In Toronto, planners have unveiled a street design that separates a planned streetcar line from auto traffic, bike lanes, and parking. Many are calling it a first for the city -- making the street decidedly transit- and pedestrian-friendly.
"The plan for Cherry St. in the West Don Lands development area achieves two firsts, according to local politicians and residents:"
"It puts the needs of transit riders, pedestrians and cyclists ahead of motorists."
"Unlike Toronto's other streetcar routes, which traditionally run in mixed traffic and board passengers from platforms in the middle of the road, the Cherry St. plan calls for putting all the transit on the east side of the street, running in two directions, with a tree-lined platform separating it from other traffic."
"Parking, two single vehicle lanes running in opposite directions, and bike lanes all would be relegated to the west side."
"Five-metre sidewalks on each side leave plenty of room for pedestrians and outdoor cafes."
