Metrolinx, our former GTTA, released two "green papers" today. Both of them take an active interest in cycling as a commuting mode in the Greater Toronto Area.

The papers are available and the consultation is taking place through this website.

"Green Paper #2" looks at mobility hubs.

"Creating easier links between walking, cycling, auto use and public transit is a key element in improving people's ability to get around," MacIsaac said. "These hubs often foster vibrant employment and residential areas, and draw amenities such as entertainment, shopping and family services to their vicinity. This mix of land use and transportation can be mutually supportive and should be encouraged."

"Green Paper #3" is specifically interested in cycling and pedestrian issues.

"We have engineered walking and cycling out of many parts of our region
and it has had very negative consequences. Our environment and our health have suffered because we can't do as much as buy a cup of coffee without using our cars. Other cold climate cities do a much better job of encouraging - and enabling - people to walk or cycle. We're looking for ways to make active transportation a much more important part of the way we get around," MacIsaac said.

MacIsaac is open to "road diets" in the interest of adding bike lanes and wider sidewalks, although I'm not sure if it's within the jurisdiction of Metrolinx.

Bike sharing also gets mentioned as a possibility, referring to it as "self-service bicycle-rental stalls". Two weeks ago, I had the chance to talk to Adrian Heaps (Toronto Cycling Committee Chair). He said that the idea of bike sharing is being "rekindled" at city hall. Maybe we're on the cusp of seeing a large bike sharing program in the GTA. We can dream.

Note that the online consultation is not through the Metrolinx website. You'll find the documents and the feedback tools on this special consultation site.