How do you widen sidewalks in a city like Toronto?
Turn the curb lane into a safe space for pedestrians.
The City of Toronto announced the temptorary program called CurbTO, where lanes will be closed off at several "pinch points" and "hot spots" where it's been tough for pedestrians to stay away from each other on the narrow sidewalks in the city.
Toronto Mayor John Tory says the lanes will be used for walking, at 10 locations to start, but that number will grow to 100 locations, based on "evidence", with decisions made with the help of Public Health officials.
The City will use signage and construction barrels to keep cars and pedestrians from using the same lane at the same time.
1. Carlton Street and Church Street – Pedestrian zone
2. Danforth Avenue and Broadview Avenue – Pedestrian & Parking zones
3. Dupont Street and Lansdowne Avenue – Pedestrian zone
4. Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue – Parking Zone
5. Front Street East and Berkeley Street – Pedestrian & Parking zones
6. Gerrard Street East and Parliament Street – Pedestrian zone
7. Gerrard Street East and Broadview Avenue – Pedestrian & Parking zones
8. King Street West and Spadina Avenue – Parking zone
9. Bloor Street West and Bathurst Street – Pedestrian & Parking zones
10. Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue – Pedestrian zone
CurbTO Program Initiatives
1. Curb Lane Pedestrian Zones will increase space for pedestrians trying to get around line-ups outside essential businesses and other pinch points as identified by Toronto Public Health and Transportation Services.
2. Temporary Parking Pick-Up Zones will provide an opportunity for drivers and delivery agents to expedite medicine and food pick-ups by allowing them to temporarily park for up to 10 minutes in close proximity to the desired essential business in otherwise restricted parking areas.