Alta played a key role in expanding and improving Toronto’s cycling infrastructure through a major project in collaboration with the City of Toronto’s on-call Cycling roster. Focused on the York University Keele Campus area, the project aimed to enhance connectivity and safety by delivering protected intersections, cycle tracks, and in-boulevard trails near Finch West Station.
Beginning in July 2019, Alta led the initiative from functional design through detailed design, contract administration, and construction oversight. By January 2021, the detailed design was completed, with the project moving into tender and construction phases throughout 2021 and 2022.
A defining feature of this project was its emphasis on fully protected intersections. Among these, one bi-directional intersection was designed with cycle tracks intersecting on all legs, ensuring a safe and intuitive experience for cyclists. Another intersection incorporated protected corners, setback bicycle crossings, and forward queuing areas, aligning with the City of Toronto’s Draft On-Street Bikeway Design Guidelines.
At Murray Ross Parkway and Evelyn Wiggins Drive, the project introduced intersecting multi-use paths on two legs and new bi-directional cycle tracks on the other two. The intersection of Murray Ross Parkway and Keele Street featured a protected corner with a bi-directional cross ride. Given the high volume of TTC bus right turns at this location, the design also included a fully protected right turn, separating bus movements from cycling crossings to improve safety.
This project not only strengthened Toronto’s cycling network but also set a precedent for future bike-friendly infrastructure in the city. By prioritizing protected intersections and seamless connections, the initiative supports a more sustainable, accessible, and cyclist-friendly urban environment.