In an editorial published on Sunday, the Globe and Mail declared separated bike lanes the way forward for Toronto’s long-suffering cycling community, pointing to Montreal’s dedicated lanes as an avenue this city should be readily exploring. The 514 has a network of relatively quiet secondary streets with bike-only lanes that encourage and protect people who chose to ride to work or play. Toronto, on the other hand, does not.
Painted bike lanes are okay, so the argument goes, but they don’t shield cyclists from fast moving traffic as well as those with a raised curb or other means of separation, and that’s often enough to discourage new riders from climbing in the saddle. In some cases, a bike in the garage is a car on the road, and that means more traffic, more pollution and longer commute times for other road users.
The question is where do we put them. Not everyone is a fan of the current plan, especially given that the city actually experienced a net reduction in bikes lanes in 2011.
In another editorial earlier this month, Spacing magazine’s Dylan Reid suggested that separated lanes are better suited to fast-moving routes like Richmond and Adelaide due to of the increased risk of a high-speed collision. Reid says lanes like those coming to Sherbourne Street, shown above, would be better served elsewhere because of the relatively slow pace of traffic. This makes sense.
So how might the city move forward? Despite the Globe’s suggestion, it could be quite difficult to create a proper network of interconnected dedicated bike lanes on minor streets in Toronto on account of their generally short length. Should we proceed with dedicated lanes on busier routes, then it’s all the more important to create a bonafide network that allows cyclists to feel protect as they navigate the city. In the absence of that, perhaps an increase in painted bike lanes would be more friendly to cyclists overall?
Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Rest assured that we are closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to protect our team members and guests as the situation continues to evolve.
Business Continuity
Our first step was to invoke our Business Continuity Plan. We are entirely digital and do not rely on any manual processes. We are also completely cloud-based and diversified through our use of Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. Our office team is mobile-ready and has access to all critical infrastructure, including our cloud-based phone and booking systems. Rest assured - we are prepared to continue serving you.
Flexible Cancellations
For any new reservations booked directly with us, and until April 30, 2020, the booking can be cancelled at any time before arrival and with no cancellation fee.
New Arrivals
Toronto Public Health announced enhanced measures to protect the public on March 13, 2020, and are currently in effect until April 5, 2020. Anyone who has travelled from anywhere outside Canada, including the United States, is asked to self-isolate and avoid contact with others for 14 days.
For All Stays
Weekly Touch Up Service
For your safety and ours, weekly touch up service is cancelled until April 30, 2020. We encourage guests to utilize the ensuite washer and dryer to launder their linens and towels. For guests wishing to receive fresh linens, please send a request through Guest Services, and we will arrange to pick up your used linens (left in a bag at the front door inside the suite) and drop off fresh linen for you to use.
Our Commitment to High Cleaning Standards
We have always utilized commercial hospitality-grade cleaning procedures and supplies. We use specialized chemicals for different surfaces to ensure optimal disinfection. We also use new gloves and separate microfibre cleaning cloths for each suite to prevent cross-contamination. Any linens or cleaning cloths supplies by us have been professionally sanitized at a large commercial laundry facility.
Suite Visits by Guest Services & Maintenance
Until April 30, 2020, we will not conduct any suite tours for prospective guests, nor will any of our Maintenance or Guest Services team members visit occupied suites for any issues other than those relating to essential services.
We recognize that these are challenging times. Like many before it, this too will pass, and together we will get through it. Know that we are working around the clock to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay. We remain at your service 24/7 should you have any questions or concerns.
