According to a poll commissioned by Metcalf grantees, The David Suzuki Foundation and Cycle Toronto, 80 per cent of Toronto residents support the building of protected bike lanes. In an exclusive given to the CBC, the broadcaster reported that support for protected lanes is highest amongst those living in the downtown core, with 9 out of 10 residents in favour. Support also remained strong in Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York, with 70 per cent of residents in favour of construction of protected bike lanes.

The poll found that drivers overwhelmingly supported protected bike lanes, with 75 per cent of people who primarily drive to get around the city replying that they were in favour.

The David Suzuki Foundation Transportation Policy Analyst Gideon Forman was heartened by the results. “The broad sweep of people support bike lanes. It’s not just downtown, it’s not just young people.”

Conducted by Ekos Research Associates in early July, the poll is based on a random survey of 800 Toronto residents and has a margin of error of + /- 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.