Cycling in Toronto is growing in popularity – for exercise, for recreation, and as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to get around the city. As the cost of owning and driving a car increases, along with the hassles of driving in a big city, hitting the open road on two wheels is more and more attractive. As this movement grows, so does the culture around the mode of transportation, along with the infrastructure to support it. Although, it hasn’t been an easy road (pun intended) for cyclists in Toronto over the last decade!
I dove deeper into this topic in my post “On Cycling In The City: Then And Now”. It’s a bit of a cycling time capsule circa 2016 – the year I wrote it – discussing the advent of bike lanes in Toronto that are now long-built, for example!
** Don’t miss our new listing – at the bottom of this post – located in Leslieville and directly across the street from a Bike Share stand like the one below! **
The growth of the Toronto Bicycling Network is a testament to the size of the bike movement in Toronto. Established in the 1980s, this recreational bike organization organizes a host of urban and suburban rides to suit all levels of fitness and experience. They also do overnight trips. They also are a great resource for aspiring bikers to learn more about bike safety, etiquette and maintenance. The TBN has a free mobile app available for download at the Apple AppStore or Android PlayStore (look for the Toronto Bicycling Network). With a quick and easy click, bikers can find out about upcoming rides right from their device.
After much backing-and-forthing during the 2010s, where bike lanes were added and removed in a see-saw between balancing cyclists and motorists needs and safety, the city released a comprehensive Cycling Network Plan. In 2016, the city approved a 10-year cycling plan, and then in 2019, they released an update with specific steps and plans for development going forward.
And here’s where the bike lanes stand in 2024 – you can map your route!
Through 2021, over 120km of cycling infrastructure is planned in addition to upgrades to existing infrastructure. There is a further 70km under review. Their plan looked at current areas of high use as well as areas that have shorter trips frequently made by people (under 5km) that would be favourable to bike in the future, if the infrastructure was in place.
Bike Sharing is becoming more and more popular in Toronto, with sites increasing regularly. Whether you are looking for a quick one-time commute or ride, or something longer-term, varying membership levels and prices points will get riders access to over 9,000+ bikes and 700+ stations are available throughout Toronto. See the Station Map for all bike locations and stations! Simply unlock a bike at any location. Here’s how:
The Top app that Toronto cyclers will find useful is Bike Share Toronto. With enhanced features like route planning, cycle path maps, and streamlined purchase options – jumping on a bike has never been easier. Bikers can also communicate about broken bike racks and report abandoned bikes taking up space.
Wondering about the lifestyle benefits of being able to cycle to work and to get around town? Here’s my post What Are The Real Financial, Emotional And Health Costs Of Commuting.
Take a peek at this listing we SOLD in Leslieville – right across from a BikeShare station! We call it: So Sweet Ya Gotta Brush Yer Teeth – On Colgate Avenue In Leslieville.
This sun-kissed ground floor unit – one of only two 2-bed units on this level – has a premium patio with south exposure. Seriously, whether you’re in the bloom of youth, baby-making, giving your boss the Freedom 55 finger – or just YOU being YOU – when you live here life will be more dynamic, people will be more engaging, and everything that matters will be within walking distance!
Here are some of our past informative posts on Toronto cycling!
On Cycling In The City: Then And Now
Cycling And Toronto’s Beltline Trail
Cycling The West Toronto Railpath
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Since 1989, I’ve steered my career through a real estate market crash and burn; survived a slow painful cross-country recession; completed an M.E.S. graduate degree from York University called ‘Planning Housing Environments’; executed the concept, sales & marketing of multiple new condo and vintage loft conversions; and guided hundreds of clients through the purchase and sale of hundreds of freehold and condominium dwellings across the original City of Toronto. From a gritty port industrial city into a glittering post-industrial global centre, I’ve navigated the ebbs and flows of a property market as a consistent Top Producer. And I remain as passionate about it today as when I started.
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