Pedalling Through Policy: A Data-Driven Look at Toronto’s Bike Lane Debate

By Herman Justino

Published on: December 5th, 2024

Author Image

In recent years, urban infrastructure planning has become a focal point of debates surrounding sustainable city living. One prominent discussion in Toronto is a proposal to remove bike lanes along Yonge, Bloor, and University Streets. These streets are central to the city's downtown core and serve as vital thoroughfares for commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. The removal of bike lanes raises questions about its potential impact on the neighborhoods these streets traverse, including changes to commute patterns, accessibility, and the quality of life for residents. This article explores the characteristics of the neighborhoods directly affected by the proposed changes using data from the 2021 Census, sourced from the City of Toronto’s open data portal. By analyzing demographics, commute patterns, and socio-economic factors, this analysis aims to provide a data-driven perspective on the implications of this decision.

Interactive Map of Affected Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods with at least 500m of bike lanes on Yonge, Bloor, and University Streets

Task Overview

The primary objective of this project is to create a visualization-rich, interactive article to assess the impact of bike lane removal on affected neighborhoods. The article uses data visualization techniques to:

Search Neighborhoods

Name Population

All visualizations were created using Python and interactive visualization library Chart.js. Data was preprocessed to ensure accuracy and clarity, with missing values handled through appropriate imputation methods. The article incorporates user feedback gathered through formative evaluations, ensuring the content resonates with its target audience.

Conclusion

This site represents the beginning of a broader exploration into how Toronto’s bike lane infrastructure impacts its residents. The current visualizations provide valuable insights into neighborhood characteristics, cycling habits, and commuting trends, but this is just the first step. Future updates will incorporate sentiment analysis from social media platforms and Google search trends to capture a dynamic picture of public opinion.
By layering these insights with the existing data, the site will evolve into a comprehensive resource for understanding the interplay between infrastructure, policy, and community needs. Thank you for visiting and exploring this first draft. Feedback and suggestions are welcome as I work to refine and expand this project to better serve Toronto’s residents and urban planners.

References