Tessera

Lanrick Bennett

@lanrickbennett.bsky.social

Working within the active transportation, environmental protection, affordable housing and placemaking sphere. Always advocating #BikeTO #TransformTO #BLM #TweetsAreMineByDefault

6023 Posts14627 Follower 363 Folgt

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 11h ago

LBJ's Humpday Podcast Picks for Aug 5th This week: Canadian tech, existential risks, and Canada-U.S. politics. h/t @jordanhr.bsky.social @eh-now.bsky.social @jbenbradford.bsky.social @npr.org @nprextra.bsky.social @ppforumca.bsky.social medium.com/@lanrickbenn...

A set of headphones over a mic

Text

LBJ’s Humpday Podcast Picks

Who am I listening to today?

Are We Doomed

Nuance Tales npr Network

Illustartion of the planet earth with a missle and flamming asteroid in the picture

Photo of Amanda Lang

'Public Policy Forum

Wonk Hosted by Amanda Lang'

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 24h ago

#IdeasAtWork We Can Do This In Toronto! ❤️ 🚲📢 @streetfilms.bsky.social

Clarence Eckerson Jr./Streetfilms@streetfilms.bsky.social · yesterday

“Traffic Got Evicted!” Is one of the best branding campaigns ever. Thank you Hudson Square on Little 6th! New Manhattan pedestrian square has one of the best street murals ever. I took a 4mph #bikenyc ride thru so you can experience the flow.

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · yesterday

Oh no. IT WORKED! 🚲 Cycling trips increased 16% 🚶 Pedestrian trips increased 11% 🚗 Vehicle trips decreased 60% 🚲 Cycling volumes through the new traffic diverter @ Wellington & Portland increased 38% Latest community update here: lnkd.in/gD6wKfRj via @safestreetsto.bsky.social #BikeTO #TransformTO

Anthony Smith

• 1st

Building transportation options to connect communities.

1h • Edited •

How do you measure the success of a new bikeway and road safety project in the Entertainment District of Downtown Toronto?

For me, success isn't just about what gets built - it's about how people actually use the street afterwards. Collecting reliable before-and-after data is essential for understanding outcomes, telling the story of change, and building trust with residents, businesses, and other community stakeholders. A good infographic can go a long way!

Over the past few months, I've had the opportunity to support my fantastic colleague Kelsey with the installation, community engagement, and evaluation of the new #PortlandStreet Bikeway in Toronto.

This post isn't about what we built - it's about the impact we're already seeing after just the first few months. By comparing extensive travel data collected at every intersection between June 2025 and June 2026, we've found:

🚲 Cycling trips increased 16%
🚶 Pedestrian trips increased 11%
🚗 Vehicle trips decreased 60%
🚲 Cycling volumes through the new traffic diverter at Wellington & Portland increased 38%

You can read the latest community update here:
https://lnkd.in/gD6wKfRj

As with many transportation projects, the first few weeks brought some adjustment. There were short-term traffic delays as travel patterns changed, and those delays were compounded by traffic signal timing issues that were unrelated to the project. Throughout the implementation, we've worked closely with local stakeholders, the local Councillor's office, and colleagues across the City to monitor conditions, respond to concerns, and make ongoing improvements.

For those unfamiliar with the project, the #PortlandStreet Bikeway is a transformative #RoadSafety initiative in Toronto's Entertainment District. The project includes:

General Project website is here: https://lnkd.in/gg-_VsPE

July 31, 2026
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Post-Installation Update: Portland Street Bikeway & Road Safety Changes
Post installation photo of the Portland Street & Wellington Street intersection.
The City has now completed installation of road safety improvements and changes to traffic
patterns on Portland Street. City staff have been on-site for several weeks closely monitoring
changes to travel patterns and impacts for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and this update
contains preliminary data regarding the impacts of the project.
Following the installation of the bikeway and other road safety changes on Portland Street, travel
data collected by the City pedestrian trips have increased +11%, cycling trips have increased
+16%, and vehicle trips have decreased -60% through the corridor overall as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Changes to Travel on Portland Street Before & After Project Installation
Data collected on Tuesday June 24, 2025 & Tuesday June 30, 2026 (6:00am – 8:00pm)
In addition, data collected by the City shows that pedestrians and cyclists represented 74% of all
north-south travel along Portland Street in June 2025, this increased to 89% in June 2026.

