Include cycling and pedestrian infrastructure improvements in every road reconstruction or resurfacing
 
Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is neglected during major road reconstruction and repair operations, which means that the City of Toronto misses important opportunities to build a truly integrated active transportation network. Under the current policy a whole road can be completely reconstructed or resurfaced with absolutely no changes made to improve active transportation. Similarly active transportation is not consciously included in all major new development is proposed such as a condominium or suburban shopping centre. These are missed opportunities to cost-effectively improve our transportation system and the quality of life of all Toronto residents!
 
Council needs to change the road reconstruction/resurfacing policy as well as the development approval process to require that each project plan includes measures to improve the active transportation environment by adding bike lanes; adding or enhancing sidewalks and reviewing the design road cross sections to enhance crossing safety.
 
In order to do this it will be necessary to coordinate efforts across city divisions. When the Harbord Village Residents' Association tried to get pedestrian amenities improved through widened and enhanced sidewalks on College between Spadina and Bathurst, in conjunction with the road being rebuilt, they found they had to work with numerous different divisions of the city, with no-one coordinating the process.
 
Toronto CAT calls on the next Council to:
  1. 8.Create a cross-divisional active transportation committee that will allow staff to review road reconstruction and resurfacing plans, as well as development plans, to ensure that they include improvements to the active transportation infrastructure
 
Integrate