Bike Share Toronto just doubled the amount of bikes available

Recently, Bike Share Toronto announced that its expansion of stations across Toronto is nearing completion! By July 11th, there will be double the amount of Bike Share bikes available to locals and tourists traversing the city streets.

There will be 120 new bike stations and 1,000 new bikes. The locations for the new stations have been strategically mapped, targeting transit corridors and stations, as well as high density areas.

“Programs like Bike Share help keep our communities strong, create more jobs and ensure that people have transportation options they can rely on now and in the future,” says Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation in a release. “Whether you bike to work, school or for leisure, this investment is about expanding the current network of bike stations to create a more sustainable way to get around. Providing more cycling options for people and families to get around and stay active is one of the ways we are showing our commitment to helping the environment, promoting cycling and improving  travel options in Ontario.”

A year ago in July 2015, Metrolinx and Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) announced a $4.9 million partnership with Toronto Bike Share. 800 of the bikes and 80 of the stations are being funded by this partnership. The other 200 bikes and 40 stations are being provided by TPA.

There are 4,000 annual members of Bike Share Toronto and more than 35,000 casual users. Clearly this is a service that has become an integral part of Toronto’s growth, especially during the warmer months.

Via bikesharetoronto.com

“By expanding Bike Share Toronto, residents will have more options to get around the city. More bikes on our streets means fewer cars on our roads, helping to reduce congestion and improve the air we breathe,” says Mayor John Tory. “I’d like to thank the Province of Ontario for investing in Toronto and helping double the amount of bikes available to share. Whether it’s by foot, bike, public transit or car, we’re working together to get Toronto moving.”

There’s been so much controversy surrounding transit projects, like the Scarborough subway extension, and on hot days, a packed streetcar or subway can be almost unbearable. We can’t deny that Toronto does have a good network of transit options, especially when considering streetcar routes, but people of all ages are beginning to opt for a healthier mode of transportation.   

If you have to decide between sitting on a streetcar and/or subway for 30 minutes to get to work or hopping on a bike and avoiding rush hour and getting some exercise while you’re at it, the choice is clear. Plus, some people still have a ways to go after their transit ride ends, so having access to a bike would be amazing!

“We are excited to be moving forward with the TPA to bring more seamless transportation options to residents,” says Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO of Metrolinx. “Bike sharing is a great way to connect people to transit in the first and last kilometre of their journey, giving people more options to get where they need to go.”

Most condo developers promote the fact that their new project is located within walking distance of a transit station. Now that Bike Share Toronto has doubled the amount of bikes to share, perhaps developers will begin advertising that their new condo has a Bike Share Toronto station near the lobby’s front doors.

Is it possible that we could even see condo developers deciding to include a Bike Share Toronto station in their development plans? Would you be interested in a condo that had its own bike share program?  

Feature image via @BikeShareTO