Item - 2013.HL23.7
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on October 8, 2013 with amendments.
- This item was considered by Board of Health on July 10, 2013 and was adopted with amendments. It will be considered by City Council on October 8, 2013.
- See also Item PW33.1
HL23.7 - Improving Safety for Bicycle Commuters in Toronto
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on October 8, 9, 10 and 11, 2013, adopted the following:
1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to collaborate with the Medical Officer of Health when developing recommendations related to implementing a 1-metre passing rule between vehicles and cyclists and to send a letter to the Ontario Minister of Transportation expressing support for a Province-wide 1-metre passing rule.
2. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, in collaboration with the Medical Officer of Health, to:
a. review the City's current policies and practices for ensuring the protection of cyclists in construction areas and to develop a new comprehensive policy/guideline for ensuring the protection of cyclists in such areas, including: giving notice, advisory signage, temporary pavement marking, cleaning and sweeping of debris and detour routes, where appropriate, to ensure clear communication to all road users about construction-related cycling hazards and how to reduce them;
b. explore amending the Municipal Code Chapter 886 to ensure cycling infrastructure is not to be used as a storage space by any private or public agency;
c. review the “Watch for Bikes” bylaw and program with a view to assessing effectiveness and indentifying potential improvements;
d. advocate again to Transport Canada for the installation of side guards on large trucks; and
e. report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on those matters that fall primarily within the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee's mandate and to the Board of Health on those matters that primarily fall within the Board of Heath's mandate.
3. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to pay special attention to the treatment of bikeways at intersections and other points where the street form changes, in order to mitigate potential visibility issues and turning conflicts.
4. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to develop City-wide standards for snow removal in designated bike lanes, similar to those for collector roads, for consideration of the 2014 budget process.
Background Information (Board)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-59896.pdf
Communications (Board)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/comm/communicationfile-38997.pdf
Communications (City Council)
Motions (City Council)
That:
1. City Council amend Board of Health Recommendation 1 by adding the words "and send a letter to the Ontario Minister of Transportation in expressing support for a province wide 1-metre passing rule" after the word "cyclist" so that it now reads as follows:
1. City Council request the General Manager of Transportation Services to collaborate with the Medical Officer of Health when developing recommendations related to implementing a 1-metre passing rule between vehicles and cyclists and send a letter to the Ontario Minister of Transportation in expressing support for a province wide 1-metre passing rule.
2. City Council amend Board of Health Recommendation 2a by adding the word "clearing and sweeping of debris" after the word "marking" so that it now reads as follows:
2. City Council request the General Manager of Transportation Services, in collaboration with the Medical Officer of Health, to:
a. review the City's current policies and practices for ensuring the protection of cyclists in construction areas and to develop a new comprehensive policy/guideline for ensuring the protection of cyclists in such areas, including: giving notice, advisory signage, temporary pavement marking, clearing and sweeping of debris and detour routes, where appropriate, to ensure clear communication to all road users about construction-related cycling hazards and how to reduce them;
b. explore amending the Municipal Code Chapter 886 to ensure cycling infrastructure is not to be used as a storage space by any private or public agency;
c. review the “Watch for Bikes” bylaw and program with a view to assessing effectiveness and indentifying potential improvements;
d. advocate again to Transport Canada for the installation of side guards on large trucks; and
e. report back to the Board of Health on the outcome of the reviews noted above.
Vote (Amend Item) Oct-11-2013 3:57 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - HL23.7 - Layton - motion 1a |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 28 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailão, Michelle Berardinetti, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Frank Di Giorgio, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Mike Layton, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, Gord Perks, Jaye Robinson, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson, Adam Vaughan |
| Total members that voted No: 5 | Members that voted No are Mike Del Grande, Doug Ford, Norman Kelly, Peter Leon, Denzil Minnan-Wong |
| Total members that were Absent: 12 | Members that were absent are Josh Colle, Sarah Doucette, Rob Ford, Mark Grimes, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, John Parker, James Pasternak, Anthony Perruzza, David Shiner, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
That City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to develop city wide standards for snow removal in designated bike lanes, similar to those for collector roads, for consideration in the 2014 budget.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Oct-11-2013 4:01 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - HL23.7 - Layton - motion 1b |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 30 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailão, Michelle Berardinetti, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Cesar Palacio, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Karen Stintz, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 6 | Members that voted No are Frank Di Giorgio, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Peter Leon, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Michael Thompson |
| Total members that were Absent: 9 | Members that were absent are Josh Colle, Sarah Doucette, Mark Grimes, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, John Parker, James Pasternak, David Shiner |
That Board of Health Recommendation 2.e. be amended by deleting the words "Board of Health" and replacing them with "Executive Committee" so that it now reads:
e. report back to the Executive Committee on the outcome of the reviews noted above.
