Toronto street has been completely repainted to make it more human-friendly
Violent vehicle collisions, often involving pedestrian fatalities, seem to be the norm in Toronto these days — so a pop-up demonstrating the principles of safer street design for pedestrians couldn't come at a better time.
Starting today at 5 p.m., a section of Toronto’s Danforth Avenue from Woodbine to Woodmount will be repainted and restructured for 8 80 Streets Danforth.
What are usually two curb lanes will be replaced with expanded walking space for pedestrians, and separate bike lines are also being implemented.
Volunteers working on the 8 80
— James Perttula (@JamesPerttula) August 22, 2019
Streets pop up bike lanes Danforth and Woodbine pic.twitter.com/5NgthQUjZ9
Behind the project is non-profit 8 80 cities, an organization "bringing citizens together to enhance mobility and public space so that together we can create more vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities."
The project was approved by Toronto city council as a part of their Vision Zero plan.
We need to build safer streets. Period. Today, we’re starting w Canada’s first #VisionZero pop-up at #880StreetsDanforth. Come join us Fri & Sat to experience complete street design and be a part of community-led change. @880Cities @TheBetterBlock @DECAdiaries @TheDannyBIA pic.twitter.com/JmGuUpt27c
— Brad Bradford✌️ (@BradMBradford) August 23, 2019
According to a press release, the project was funded through a private donor whose friend was killed in a road collision in 2018.
“We want to bring people in the Danforth community together to actually be part of building the solutions for safer streets," said Amanda O’Rourke, Executive Director of 8 80 Cities.
The complete street pilot getting set up on Danforth Ave. This street is *wide.* @880Cities #TOPoli pic.twitter.com/iCCdPNqug0
— Alex Bozikovic (@alexbozikovic) August 23, 2019
"We want to highlight, in a short amount of time and with simple materials, how you can build a better street for people. The elements we are showcasing are proven design solutions that can save lives while also contribute to the overall health, equity, and vibrancy of the city.”
Living out a dream! Filling in a bike lane on Danforth 🚲❤️#bellsondanforth#880streets pic.twitter.com/RXKgCDhN2E
— Dave Edwards (@DaveEdwards14) August 22, 2019
According to O’Rourke, there have been at least 22 pedestrian fatalities already in 2019.
Vision Zero is the city's plan to attain zero pedestrian and cyclist deaths in the city, and this pop-up is a lesson on how we can eventually get there.
"we want to accelerate action on the city's aim to bring down pedestrian fatalities down to zero" #VisionZeroToronto
— 8 80 Cities (@880Cities) August 23, 2019
“8 80 Streets Danforth is an invitation for Torontonians to experience how a complete street feels," said Toronto city councillor Brad Bradford.
"With Toronto growing quickly, projects like this encourage us to think about how we can design our city for people of all ages and abilities. I’m proud to welcome this project — the first of its kind in Canada — to our Danforth East community.”
Toronto, we have a bike lane! Thank you to the amazing volunteers who made this happen in 10 hours. @880Cities @DECAdiaries @EarthDayCanada @BradMBradford #880streets pic.twitter.com/Uyx20xs3L7
— The Better Block (@TheBetterBlock) August 22, 2019
The pop-up begins at 4 p.m. today and will feature small 'parklets' with live music, kids programming, public art and other festivities until 3 p.m. tomorrow.
