THE CITY OF TORONTO

City Clerk's Division

Minutes of the Toronto Cycling Committee

Meeting No. 7

Monday, June 21, 1999.

The Toronto Cycling Committee met on Monday, June 21, 1999, in Committee Room No. 4, City Hall, Toronto, commencing at 7:00 p.m.

Members Present:

Councillor Jack Layton, Co-Chair

Mr. Stephen Fisher, Co-Chair

Ms. Marleen Van Laethem, Co-Chair

Mr. Jack Becker

Mr. Steve Beiko

Mr. Alan Burke

Mr. Israel Chackowicz

Ms. Joan Doiron

Mr. John Fountain

Ms. Gillian Flower

Mr. Ron Hart

Mr. Junya Ho

Ms. Nina Koskenoja

Mr. Clay McFayden

Mr. Crawford Murphy

Mr. Phil Piltch

Ms. Janette Porter

Ms. Emily White

Mr. Hamish Wilson

Staff Present:

Ms. Mary Casini, City Clerk's Division

Mr. Daniel Egan, Manager, Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure

Ms. Cynthia Vaz, City Clerk's Division

Mr. Sean Wheldrake, Coordinator, Road and Trail Safety Ambassador Program

Councillor Jack Layton in the Chair.

7.1 Election of Citizen Co-Chairs and Chairs of Sub-Committees.

The Toronto Cycling Committee had before it a communication (June 8, 1999) from the City Clerk providing, for the information of the Committee, details concerning the election of Citizen Co-Chairs and Chairs of Sub-Committees of the Toronto Cycling Committee to be held at the meeting of the Committee on June 21, 1999.

At this point in the proceedings, Councillor Layton advised that, effective July 1, 1999, Mr. Jack Becker was resigning from the Toronto Cycling Committee as he was being relocated to Calgary by his employer.

Councillor Layton appointed Mr. Becker as Acting Chair and vacated the Chair.

On motion by Councillor Layton, the Toronto Cycling Committee extended its appreciation to Mr. Becker for all of his efforts on the various cycling Committees; and requested Councillor Layton to prepare a plaque for Mr. Becker on behalf of the Committee.

Councillor Layton resumed the Chair.

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The Chair called for nominations for the Office of Co-Chairs of the Toronto Cycling Committee.

Mr. Chackowicz nominated Mr. Beiko.

Mr. Piltch nominated Ms. Van Laethem.

Mr. Becker nominated Mr. Fisher.

There being no further nominations, Mr. Becker moved that the nominations for Co-Chairs be closed. (Carried)

Each of the nominees made a brief presentation to the Committee.

As a result of the vote by ballot, Ms. Marleen Van Laethem and Mr. Stephen Fisher were declared Co-Chairs of the Toronto Cycling Committee.

(Co-Chairs and Members, Toronto Cycling Committee; c. All Interested Parties - June 24, 1999)

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Councillor Layton appointed Ms. Van Laethem as Chair for the balance of the meeting and vacated the Chair.

7.2 Sunday Bikeday.

The Toronto Cycling Committee again had before it a communication (April 21, 1999) from the City Clerk advising that the Urban Environment and Development Committee on April 19, 1999, amongst other things:

(1) endorsed the concept of a Sunday Bikeday as outlined in the communication (April 19, 1999) from Ms. Lela Gary, Coordinator, Air Pollution Coalition of Ontario, and referred this proposal to the Toronto Cycling Committee for consideration; and

(2) requested the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services to submit a report to the Toronto Cycling Committee for consideration with this matter and subsequent submission to the Urban Environment and Development Committee, as soon as possible, on an outline of a pilot project for a Sunday Bikeday; such report to also include information on:

(a) the progress that the Police have made with respect to statistical data on cycling accidents;

(b) issues respecting licensing and enforcement of bicyclists; and

(c) ways of expanding the bicycle path network, both neighbourhood paths and major arterial roads, in all parts of the City and how it can be ensured that the bicycle path network is taken into consideration when capital monies are expended on building new roads or reconstructing existing ones.

The Toronto Cycling Committee also, once again, had before it a communication (April 19, 1999) addressed to Councillor Jack Layton from Ms. Lela Gary, Air Pollution Coalition of Ontario, expressing her concerns regarding the reaction of City staff to her proposal for a "Sunday Bikeday" during her presentation to the Urban Environment and Development Committee; and forwarding a copy of her presentation, including background information and guidelines, for "Sunday Bikeday".

Ms. Lela Gary, Air Pollution Coalition of Ontario, appeared before the Toronto Cycling Committee in connection with the foregoing matter.

