Streetcar track replacement along a section of King Street is creating hazardous stretches of sidewalk as it becomes crowded with electric vehicles and bicycles unable to make use of the road.
The city is also replacing a 146-year-old water main along King Street West, between Dufferin Street and Shaw Street.
But the affected section of sidewalk is leaving pedestrians at risk of being hit by weaving cyclists, moped drivers, scooters, e-bikers and other vehicles.
E-bikes can travel at speeds up to 45 km an hour.
The city has long been populated with all types of electric vehicles and cyclists, as have its trains, buses and streetcars, which are often clogged with gig economy employees lugging their e-bikes downtown, a phenomenon which has created severe safety concerns in the past.
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Though bringing e-bikes on public transit is allowed, and the people using them are often providing in-demand food delivery services, the city prohibits bicycles, e-bikes, mopeds, and motorcycles from being ridden on the sidewalk.
The fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian is $300 for both motorized vehicles and cyclists, and driving a motor vehicle on the sidewalk will land you a $90 fine, while driving or operating a prohibited vehicle on a pedestrian way will result in a $60 fine.
According to the provincial highway code, there are some exceptions for cyclists, which tend to apply when designated bike lanes are shared with pedestrian sidewalks, nonetheless they are required to exercise caution.
“On such shared use routes, you should always take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary,” the highway code states.
However, the situation on King Street is unique because e-bikers, cyclists and other motorized vehicle users have nowhere else to go but the pavement.
Despite this, there is no rule stipulating that they must dismount when using it, though it is advised.
“Considerable on-site advisory signage has been installed to warn of upcoming road closures where necessary in which case cyclists can dismount and use the sidewalk or detour onto another road,” the city told Now Toronto in an email statement.
Rules of the road tend to favour those most at risk, but, not all cyclists agree that riding on the sidewalk is unsafe.
“I never understood those people who just yell get off the sidewalk to a cyclist. Especially when you’re cautious and you let them pass / go around them on the grass or what have you,” one person wrote in the r/torontobiking subreddit.
“Certain situations you have no choice but to ride on the sidewalk. You’ll never catch me riding on the road in Scarborough for example. I don’t care if it’s illegal, I’m not risking my life,” another person wrote.
“I’ve heard “get off the sidewalk” a couple times and have politely responded “this road is a death trap, no risking it, sorry,” someone else wrote.
There is no existing cycling infrastructure in the area the city explained but, “Share the Road” signs have been placed to encourage both cyclists and motorists to share the road safely where applicable.
“Pedestrian access has been maintained throughout the project area,” the city concluded.
Work is expected to be completed in November 2024.
