The congestion on University…

The congestion on University south of College cannot be ascribed to bicycle lanes having been constructed. For months, construction of water mains along University and TTC construction on Queen had closed all traffic lanes but one in each direction. I live in this neighbourhood and witness the traffic at all times of the day and night.

Now that the bike lanes are operational and University has two traffic lanes plus a parking lane, it is left turns from southbound University at Gerrard and Elm plus the lack of a right turn lane at Elm that are causing most of the problem. With two parking garages and a surface lot behind Mt. Sinai Hospital, the amount of traffic turning right at Elm (particularly at rush hour and lunch hour) is substantial and the lack of a right turn lane means that pedestrian traffic crossing Elm prevents cars from turning right and blocking the right lane through most of the green light. If there is also a car turning left to access Sick Kids hospital or Toronto General, southbound traffic is brought to a complete halt. Two suggestions I have for the City are to ban left turns at Elm and to create a right turn lane at Elm southbound on University.

Another alternative would be eliminating the lane of traffic in each direction that is taken by parking rather than eliminating the bike lanes.

Finally, I believe that the Province should not be micro-managing traffic flow in the city. The city should be able to address issues to the benefit of city residents without ham-handed actions by the Province. Bicycle lanes are beneficial to many residents.