The Toronto Cycling Committee received the aforementioned communications.

(Ms. Lela Gary, Air Pollution Coalition of Ontario - June 23, 1999)

7.3 Bicycle Network Plan.

The Toronto Cycling Committee again had before it a communication (May 4, 1999) from Mr. Daniel Egan, Manager Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure, advising that he would like to make a presentation to the Toronto Cycling Committee on the draft work plan for producing the Bicycle Network Plan which is to be developed this year as part of the Cycling Master Plan; and that the purpose of the presentation is to:

- present the draft work plan (including scope, timing, public consultation, finished product);

- receive input from the Toronto Cycling Committee; and

- discuss the Toronto Cycling Committee's involvement in developing the plan.

Mr. Daniel Egan, Manager, Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure, Transportation Services Division, made a presentation to the Toronto Cycling Committee in connection with the foregoing matter and filed a submission with respect thereto.

The Toronto Cycling Committee received the aforementioned communication.

7.4 Toronto Cycling Map 2000.

The Toronto Cycling Committee had before it a communication (May 24, 1999) from Mr. Jack Becker, Chair, Network Planning and Facilities Sub-Committee, advising that since the production of the first Metropolitan Cycling Map in 1996/97, many new cycling facilities have been built in the City of Toronto; that feedback and suggestions for improvement have been received from cyclists; that the Network Planning and Facilities Sub-Committee has also reviewed Recommendations for revisions to the Cycling Map from a citizen's Working Group, comprised of Mr. John Consolati, Mr. John Grimley and Mr. David Tomlinson, and has added additional Recommendations; that the Parks and Recreation Division, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, is prepared to update and produce a new Toronto Cycling Map; further advising that the Toronto Cycling Committee is expected to provide input into changes for the map; and recommending that the Toronto Cycling Committee request the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, to include the Recommendations of the Working Group and of the Network Planning and Facilities Sub-Committee in the next revision and printing of the Toronto Cycling Map.

Mr. John Consolati and Mr. David Tomlinson of the aforementioned Working Group, appeared before the Toronto Cycling Committee in connection with the foregoing matter.

On motion by Mr. Chackowicz, the Toronto Cycling Committee adopted the Recommendation embodied in the aforementioned communication.

(Sent to: Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; Mr. John Consolati; Mr. John Grimley; Mr. David Tomlinson; c. Mr. Daniel Egan, Manager, Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure; Mr. Brian Rutherford, Manager, Parks and Recreation Planning; and Mr. Mark Edelman, Supervisor, Open Space and Systems Planning - June 24, 1999)

7.5 Ticketing of Cyclists at Stop Signs.

The Toronto Cycling Committee had before it a communication (May 28, 1999) from Ms. Marleen Van Laethem, Co-Chair, Education and Safety Sub-Committee, respecting the issue of Police Officers of 52 Division ticketing cyclists who were allegedly not coming to a complete stop at stop signs; and advising that the Sub-Committee had invited Sergeant Peter Harmsen, Toronto Police Service, to speak to the Toronto Cycling Committee regarding this matter.

The following persons appeared before the Toronto Cycling Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

- Sergeant Peter Harmsen, 52 Division - Traffic Response Unit;

- Sergeant Hugh Ferguson, 52 Division - Community Response Unit; and

- Mr. Paul Rappell.

On motion by Mr. Hart, the Toronto Cycling Committee:

(1) referred this matter to the Education and Safety Sub-Committee for further consideration; and

(2) requested the Sub-Committee to forward to the Toronto Police Service, the comments of the Toronto Cycling Committee and the deputation(s), on this issue and any other matters of concern.

(Sent to: Ms. Marleen Van Laethem, Co-Chair, Education and Safety Sub-Committee; Mr. Phil Piltch, Co-Chair, Education and Safety Sub-Committee; Sergeant Peter Harmsen; Sergeant Hugh Ferguson; and Mr. Paul Rappell - June 25, 1999)

7.6 Bicycle Education in Schools.

The Toronto Cycling Committee had before it a communication (May 28, 1999) from Ms. Marleen Van Laethem, Co-Chair, Education and Safety Sub-Committee, submitting for consideration by the Committee, a proposal from Mr. Israel Chackowicz, Member, Toronto Cycling Committee, on "BiKesKool" education program.

The following persons declared an interest in connection with the foregoing matter:

(i) Mr. Israel Chackowicz, in that he is the Co-ordinator of the "BiKesKool" education program; and

(ii) Mr. Steven Beiko, in that he has occasionally been involved with the "BiKesKool" education program and may have a small amount of consulting and teaching work with "BiKesKool" from time to time.

