Becky Katz
@BeckyKatz96
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Manager of Toronto’s Operations and Maintenance Unit
Joined October 2011
College Street Toronto: before and after. Absolutely transformational. So so so proud of @TO_Cycling_Ped. #biketo #walkto . (videos aren’t of the same block, but College St b/w Spadina and Manning will all look like the after condition soon!)
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Forever just trying to design bike lanes that I can ride side by side with my favourite person.
What can we learn from this? We don’t need years-long consultation processes before initial rapid deployment of lanes. Get the cheap, quick, win. Prove the usage, then adjust and harden the infrastructure when there is a chance to bundle it with other road works. Repeat.
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Bloor/St George is open ahead of schedule, so I swung by to see how it’s going. My heart is full. What an accomplishment by @TO_Cycling_Ped. #biketo
#TrafficUpdateTO . The intersection of Bloor & St. George has reopened, ahead of schedule. City staff and crews worked hard to minimize impacts to traffic. We now have a safer, more efficient intersection.
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I happened to be in the area, so I stopped to see the College Street #biketo upgrade project. Overall, I am very happy with the results. The wide bikeway leaves room for passing or side by side riding and the bevel curb b/w the sidewalk and the bikeway enhances accessibility.
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Bloor Street Before and After… . well technically during. I am just loving the progress on the project. #biketo
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Bloor b/w Ave & Spadina) is looking 🔥. Reconstruction projects are amazing. They realize accessibility, beautification, & operational benefits. To achieve these outcomes, the road, cycle tracks & sidewalks were rebuilt and catch basins, poles, etc were relocated. #biketo
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My favourite version of a double-double.
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@TO_Cycling’s newest addition. Thank you Fleet Services and @CurbsideCycle for helping us reduce our reliance on gas powered vehicles for construction, larger public meetings, etc.
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Bit by bit, Dundas Street bike lanes are being upgraded. Pictures here is poured in place curbs on Dundas at Coxwell. #biketo
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It’s alive! Milestone moment- Toronto’s first #biketo protected intersection is officially open.
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A city photographer recently took a few photos of the Danforth/Kelvin upgrade project. It is so lovely. @TO_Cycling_Ped designed this in-house and oversaw the construction. We implemented several new construction standards here that are worthy of repeating. #biketo #walkto
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Visited the YorkU #biketo project! It has TO’s 1st ‘green gutter’ b/w the bikeway & road. Water will flow into the planted area. If there is lots of water- it can overflow to catch basins along the sidewalk. Very cool green infrastructure baffling system. See my ‘artistic’ markup
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They are, in fact, pretty darn nice.
The new bike lanes on College Street in Toronto are looking pretty darn nice
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Something concrete in these uncertain times. Spent a lovely, chilly morning on site at the Woodfield contra-flow #biketo lane.
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The newest section (just east of Strachan) of the Wellington two way cycle track is already popping. Fresh asphalt = smooth ride. #biketo
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I didn't start my career being passionate about cycling. But something I have come to love about building bikeways is that they can be a big status quo disrupter, motivating huge multi-modal improvements. Before College was redone, the transit stops were tiny. Not anymore #biketo
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The beginnings of a new protected intersection - Lake Shore Blvd and Cherry.
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Look at this beautiful upgrade. Quick build projects are great for repurposing space fast, but they can lack grace and the feeling of permanence. So we implemented this intersection upgrade to show what is possible between a quick build and a full reconstruction. #biketo #walkto.