Figure 2: Travel on Portland Street Before & After Project Installation
Data collected on Tuesday June 24, 2025 & Tuesday June 30, 2026 (6:00am – 8:00pm)
Daily motor vehicle trips are significantly lower overall. As shown in Figure 3, On Wellington Street
westbound from Portland Street, trips have decreased 24% from 2,701 to 2,047. Similarly, on
Portland Street, between King Street and Stewart Street trips decreased 71% from 4,546 (2,146
Southbound & 2,400 Northbound) to only 1,311 with the new one-way southbound travel pattern.
Based on these data and field observations, there is now significantly less cut-through traffic, and
as a result there is less air pollution, less honking noise, and fewer safety risks for all road users.
Figure 3: Changes to Motor Vehicle Volumes in Before & After Project Installation
Data collected on Tuesday June 24, 2025 & Tuesday June 30, 2026 (6:00am – 8:00pm)
Transportation Services acknowledges that there have been some significant traffic back-ups,
westbound on Wellington Street approaching Bathurst Street, predominantly in the first weeks
after installation. The delays were largely caused by a traffic signal hardware glitch at Wellington
Street and Bathurst Street, unrelated to changes on Portland Street, that resulted in unnecessarily
extended red-lights for people traveling westbound along Wellington Street. We heard from many
residents about the impact of these back-ups, and apologize for added delays while staff worked
to identify the root cause of this issue and rectify it as quickly as possible.

Post-Installation Travel Snapshot: Portland Street Bikeway and Road Safety Changes
At the specific intersection of Portland Street and Wellington Street, where the new trafficdiverter has been installed, there were 13,419 pedestrian crossings and 3,881 cycling trips in all
directions, compared to 3,890 motor vehicle trips per day in June 2026. Compared to June 2025,
pedestrian crossings increased +20%, cycling trips increased +38%, and motor vehicle trips
decreased -52%.
Travel Modes Through Portland Street & Wellington Street Intersection
Data collected on Tuesday June 24, 2025 & Tuesday June 30, 2026 (6:00am – 8:00pm)
Changes to Travel Through Portland Street & Wellington Street Intersection
Data collected on Tuesday June 24, 2025 & Tuesday June 30, 2026 (6:00am – 8:00pm)
Overall, there has been a significant reduction in motor vehicle traffic volumes along Portland
Street. This change was anticipated based on the design goals of the overall project, which aimed
to reduce the number of people driving along Portland Street as a cut-through street. The new
design continues to serve the needs of residents, business and visitors, while providing a safer
environment for the high volume of people walking and cycling in the area.

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · yesterday

I mean what could possibly happen? ‘Awoke to a huge bang this morning and was greeted to this scene on Parkside Drive. The driver somehow managed to wrap their vehicle around a hydro pole on the inside of the park causing a power outage. The driver and passenger appear to be okay’-Faraz Gholizadeh

Toronto Police Operations • @T... •7h
COLLISION:
Parkside Dr & High Park Blvd
7:12 am
-officers responded to reports of a single-vehicle collision
- vehicle struck a pole
-driver transported to hospital by @TorontoMedics
-unknown extent of injuries
ROAD CLOSURES:
-S/B Parkside Dr is closed at High Park Blvd
-use alternate routes
-expect traffic delays in the area
#GO1617065
'sm

Faraz Gholizadeh
Admin 9 All-star contributor • 6h • ©
Awoke to a huge bang this morning and was greeted to this scene on Parkside Drive. The driver somehow managed to wrap their vehicle around a hydro pole on the inside of the park causing a power outage. The driver and passenger appear to be okay. The power lines are hanging so low that trucks are were clipping them as they drove by.
Police, fire, paramedics and hydro crews are on the scene now. A big thank you to Gord Perks 20 years of disregard and Doug Ford's absurd policies for making this possible! See less

Image of a car wrapped around a light post

David Zipper@davidzipper.bsky.social · yesterday

A story of cause and effect: Last November, Ontario banned cities from using speed safety cameras to issue tickets. Reckless speeding immediately surged in Toronto, Ottawa, Guelph, and cities throughout the province. A 🧵 about my latest in Bloomberg (gift link)

David Zipper @davidzipper.bsky.social · yesterday

What Happens When Speed Cameras Get Shut Off

In 2025, Ontario banned automated traffic enforcement. Now the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit has surged, according to traffic data.

bloomberg.com

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · yesterday

If only those damn ‘cyclist’ would follow the rules of the road. ‘Vehicle gets stuck in sand at Woodbine Beach’ By Joshua McGinnis Published: August 04, 2026 at 1:30PM EDT www.cp24.com/local/toront...

