CycleparC

In the development of Parc Downsview Park, it will be necessary to incorporate and promote the use of bicycles as a means of transportation. There is evidence in the Development Guidelines that the designers are looking for cycling to be the secondary means of transportation, next to walking, within the complex. Subsequently, there must be methods in place within the design framework in which to promote the use of bicycles in a suburban community. Providing safe units, in convenient areas throughout the complex, for riders to store their bicycles is a method. Attached to these units can also be a bicycle rental service where a bicycle can be “borrowed” and returned to the nearest station to his or her destination.

Parc Downsview Park could benefit from a bicycle program because of the poor walkability of the site. The plans are for Parc Downsview Park to be an interactive and vibrant community. Thus, transportation to all areas of the site is vital if this concept is to work. However, this transportation method must be sustainable as well as accessible and easy to use. Most case studies for bicycle-rental programs are located in small European communities or in downtown city centres. Parc Downsview Park is a suburban community so most people will be inclined to use personal vehicles as a primary means of transportation. A bicycle-rental system, if implemented properly will work, but if rental stations are also supported with personal bicycle storage they may provided an added convenience for people who do not want to rent. If a well thought-out and efficient system is developed, people will use it. Providing bike stands along city streets is no longer feasible. They must be supplemented with other services like rental and maintenance/repair.

My concept for Parc Downsview Park is a bicycle storage, rental and maintenance program called CycleParC. It is a complex-wide program that will have kiosks stationed at numerous points within Parc Downsview Park and at Downsview Station. This program enhances the concept of the “sustainable campus” because it is a sustainable means of transportation and it supports other sustainable transportation like the bus and subway. It encourages healthy living within the community keeping people active. They kiosks are also sustainable as they use recycled aluminum and solar powered security lighting. This concept will become part of a network within Parc Downsview Park and potentially be the first “sustainable bicycle community” within Toronto.

Lisiane D'Amico