Vote (Amend Item) Oct-11-2013 3:59 PM
| Result: Lost | Majority Required - HL23.7 - Minnan-Wong - motion 2a |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 16 | Members that voted Yes are Michelle Berardinetti, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Norman Kelly, Peter Leon, Josh Matlow, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, Karen Stintz |
| Total members that voted No: 18 | Members that voted No are Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailão, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Mike Layton, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Gord Perks, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, Adam Vaughan |
| Total members that were Absent: 11 | Members that were absent are Josh Colle, Sarah Doucette, Mark Grimes, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, John Parker, James Pasternak, Anthony Perruzza, David Shiner, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
That City Council delete Board of Health Recommendation 2e:
Recommendation to be deleted
e. report back to the Board of Health on the outcome of the reviews noted above.
and insert a new Recommendation 2e as follows:
e. report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on those matters that fall primarily within the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee's mandate and to the Board of Health on those matters that primarily fall within the Board of Heath's mandate.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Oct-11-2013 4:00 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - HL23.7 - Minnan-Wong - motion 2b |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 29 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailão, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mary Fragedakis, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Peter Leon, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, Jaye Robinson, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson |
| Total members that voted No: 7 | Members that voted No are Michelle Berardinetti, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that were Absent: 9 | Members that were absent are Josh Colle, Sarah Doucette, Mark Grimes, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, John Parker, James Pasternak, David Shiner |
That City Council amend Board of Health Recommendation 2e by adding the words "and/or to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee as appropriate" after the word "Health" so that it now reads as follows:
2. City Council request the General Manager of Transportation Services, in collaboration with the Medical Officer of Health, to:
a. review the City's current policies and practices for ensuring the protection of cyclists in construction areas and to develop a new comprehensive policy/guideline for ensuring the protection of cyclists in such areas, including: giving notice, advisory signage, temporary pavement marking, and detour routes, where appropriate, to ensure clear communication to all road users about construction-related cycling hazards and how to reduce them;
b. explore amending the Municipal Code Chapter 886 to ensure cycling infrastructure is not to be used as a storage space by any private or public agency;
c. review the “Watch for Bikes” bylaw and program with a view to assessing effectiveness and indentifying potential improvements;
d. advocate again to Transport Canada for the installation of side guards on large trucks; and
e. report back to the Board of Health and/or to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee as appropriate on the outcome of the reviews noted above.
That City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to pay special attention to the treatment of bikeways at intersections and other points where the street form changes, in order to mitigate potential visibility issues and turning conflicts.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Oct-11-2013 4:02 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - HL23.7 - Ainslie - motion 4 |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 36 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailão, Michelle Berardinetti, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mary Fragedakis, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Peter Leon, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 9 | Members that were absent are Josh Colle, Sarah Doucette, Mark Grimes, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, John Parker, James Pasternak, David Shiner |
Vote (Adopt Item as Amended) Oct-11-2013 4:03 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - HL23.7 - Adopt the item as amended |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 36 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailão, Michelle Berardinetti, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mary Fragedakis, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Peter Leon, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 9 | Members that were absent are Josh Colle, Sarah Doucette, Mark Grimes, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, John Parker, James Pasternak, David Shiner |
HL23.7 - Improving Safety for Bicycle Commuters in Toronto
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Board Recommendations
The Board of Health recommends that:
1. City Council request the General Manager of Transportation Services to collaborate with the Medical Officer of Health when developing recommendations related to implementing a 1-metre passing rule between vehicles and cyclists.
