Item - 2012.PW15.4

The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, at its meeting of April 18, 2012 referred Item PW14.5 to the Acting General Manager, Transportation Services, for a report to the May 16, 2012 Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the status of the separated bicycle lanes on Wellesley Street.

Transportation staff are in the process of collecting and analyzing data required to develop a draft functional plan for the Wellesley Street cycle tracks.  The analysis to date has concluded that a uni-directional design is the only feasible design option.  Bi-directional cycle tracks would have a significant negative impact on TTC service and on drivers and cyclist' travel time. Implementing uni-directional cycle tracks will require the removal of most of the on-street parking and the removal of left turn lanes and the prohibition of left turns at some intersections.

Consultations with City Divisions and agencies, including TTC, Solid Waste Management, City Planning and EMS, Fire Service and Police Service, have just begun in order to address the operational requirements of the street. These internal consultations will result in a draft functional plan which will be the basis for a broader public consultation process. This process will commence with a Public Open House, scheduled for late June 2012. Based on the agency and public consultation feedback, the functional plan will be completed over the summer and a report submitted to the November 7, 2012 meeting of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee to obtain the necessary approvals. Following Council approval the detailed design will be completed and the cycle tracks will be scheduled for construction in spring-summer 2013.