Cyclists in London will soon have more dedicated space to pedal through the downtown.
The City of London is breaking ground this month on three cycling projects that will add 2.6 kilometres of new cycling infrastructure in the core.
The projects include the Dundas Cycle Track, Colborne Cycle Track Extension, and the Dundas-Thames Valley Parkway (TVP).
A separate bike lane will be added along Dundas Street from the downtown to the Old East Village, the existing bike lanes on Colborne Street north of Dufferin Avenue will be extended to Oxford Street East, and a separated eastbound cycling facility will be added on Riverside Drive from Wilson Avenue to Kensington Bridge. The Riverside Drive addition is the first phase of the Dundas-TVP Connection, which will connect to Dundas Place once it is completed next year.
“This set of cycling projects is part of an overall, long-term plan that was rooted in extensive consultation for our active transportation network. From here, we will continue to strengthen connections throughout the City,” Doug MacRae, the city's director of roads and transportation, said in a statement.
Work began on the Dundas Cycle Track last week. Once completed it will be a permanent, separated east-west cycling route on Dundas Street between Wellington Street and Adelaide Street North. This cycle track will also include separated cycle lanes on William Street from Dundas Street to Queens Avenue.
Construction on the Colborne Cycle Track Extension will begin over the coming weeks and is expected to be completed in November.
City officials have also said shovels will be in the ground later this month as Phase 1 of the Dundas-TVP Connection gets underway with plans to complete it by the end of the year. A pedestrian and cyclist signal that will allow those on a bicycle or on foot to cross Riverside Drive at Wilson Avenue is being installed as part of the first phase.
“Londoners make different travel choices every day, and it’s important that the city supports them by providing a variety of affordable, convenient and safe options,” said Mayor Ed Holder. “In addition to helping people get to and from work, these projects will contribute to healthier, more connected neighbourhoods and stronger communities.”
The three cycling projects will cost the city roughly $8 million to complete.