As the summer weather finally appears, more and more people in Toronto are taking out their bikes and cycling to work. That’s why it is so great to see the City of Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) jumping on board to embracing bikes as a way of life in the big city.
TTC recently installed 20 self-service bicycle repair stops at subway stations across the city. The bicycle repair stops will have several helpful tools available to assist with immediate repairs, including wrenches, allen keys, screw drivers, a bicycle pump and a wheel chock. These tools will help stranded cyclists make temporary repairs on their bikes until they can get to a bike repair shop. Stations that received the new bicycle repair stops include Bathurst, Broadview, Pape, Spadina, Main Street, Finch, and Ossington among several others.
More than half of Torontonians cycle, with 29 per cent for transportation and 25 per cent for recreation, according to statistics provided by TTC. Cycling is growing as both a means of commuting and for entertainment as well. TTC is embracing the trend and is providing a service that will help individuals that need to use several modes of transport, including cycling and subway to get from point A to point B. The self-serve stations were installed because TTC data demonstrated that 61 per cent of respondents would cycle to a TTC or GO station if tools were accessible there. The self-serve stations promote a cohesive transit approach that continues to keep city commuters away from their cars and using a more sustainable way to travel.
Alongside the bicycle repair stops, there are also new easier access fare gates that will help cyclists enter and exit TTC subway stations. Pape and Dufferin stations have a bicycle stair channels that will help cyclists get up and down the stairs much more easily. Bike Share Toronto has over 800 bicycles located close to TTC stations to help promote cycling for people who don’t own a bike.
It’s clear the TTC supports this ‘green’ way to travel in the city. By promoting cycling, the transit service will increase its customer support base and provide people with seamless ways to travel while cycling.
Will you use these bike services? Let us know in the comments below!