Small-scale construction projects built or in progress include poured concrete medians at intersections along Woodfield Rd to provide protection for people cycling, and a raised crosswalk and bioretention curb extensions at Danforth Ave and Kelvin Ave. (5/12)
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There is nothing better than cycling home on a perfect summer evening all on infrastructure the @TO_Cycling_Ped team built in the last five years. (Palmerston -> College -> Brunswick -> Bloor -> Ave -> Davenport) #biketo
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A lovely new block of the Wellington bikeway between Niagara and Tecumseth. Previously this was a painted bike lane in the same direction as motor vehicle travel and adjacent to the parked cars. #biketo
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I joined a colleague at the Don Mills/Overlea office for the day and on the way home, I had a chance to check out the construction at Millwood/Pape/Donlands. This is a big intersection reconstruction. I love when renderings come to life m #biketo
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A new green infrastructure bulb out under construction on Palmerston at College St. As part of streetcar track replacement project, our team worked with many to incorporate major upgrades to the painted bike lanes and the pedestrian realm. Ped 🤝Bikes🤝 Greening #walkto
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Shuter Street reconstruction has begun! @TO_Cycling consulted on this project in the fall. The old school bike lanes will be upgraded to protected bike lanes. More info is here:
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The westside of University is under construction. Bikeway closures stink, but the upgrades will be worth it. To ease the pain, here's a taste. Also protected intersections at Gerrard & Elm to come. (these are not the final plans for you LAs and PEngs out there) #BikeTO
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Today I went for a stroll to check out the construction progress on University between College and Dundas. Raised concrete and planted buffer, protected intersection elements at Gerrard and wide comfy cycle tracks. Check out a few marked up photos. #biketo
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‘It’s too complicated. It’s too expensive. The road needs to be regraded & catchbasins moved.’ It always makes me laugh that our profession figured out this👇, but balks at figuring out how to raise a bikeway 100mm above the road. Glad to work with many who are up to challenge 💪
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Lovely to spot a public space built to naturally absorb rainwater. A good reminder that infrastructure can be green and beautiful . #greento
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A new standard indeed: (through the College St project, we developed a new construction standard for raised intermediate height cycle tracks that can be applied on future projects.).
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A short section of protection on a contra-flow bike lane on a low volume local street can be a nice way to define the space and help guide people driving and cycling.
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Excited to see @TO_Cycling progress on the #Activeto Yonge St complete street pilot. Looking forward to walk, bike and patio time on Yonge this summer. #biketo
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I am surprised and delighted by people’s enthusiasm about metal bollards. It’s a good reminder that often the simplest of details can make a project. And that small improvements make a difference. It’s so lovely to see people excited about #biketo infrastructure.
Work is progressing on Argyle St just east of Ossington Ave, where permanent curb islands with metal bollards are being installed to provide separation between people cycling EB in the contra-flow bike lane and WB motorists turning left or right.
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Every month is #BikeMonth for me. 😊 Super proud at what @TO_Cycling and @TO_Transport accomplishes everyday- with integrity, grit and heart for the public they serve
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Is this too on brand? (Wish I had worn blue pants.) Glad to see the bike counter in action and to ride @TO_Cycling_Ped city cargo bike (carrying tools and a picnic for a staff post work picnic hang out).
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Late in the season, but @TO_Cycling is still making awesome progress on expanding and upgrading bikeways across Toronot.
Lansdowne Avenue being installed right now at record speed. NB complete, SB underway. Should be done tomorrow. then on to Runnymede #bikeTO
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It’s fall! Perhaps the best time to explore #biketo projects. Every year, a colleague and I go on a trail ride to visit construction and see potential future connections. This year we cycled through North York and Scarborough (map is not 100% accurate)
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It's hard to believe, but today is my 2 yr anniversary of joining @TO_Transport @TO_Cycling and moving to TO. It hasn't been a simple transition, but it has been a honour. On my 1st day, I attended a Bloor stakeholder mtg. Happy that I said yes to every community mtg pre-pandemic
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I had the chance to check out @to_cycling_ped construction at Danforth/Kelvin. This project could be a model for permanent upgrades to 'quick build' projects w/o larger roadwork. (In the photos/plan, I circled the same light pole in red for comparison). #biketo #walkto
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Amazing work by @TO_Cycling and Road Ops on the design and installation of an interim raised accessible loading platform near hospital row. Cycling infrastructure should not make roads less accessible for people with disabilities. #bikeTO (platform is still a work in progress)
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The beginnings of a complete street. Beautiful ride this morning along the whole length of The Danforth pilot section (Broadview to Dawes). The communities surrounding the Danforth are so varied and vibrant.