A. Ms. Doiron moved that the Toronto Cycling Committee endorse the aforementioned proposal. (Not Put)

B. Ms. Flower moved that the Toronto Cycling Committee:

(1) defer consideration of this matter to its meeting scheduled to be held on July 19, 1999, to provide an opportunity for a presentation; and (Carried)

(2) direct that, in the interim, Mr. Chackowicz's communication be forwarded to Members of Council, for information. (Carried)

(Sent to: Members of Council; Ms. Marleen Van Laethem, Co-Chair, Education and Safety Sub-Committee; Mr. Phil Piltch, Co-Chair, Education and Safety Sub-Committee; Mr. Israel Chackowicz, Member, Toronto Cycling Committee; Mr. Steven Beiko, Member, Toronto Cycling Committee; c. Mr. Daniel Egan, Manager, Pedestrian and Cycling Intrastructure Unit; and Ms. Barbara Wentworth, Bicycle Safety Co-ordinator - June 25, 1999)

6.7 Bike Lane Monitor Statistics - Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists.

The Toronto Cycling Committee had before it a communication (May 7, 1999) from Mr. Ben Smith Lea, Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists, submitting statistical information regarding the illegal use of downtown bicycle lanes.

The following persons appeared before the Toronto Cycling Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

- Sergeant Peter Harmsen, 52 Division - Traffic Response Unit;

- Sergeant Hugh Ferguson, 52 Division - Community Response Unit; and

- Mr. Ben Smith Lea, Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists.

Ms. Van Laethem appointed Mr. Fisher as Acting Chair and vacated the Chair.

On motion by Ms. Van Laethem, the Toronto Cycling Committee requested the Toronto Police Service to:

(1) take any action deemed necessary regarding the illegal use of downtown bicycle lanes; and

(2) forward to the Toronto Cycling Committee details of the action taken in this regard.

Ms. Van Laethem resumed the Chair.

(Sent to: Sergeant Peter Harmsen, 52 Division - Traffic Response Unit; Sergeant Hugh Ferguson, 52 Division - Community Response Unit; and Mr. Ben Smith Lea, Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists - July 2, 1999)

1.1 Transit Shelter Poster Campaign.

The Toronto Cycling Committee had before it a communication (June 11, 1999) from Mr. Sean Wheldrake, Co-ordinator Road and Trail Safety Ambassador, respecting the July 1999, Transit Shelter Poster Campaign focusing on bicycle safety; advising that, due to the tight time frame, he has been able to consult with only a few people; and that he has received feedback from Councillor Jack Layton, Chair of the Toronto Cycling Committee, Mr. Phil Piltch and Ms. Marleen Van Laethem, Interim Co-Chairs of the Toronto Cycling Committee's Education and Safety Sub-Committee.

The Toronto Cycling Committee received the aforementioned communication.

1.2 Appointment to the Toronto Cycling Committee.

The Toronto Cycling Committee had before it a communication (May 17, 1999) from Mr. Martin Collier, Network Co-ordinator, Community Bicycle Network, advising that the Community Bicycle Network shall continue to be represented by Mr. John Fountain and will have Mr. Martin Collier as an alternate.

The Toronto Cycling Committee received the aforementioned communication.

(Sent to: Mr. Martin Collier; Mr. John Fountain - June 24, 1999)

1.3 Speed Limit Compliance on Major Arterial Roads - Update.

The Toronto Cycling Committee had before it a communication (June 8, 1999) from the City Clerk, forwarding, for the information of the Committee, Clause No. 3 of Report No. 7 of The Urban Environment and Development Committee, headed "Speed Limit Compliance on Major Arterial Roads--Update", adopted by the Council of the City of Toronto at its meeting held on May 11 and 12, 1999.

The Toronto Cycling Committee received the aforementioned communication, for information.

1.4 Video on Bicycle Thefts.

The Toronto Cycling Committee heard a deputation by Mr. Anthony Corindia, Director/Editor, Cogent/Benger Productions, requesting support, in principle, for his video on bicycle thefts.

