Tech
What's the fastest way to get around Toronto?
If, like me, you've ever wondered whether getting from, say, one end of the Danforth to the other is faster by bike, car or transit, the eternal question may finally have been solved. A Google Maps API featured on Atlantic Cities this morning allows users to chart a route between two destinations and compare the speeds of various modes of transportation. Right now, Google doesn't let you see all three as you go.
I cite the Danforth in particular because it's the road I'm most frequently able to overtake cars on my bike and easily remain ahead. As I'm riding, the subway rumbles by a block north, a hidden competitor in the quest for Broadview Avenue. The fastest vehicle between Woodbine and the Don Valley is, according to the system developed by an American mobility expert, still the car. But it's close.
Driving on a clear road, no red lights, at the posted speed limit takes 7 minutes. The API estimates riding a bike under the same conditions takes 13 minutes. The subway splits the two, taking 10 minutes to make the trip. Still, lights and parking cars included, I'm still willing to bet the bike is a little more competitive.
Let's take the route from the blogTO office to my neighbourhood in the east end as another example. I've wondered for a while now whether (when there's a lower risk of frostbite) if it's quicker to jump on my bike or get on the subway. According to Side-by-Side Router, it's only a minute quicker to use the TTC and walk the remaining distance. I wouldn't lose any time pedaling to Monarch Park via Shuter, River, Dundas, and Jones. With no traffic, taking a car would still get me to my destination fastest.
But what about a route that's well served by transit, bike markings, and, of course, roads? Between Bathurst at Harbord and Yonge at Wellesley there's a decent bike lane (some sharrows) as well as a streetcar and subway connection (via Bathurst and Bloor) so this time the results are much closer. Driving still wins, followed by biking, then public transit.
Now, these results obviously don't account for transit wait times or other unforeseen hinderances like a bad run of lights, but there seems to be a sign here that driving isn't always as fast as it might seem, especially when there are practical alternatives. Do tools like this underscore the need for widespread building of car alternatives? Could dedicated bike lanes and stats like this encourage more riders?
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Images: "This Bike Is My Car" by cookedphotos/blogTO Flickr pool and Side-by-Side Router/Google
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That said, when I google map a bike path, I usually take the indicated time, and it's usually pretty accurate, with driving I usually add another 15-30 minutes. I spent the last 5 years driving a delivery truck in this city and generally found you'll always need more time with driving then with biking.
Of course, anywhere in the outer boroughs the car will win hands down, even if you are brave enough to bike down yonge, bathurst, or steeles in north york.
I have been riding BIXI for the last few years (but driving into downtown areas) and I cringe at what people do to "save time"...
This endless argument about how bad cyclists are fail to take into account there is almost no infrastructure for cyclists. Do you think drivers are behaved? What carnage we would have if roads were not designed and built they way they are.
Yes, I think drivers are better behaved overall than cyclists (I say that as a cyclist). Also, elementary ethics: Two wrongs don't make a right.
Infrastructure is bad for cyclists, and when I feel endangered on my bike, that enrages me. But it doesn't make me excuse the guy whizzing past stopped streetcars and through red lights. That has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with not giving a shit.
Matt, Steve's right and you are wrong. We do see what we want to see. What would cause polite, careful cycling to be memorable? Of course people only remember the times when someone is being an ass.
I bike everywhere, and I mostly have no trouble with cars. It's the PEDESTRIANS that bring me closest to death. Every time I bike in this city, I am guaranteed to have a jaywalker step off the sidewalk in the middle of the block after LISTENING for traffic instead of looking, or weaving without looking through the gridlock that doesn't stop bikes. I always stop for streetcars, but am thanked for my trouble by the crowds of people who drift out into the road in front of me because they see a streetcar coming up from BEHIND me.
There are crappy people using all modes of transport. The ones obeying the rules are boring and invisible, so they never get mentioned. And yes, that includes pedestrians.
I drive in the city almost every day. As for all of the red-light and stop-sign running, endangering pedestrians, etc., I've seen it happen. But only from a relatively small amount of cyclists. Most are riding safely, and certainly present less of a hazard than many of the car and truck drivers on the road. Of course, maybe I don't notice it that much, since I'm too busy watching out for other drivers running reds, wandering from lane to lane without signalling, talking on the phone....
So much for your earlier comment that "you don't have to break any traffic laws ..... to get there."
How is something that has a motor, considered un-motorized. E-bikes are heavy and have way more acceleration than bikes.
Sure they get you where you want to be faster, but I personally beleive it's at the expense of safety for regular bikers, roller bladders and skateboarders. I don't mind sharing the bike lane with those fellows, but if you have a motor you should be using the lanes for things with motors.
Once allowed to use bike lanes you will see how much better traffic becomes when trying to get out of the city in the afternoon "rush".