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When a cycle track width is on the narrow side (<2.1m), we have been implementing a beveled edge to avoid someone’s pedal hitting the curb. Look at our awesome contractors hand troweling the beveled edge for cycling safety and comfort. #biketo
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I love being on site and seeing all the little details of a project. On University, the medians b/w the road and bike lane are keyed into the concrete base of the road. Can’t wait to ride this route and mull over how all the little details make a big difference. #biketo.
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It was great to show @JasonThorne_RPP around #biketo and hear more about his new role and his past accomplishments and approaches in his role at the City of Hamilton 🤩.
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Every year the team strives to make Toronto’s cycling map better. This year, I am happy to share that contra flow bike lanes are now included on the map and legend. (Most contra flows were previously shown as on-street shared connections). #biketo.
The 2024 Toronto Cycling Map is now available to download from the City's cycling webpage. Use the map to plan your route, locate @BikeShareTO stations, and find bicycle lockers or stations for secure storage.
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Of course the thousands of folks who work for the city have different feelings about bikeways, but you can count me and many of my road maintenance colleagues as staff who are proud to service multi-modal streets.
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Our @TO_Cycling team had a virtual social gathering to celebrate the passing of our first two Council reports for #biketo #walkto and #activeto projects. I found a very appropriate beer to celebrate with (one of the projects approved is upgrades to the Davenport bike lanes).
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Removing a bit of asphalt here and there, can add up and make the pedestrian and cycling realm nicer.
A bioretention planter has been constructed at the NW corner of Dundas St E and Hiltz Ave between the cycle track and motor vehicle travel lane. The plantings include Catmint, Prairie Dropseed, Fragrant Sumac and Dwarf Japanese Yew, which are native and durable. (1/2)
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The people in the last photo are four amazing members of @TO_Cycling who worked to bring Bloor and every other cycling project to life this year! Three cheers to them!.
Bloor West Bike Lanes are coming!! Thanks @TO_Cycling @anabailaoTO @gordperks @m_layton ! #BikeTO #ActiveTO
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This week I wrote >400 emails, reviewed 8 project decks, 4 briefing documents & 3 rfps, interviewed 5 candidates, presented to Ottawa staff, responded to 2 media requests, answered ?s at IEC on 2 huge reports, spoke with 5 constituents, 6 councillors and checked in w/ my team.
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A beautiful morning to #biketo or ride the bus on The Esplanade. I watched several people board the bus with ease using the zicla platform- working just as it was intended to do. (Also if anyone finds a blue and gold Beton Brut earring- it’s mine
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The pedestrian and cycling connection at the south end of Riverdale Park (b/w Langley and the driveway to the ped bridge over the Don) is going to be much nicer soon. New path, plaza, seating, bike parking and an e-bike @BikeShareTO charging station is underway. #biketo #walkto
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@m_layton Without @m_layton, @joe_cressy and the hospitals executives leadership, we could not have implemented University and so so so many other projects across Toronto. Thankful to them everyday of my job 🙏.
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Visited one of our last civil projects of the year. We are filling a short, but essential gap on the waterfront trail. A trail and sidewalk are being installed now on Kingston Rd (Glen Everest and Lake Hurst). There’s so much demand, people are already using it. #biketo
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Working on street design, can make it hard for me to unwind. Even a walk or bike ride can be a time to observe every deficiency or make work to dos. But sitting on my fav street bench on a lovely fall night…melts the stress. The vote of confidence from my dinner tonight helped.
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So proud of the work contained in this report (Don Mills/Overlea, Martin Grove and Gerrard) and @TO_Cycling’s commitment to the public and active transportation design.
The Q2 bike lane installation plan CARRIES unanimously via a show of hands. It includes lanes on Gerrad East and Overlea Boulevard. Councillor Stephen Holyday added a motion in support of the Etobicoke Greenway project too.
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I love protected bikeways, but there is something to be said about cycling in a full lane on a street with controls that limit motor vehicle volumes. #biketo
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Congrats @Spacing and to @trainguy89 and the other amazing folks featured in the 20th anniversary edition. I so enjoyed the party and meeting some of my real life muses. Hafeez and others inspire me to learn more and keep going, no matter the challenge ahead.
But special shoutout goes to @BeckyKatz96. It was a pleasure to finally meet and chat about cycling projects in-person!!