A. Mr. Wilson moved that the Toronto Cycling Committee recommend to the Planning and Transportation Committee the endorsement of this project. (Not Put)

B. Mr. Wilson moved that the Toronto Cycling Committee defer consideration of this matter to its meeting scheduled to be held on July 19, 1999, and request Mr. Corindia to provide the Committee with additional information. (Carried)

(Sent to: Mr. Anthony Corindia, Director/Editor, Cogent/Benger Productions; Ms. Marleen Van Laethem, Co-Chair, Education and Safety Sub-Committee; Mr. Phil Piltch, Co-Chair, Education and Safety Sub-Committee; c. Mr. Sean Wheldrake, Co-ordinator, Road and Trail Safety Ambassador Program, Urban Planning and Development Services - June 24, 1999)

1.1 Bicycle Lanes on Prince Edward Drive.

The Toronto Cycling had before it a communication (June 20, 1999) from Mr. Jack Becker, on behalf of the Working Group on Prince Edward Drive Bicycle Lanes, responding to a request from the Toronto Cycling Committee on May 17, 1999, for a report to consider other alternatives to bicycle lanes, including alternatives on Prince Edward Drive or on adjacent roads; advising that the Working Group, comprised of Ms. Nina Koskenoja, Ms. Joan Doiron and Mr. Jack Becker, was established to review the concerns raised by the Kingsway Sunnylea Residents' Association and other area residents respecting the Toronto Cycling Committee's recommendation for the installation of bicycle lanes on Prince Edward Drive as part of the Prince Edward Drive Reconstruction Project, and to meet with the appropriate City staff and other interested parties, including Mr. Ken Riddell, Ms. Rhona Swarbrick and Mr. Martin Collier respecting this matter; and recommending that:

(1) the Toronto Cycling Committee reconfirm its support for continuous cycling facilities from Bloor Street to the Waterfront as a means to allow safe cycling access from the greater Bloor/Royal York area to the Waterfront;

(2) the Etobicoke Community Council and Toronto City Council support:

(a) the construction of bicycle lanes on Prince Edward Drive as part of the reconstruction of the road from Bloor Street to Berry Road;

(b) the installation of bicycle lanes on the paved shoulder of Berry Road from Prince Edward Drive at least to Park Lawn Road, or preferably to Stephen Avenue, and on Park Lawn Road from Berry Road to The Queensway; and

(c) the installation of a bicycle path on the east shoulder of Park Lawn Road from

The Queensway to Lakeshore Road and the Martin Goodman Trail; and

(3) should the Etobicoke Community Council and Toronto City Council decide to accept the recommendation of the Transportation Services Division, that the road width be 7.9 metres, the Toronto Cycling Committee recommend to the Etobicoke Community Council that the lane surface be designed in a manner that makes the lane appear as narrow as possible for motor vehicles and accommodate buses as well as cyclists by:

(a) building each lane with three strips of different material: an asphalt strip; a dark coloured paver strip; and a light coloured paver strip, thus making the driving portions of the lane narrower than it really is;

(b) making the asphalt strip width a maximum 2.5 metres to accommodate motor vehicles;

(c) adding a strip, next to the asphalt strip of 0.8 metre strip of dark coloured pavers, for buses and trucks to drive on; and

(d) adding a strip of 0.65 metres of light coloured pavers as an unmarked area.

The Toronto Cycling Committee also had before it a communication (June 16, 1999) from Ms. Joan Doiron, Co-Chair, Toronto Pedestrian Committee, respecting the use of Prince Edward Drive as a model for 'greening' the City.

The following Members of the Working Group on Prince Edward Drive Bicycle Lanes appeared before the Toronto Cycling Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

- Mr. Martin Collier; and

- Ms. Rhona Swarbrick.

On motion by Ms. Koskenoja, the Toronto Cycling Committee:

(1) adopted Recommendation No. (1), embodied in the aforementioned communication;

(2) recommended to the Etobicoke Community Council and Toronto City Council the adoption of Recommendations Nos. (2 ) and (3);

(3) received the aformentioned communication (June 16, 1999) from Ms. Joan Doiron, Co-Chair, Toronto Pedestrian Committee; and

(4) requested Ms. Nina Koskenoja, Member, Toronto Cycling Committee, to make a deputation to the Etobicoke Community Council in connection with this matter.

(Sent to: Etobicoke Community Council; Ms. Nina Koskenoja, Member, Toronto Cycling Committee; c. Ms. Joan Doiron, Member, Toronto Cycling Committee; Mr. Jack Becker, Member, Toronto Cycling Committee; Mr. Ken Riddel, Kingsway Sunnylea Residents' Association; Ms. Rhona Swarbrick, Member, Working Group on Prince Edward Bicycle Lanes; Mr. Martin Collier, Member, Working Group on Prince Edward Bicycle Lanes; Mr. Daniel Egan, Manager, Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure; and Mr. John Kelly, Manager, Infrastructure Planning - June 24, 1999)

3.1 Sub-Committee Minutes.

The Toronto Cycling Committee received the Minutes of the Education and Safety Sub-Committee from its meeting held on May 25, 1999.

The Toronto Cycling Committee adjourned its meeting at 11:10 p.m.

Co-Chair.