The city is getting 70 new Bike Share Toronto stations!
By Lucas on Aug 03, 2017
When it comes to living downtown Toronto or in the surrounding area, walkability, access to public transit, and cycling infrastructure are key factors that establish the foundation of a healthy community. So we’re excited to hear that the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, and City of Toronto will be installing 70 new Bike Share Toronto stations this month!
Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Steven Del Duca, Ontario Minister of Transportation; and Toronto Mayor John Tory made the announcement yesterday.
"In 2016, Council approved a 10-year Cycling Network Plan to connect, grow and renew infrastructure for Toronto's cycling routes over the next decade," says Mayor Tory in a recent release. "The investment our governments are making today to expand Bike Share Toronto will complement that plan and will help Toronto residents who cycle save money, improve their health and wellbeing and reduce congestion in our city."
The Government of Canada and the City of Toronto will provide $1.25 million each, which will go towards 50 stations, and the City will also contribute an additional $1.5 million for 20 more stations. Last year, the province contributed $4.9 million to Toronto Parking Authority, the operator of Bike Share Toronto, which went towards 80 new stations and 800 bikes.
"Public transit infrastructure funding makes it possible for Canadian communities to build the new urban transit networks and service extensions that will transform the way that Canadians live, move and work,” says MP Dzerowicz. “Investments in active transportation like the Bike Share Toronto system will decrease air pollution, promote healthy lifestyles and allow residents to have a broader range of commuting options.”
Since 2011, Bike Share Toronto members have travelled more than 16.8 million km, offsetting 3.2 million kg of Co2 emissions. There are currently 9,500 active members, and in the last 12 months there have been more than 1.1 million rides taken! Including the 70 new stations, there will be 270 stations in total, 4,700 bike docks, and 2,750 bikes.
“Whether you ride a bike for fun or commute to and from work, cycling is a sustainable, healthy and efficient way to get around," says Minister Del Duca. "Working alongside municipalities and the federal government, we’re committed to making investments that will make Ontario a safe and attractive place to cycle.”
The new stations will be installed near TTC subway stations and streetcar stops. This will improve access to neighbourhood amenities and encourage more people to take transit and bike on a regular basis.
As more new condos launch in Toronto and the city grows more dense, it will become more and more crucial for people to avoid using cars as a main mode of transportation. This investment in Bike Share Toronto is definitely a step in the right direction!
70 new @BikeShareTO stations will be located near #TTC subway stations and streetcar stops. Good news for #Mobility and #Toronto! pic.twitter.com/2AKjZcUoT0
— Josh Colle (@JoshColle) August 2, 2017
We're working to #GetTOmoving with 70 new @BikeShareTO stations being installed across the city. pic.twitter.com/xYE9Rvjqsa
— John Tory (@JohnTory) August 2, 2017
Happy to announce that @BikeShareTO will be expanding into Etobicoke and Scarborough as part of this expansion! pic.twitter.com/WWL5jApqHh
— John Tory (@JohnTory) August 2, 2017