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Actually the University project started in 2010: however the centre running cycle tracks failed by one mistaken ‘no’ vote. Fun fact- when we did the activeto project, we reused the 2010 renderings for the project website and notices. #biketo.
Construction of the new bike lanes on Umiversity Ave is complete, and they set a gold standard for lanes on arterials. How did we get here? 🧵
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Excited to apply this great guidance to future projects. @TO_Cycling_Ped team members collaborated on this new protected intersection guide for Ontario. Our team’s annual accessibility site visits helped inform some of the must, should, consider design decisions. #biketo.
There's a new protected intersection guide in town. The Ontario Protected Intersection Guide is hot off the press and full of new innovations. A🧵covering some of the highlights: /1
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The College Street track replacement and bike lane upgrade project is starting next week: . Such good news to hear upon returning from my vacation. I won’t miss this winter condition on the corridor. #biketo
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A lovely jog between Augusta and Brant on Richmond. Sometimes it’s the little connections that make the biggest differences. #biketo
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Local bikeways can be/are dreamy when you ensure low speed and low volumes motor vehicle traffic. Toronto’s Shaw Street, The Esplanade-Mill Street and the current proposed Dan Leckie-Portland are all great examples.
This has been weighing on me lately: we do need to be designing the next generation of cycling infrastructure in our cities. Jamming bike lanes onto crowded arterials isn’t the dream. Imagine a backbone of residential streets with separated cycling facilities on them. Imagine
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One way streets for cars can simplify intersections, reduce non local trips and maintain curbside loading. Keeping two way cycling travel can shorten trips for people who use pedal power to get around. Cheers to the simple and efficient contra-flow bike lane.
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I am really proud to have helped so many people make so many more safe cycling trips in the city #bikeTO.
The 2020 temporary #ActiveTO cycling network created 25 km of safe, separated on-street bike lanes that helped connect our network like never before and encouraged new trips by bike. Learn more at #biketo
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Congrats to Seattle! What a beautiful protected intersection with a traffic diverter- an inspiring combo. I can’t wait to see the construction and finished product photos.
It’s official! Construction of Seattle’s first protected intersection begins as soon as tomorrow.
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When I first moved to Toronto, I read a paper about LTS from @shoshannasaxe. I cold called asking if we could explore TO specific research. The partnership has been amazing. @mbonsma and @bolin0812 are guiding us on how „best“ to invest in #biketo. Read about the work below:.
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New cycle track extension alert #biketo.
In 2020, the University Avenue-Queen's Park cycle tracks were installed between Bloor St and Adelaide St, and were extended to 50 m south of King St W in 2021. The cycle tracks have been further extended to 150 m south of Wellington St, with concrete curbs added for separation.
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A little NYC fun. Seeing my family (aka making them go on bike rides and walks to new infrastructure projects) #transportationtourism
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Our Section, Project Design & Management, is hiring 4 project leads to support capital design and delivery of accessibility, pedestrian realm, trail and street art projects! We are focusing on recruiting people with lived experience as a person with a disability. #walkto #biketo.
Join our team to help create a more livable city and keep Torontonians moving safely! We're hiring for two Project Leads within the Cycling and Pedestrian Projects unit to deliver accessible trail improvement projects and sidewalks. Apply by Nov 28.
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A perfect day for an impromptu tour by @Ju_desaulniers, @CyclistBartek and @VeloQuebec. So good to be with colleagues who know the detail details- from material selection to marking standards. Montreal is an inspiration due to the dedication/expertise of their passionate staff.
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It’s been a big Bloor week. Tonight, I am enjoying the delicate dance of #DestinationDanforth with a snack from the @the_bigcarrot .
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😍😍😍wide and lovely #biketo bikeways are underway on College Street.
[Bruce Springsteen voice] Oh they're widening the boulevard on College Street
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A lovely day for a long walk and a short bike ride. Enjoyed a ramble through the streets of Yorkville today.
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@TO_Cycling_Ped After just a few months at the City, I led the #ActiveTO programs that contributed to the health and wellbeing of Toronto residents during COVID-19 by designing & building 30+ km of cycle tracks in just a few months.
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