling Consultations

Earlier this month, I reported on public consultations for three cycling projects along Kingston Road, Sloane Avenue, and Keele Street; as well as those for Toronto’s 2026 budget. However, three more consultations have been announced since then which prompted a follow up post. These include Trethewey Drive, Rathburn Road, and Weston Road.

A rendering of Weston Road - Note all images used are from the City of Toronto