2. City Council request the General Manager of Transportation Services, in collaboration with the Medical Officer of Health, to:
a. review the City's current policies and practices for ensuring the protection of cyclists in construction areas and to develop a new comprehensive policy/guideline for ensuring the protection of cyclists in such areas, including: giving notice, advisory signage, temporary pavement marking, and detour routes, where appropriate, to ensure clear communication to all road users about construction-related cycling hazards and how to reduce them;
b. explore amending the Municipal Code Chapter 886 to ensure cycling infrastructure is not to be used as a storage space by any private or public agency;
c. review the “Watch for Bikes” bylaw and program with a view to assessing effectiveness and indentifying potential improvements;
d. advocate again to Transport Canada for the installation of side guards on large trucks; and
e. report back to the Board of Health on the outcome of the reviews noted above.
Decision Advice and Other Information
The Board of Health:
1. Forwarded the report (June 21, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health to the General Manager of Transportation Services and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and requested their collaboration with the Medical Officer of Health to ensure that up to date health evidence on the safety of specific cycling infrastructure and road design features be considered in the development of Complete Streets Guidelines for the City of Toronto.
2. Urged the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to develop and include bike safety courses as part of the provincial elementary and high school curriculum.
3. Urged the Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to ensure cycling safety and information are included in driver training materials and provide information about sharing the road safely to existing drivers when renewal notices are sent out for driver’s licences.
4. Requested the Toronto Police Services Board to:
a. consider the report (June 21, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health in enforcement of existing regulations to protect cyclists;
b. track dooring collisions by modifying collision reporting sheets to include dooring as a type of collision; and
c. prioritize the level of enforcement provided for bicycle lanes and cycle tracks, and conduct monthly towing blitzes as part of regular enforcement operations.
5. Forwarded the report (June 21, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health to the Toronto Centre for Active Transportation, Cycle Toronto, Canadian Automobile Association (South Central Ontario), Ontario Trucking Association, the Toronto Area Safety Coalition, the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, and the Cities Centre at the University of Toronto.
6. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to report back to the Board of Health on December 9, 2013 on progress to date.
Origin
Summary
In September 2012, the Board of Health (BOH) considered a letter from Councillor Mihevc that raised concerns about the safety of commuter cyclists in Toronto. The BOH asked the Medical Officer of Health to identify priority actions the City could take to improve bicycle commuter safety in the city, with particular attention to actions that could be implemented quickly and easily.
Commuting by bicycle supports individual health and reduces the risk of many chronic diseases. While injuries and fatalities among bike commuters are a serious concern, research evidence indicates that the health benefits of cycling outweigh the risks. Appropriate infrastructure, policy, enforcement, and education are all important for providing a safe cycling environment. Changes to the built environment such as adding bike lanes or traffic calming can improve safety for cyclists and should be implemented in a way that supports continued improvement of a co-ordinated, connected cycling network. A policy for accommodating cyclists in construction areas and enforcement of existing provincial and municipal regulations designed to keep cyclists safe can also reduce unnecessary risk of injury. Finally, education for all road users including motorists will enhance safety by improving skills, confidence, knowledge of the "rules of the road" and mutual respect.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-59896.pdf
Communications
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/comm/communicationfile-38997.pdf
Speakers
(July 10, 2013) Avigail, Adelaide and Anthony Humphreys
Motions
That recommendation 3 of the report on Improving Safety for Bicycle Commuters in Toronto (June 21, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health be amended by adding the words "in collaboration with Toronto Public Health" after "The General Manager of Transportation Services"
That the General Manager of Transportation Services, in collaboration with Toronto Public Health, be requested to:
1. explore amending the Municipal Code Chapter 886 to ensure cycling infrastructure is not to be used as a storage space by any private or public agency;
2. advocate again to Transport Canada for the installation of side guards on large trucks;
3. report back to the Board of Health on the outcome of the requested reviews set out in recommendation 3 of the report on Improving Safety for Bicycle Commuters in Toronto (June 21, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health, as amended.
That Toronto Police Services be requested to:
1. track dooring collisions by modifying collision reporting sheets to include dooring as a type of collision.
2. prioritize the level of enforcement provided for bicycle lanes and cycle tracks, and conduct monthly towing blitzes as part of regular enforcement operations.
That the Medical Officer of Health be requested to report back to the Board of Health on December 9, 2013 on progress to date.