The temporary bike lanes that appeared on Canadian streets during the COVID-19 pandemic have had a bigger effect than many expected. A study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that relatively small additions to the cycling network significantly improved how many destinations people can reach safely by bike.
What the researchers studied
The team, which included Timothy Chan, a professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at the University of Toronto, looked at how new bike lanes installed during the pandemic changed the connectivity of the city's cycling network. Rather than simply counting the kilometres of new lanes, they examined how those lanes linked existing routes and opened up access to jobs, shops, parks and other services through low-stress cycling routes.
Their conclusion was that a little bit of new infrastructure can go a long way. By filling gaps between existing lanes, the new routes connected neighbourhoods that were previously cut off from the network by busy streets.
Why connectivity matters
Many people are willing to cycle only if they feel safe. A bike lane that ends suddenly at a busy intersection can discourage riders even if most of the trip is protected. When the network is connected, cyclists can travel from home to work or school without facing dangerous gaps. That is why the researchers focused on access rather than on length alone.
- More jobs reachable by bike on low-stress routes.
- Better access to grocery stores, health services and parks.
- New options for people who do not own a car.
A pandemic opportunity
During the pandemic, cities across Canada moved quickly to create space for walking and cycling. Public transit ridership dropped, and many residents looked for ways to travel while keeping their distance from others. Projects that might have taken years of debate were installed as pilot programs in a matter of months.
The study suggests that these pilots delivered real benefits and should be evaluated carefully before they are removed. The findings also offer a tool for planners: by modelling which links have the greatest impact on connectivity, cities can prioritize projects that offer the most value for the investment.
Lessons for other cities
Although the research focused on Toronto, its lessons apply to other Canadian cities. Targeted investments in key connections, rather than isolated lanes, can make cycling a realistic option for many more residents. As cities plan their post-pandemic recovery, the researchers argue that making cycling infrastructure permanent could support healthier, more equitable and more sustainable transportation.