One third ride bikes in the city

Just one seventh commute by bike

TORONTO, MAY 6th, 2015 - In a random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 822 Toronto voters, just one third ride a bicycle in the city (32%) and, of these, just 4-in-10 commute to work or school (44%) for a total of about one seventh of Toronto voters who commute to work or school by bicycle (14%). Biking in the city is common to younger citizens (35 to 44 - 42%), in the downtown (50%) and among Chow voters in the last election for mayor (50%). Those who commute to work or school by bike are most likely to be the youngest (60%) and the least wealthy (80%). This includes those in the downtown (59%) but not those in Etobicoke (20%).

One half disagree bicyclists should be licensed

Just 4-in-10 voters agree bicyclist should be licensed (40%), and one half disagree (50%). One tenth don’t have an opinion (10%). The oldest are most likely to think this (61%), as are those who voted for Doug Ford (49%), in Etobicoke (54%), frequent Gardiner Expressway users (49%) and carding supporters (52%).

6-in-10 favour more bicycle infrastructure downtown

Six-in-ten Toronto voters agree the city should build more permanent bicycle infrastructure, including separated lanes, downtown (61%), while one third disagree (33%) and few don’t know (7%). It is the youngest (73%) and least wealthy who are most in favour (77%), as are those downtown (75%).

"While relatively few use their bikes as primary transport, Torontonians recognize the importance of having a mix of transportation modes in this city, including bicycles, and even those who don’t ride have an interest in bike infrastructure," said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.

Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.