Safe cycling in Westlakes? Your views matter!

 Cycling Campaigner- Nico Marcar

The only significant shared path around Toronto is the Greenway track between Toronto and Fassifern Station. There is no off-road link through the 80kph Woodrising stretch to Booragul and to the shared paths through and beyond the Five Islands bridge. Nor is there any off-road connection through the hilly 80kph stretch to Rathmines Peninsula. 

Unfortunately, it will be very expensive to build the necessary off-road connections north and south. Although these connections form part of the Principle Bicycle Network in Council's 2021 Cycling, Walking and Better Streets Strategy, they are not designated as high priority, and Main Road is noted as the NSW Government’s responsibility. Though Council is aware of the issues, Toronto/Westlakes remains in limbo. Whilst there are some longer, alternative routes, you cannot currently cycle safely on the shorter 80kph stretches. 

The Toronto Action Group is willing to take up the issue and has already raised it with two of our Ward councillors and Council staff. As a starting point, we need to know more about actual and potential demand for cycling. 

Do you currently cycle for commuting, leisure or exercise? Would you take up cycling or cycle further if there was more safe infrastructure? What do you see as the main impediments to cycling locally? We'd like to hear your views. Please contact Nico at torontoareasng@gmail.com.