New bike storage facility proposed

The city is hoping to encourage a few commuters to take two wheels instead of four with a proposal for a new bike storage facility near Union Station. The facility would house up to 200 bikes in the York St. rail underpass.

“We can’t meet the demand there now,” said Councillor Adrian Heaps, chair of the Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee. “People are locking their bikes to trees, posts, stop signs, other bicycles.”

“Two things discourage people from cycling in Toronto: one is feeling safe on the road, the second is you don’t want your bike to get stolen,” says Councillor Glenn Baeremaeker. “Anybody can snip a lock and take off with your $1000 or $500 bike.”

The facility would see swipe-card access for users, adding an element of security not available with street bike racks. It’s also possible that showers, change rooms and a bike tune-up service could be added later if the project takes off. Cyclists would likely pay a nominal annual membership fee.

The plan will be discussed at Monday’s meeting of the cycling committee and will then be forwarded to city council for review and approval.

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