Amid growing concern about traffic deaths, the recent conversation in Toronto has often focused on what the city has done wrong in designing its streets. But a new report from the Ryerson City Building Institute sheds light on what it says Toronto has done right.
Our latest report, Toronto’s Great Streets, takes a look at five visionary street redesigns from the last decade and why they work. The need for proven strategies to improve safety and build cooperation on our streets has never been greater. Smart street redesigns can support our Vision Zero commitments, and potentially save lives.
St Clair Avenue West – A streetcar neighbourhood with separated track that runs for 6.8 km. Traffic volumes decreased by as much as 23%, weekday ridership on the 512 streetcar increased by 13% and round-trip travel times decreased 14% after the redesign. Collisions between a pedestrian and vehicle decreased by 48% from 2000 to 2011.
Roncesvalles Avenue – Toronto placemaking at its best. New shared streetcar boarding platforms installed that accommodate a cycling path at sidewalk height.