Image of two cars in the sand with a police vehicles on the pedestrian board walk

The Beach(es), Toronto
.••
34m •
Nothing says "content creator" quite like a police escort.

Toronto
Vehicle gets stuck in sand at Woodbine
Beach
By Joshua McGinnis
Published: August 04, 2026 at 1:30PM EDT
Police say they were called to a section of Woodbine beach shortly before 6 a.m. Tuesday morning following reports of two vehicles on the beach. (Submitted)
Police were called to Woodbine Beach early Tuesday morning after a vehicle got stuck on the sand.
It happened shortly before 5:54 a.m. Officers say they responded to a call about two vehicles in the sand at a section of Woodbine Beach near Kewbeach Avenue and Waverley Road, south of Queen Street East.

(Submitted)
"There is no criminality involved in this, but one of the vehicles did have to be towed after it got stuck in the sand," police said in a statement to CTV News.
It remains unclear how or why the vehicles ended up on the beach.
No charges were laid in connection with the incident.
Joshua McGinnis
Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · yesterday

Cc: @tomflood.bsky.social

852dude@852dude.bsky.social · yesterday

This sucks ass. When I start my car I want to be able to put my foot on the pedal and drive off. I dont want to watch an ad. A distracting ad. Right in the middle of my console. Again. This sucks ass.

Adrian Hiel @adrianhiel.bsky.social · yesterday

Bike to carry a kayak, tent, paddles, camping gear, etc.... And then a kayak to carry the bike, tent, camping gear, etc....

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · yesterday

Walking back to work along Wellington #xoTO What city is Toronto pretending to be today?

Glass with still frame bus shelter with four seats under the canopy

BUS STOP
605*
801
Next Vehicle
030365
255818

Jen Evans @jennifervevans.bsky.social · yesterday

Important new podcast by @caradrianh.bsky.social on trans visibility and backlash with Tre'vell Anderson in his latest episode of In Bed With the Elephant. podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/t...

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · yesterday

"A big thank you to Gord Perks 20 years of disregard" - Safe Parkside When the truth sticks you dead centre in the eye, it hurts. So @progresstoronto.bsky.social what's the plan? How do your candidates and incumbents stack up? Will priortizing the safety of vulnerable be a campaign promise or ...

Shawn Micallef@shawnmicallef.bsky.social · yesterday

From Safe Parkside’s IG this morning. Correct to call out the local “progressive” councillor on this who did nothing for 20 years & actively opposed things like speed humps (for reasons). Betweeen him & Doug ford, not much difference on Parkside death strip.

Shawn Micallef @shawnmicallef.bsky.social · 2d ago

Toronto has discovered Biidaasige Park. Packed tonight for on the way back from Cherry. Maximum city. More of this, I think, is needed.

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 2d ago

The parental units won the night. The kids are alright and they think we’re pretty cool to hang out with at the movies. Eight thumbs way up! “Loser” - Tame Impala. If you know, you know (spoiler)

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 2d ago

Deep Breath Everyone. Appreciate @erinbiba.bsky.social

Erin Biba@erinbiba.bsky.social · 2d ago

Folks I won’t tell you not to feel your feelings, but this is rage bait. He’s talking about expanding beyond politics into things like live sports.

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 2d ago

To say Biidaasige Park was packed would be an understatement. Walking. Rolling. Riding! Seriously the number of people on bikes, e-bikes, cargo bike, childrens bike, Bike Share, recumbent bikes! You’d almost be forgiven thinking #TorontoDanforth was biking utopia ❤️ but it is not 💔

Alex Bozikovic@alexbozikovic.bsky.social · 2w ago

Biidaasige Park West, Toronto, opening day. MVVA and waterfront toronto win again.

The Mouthy Renegade Writer @mouthyrenegade.bsky.social · 4d ago

Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine has it figured out. I couldn't agree more. Fuck fascism.

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 3d ago

Dang it. Tree down. Tree Down! Aug 2nd 6pm - Heading north towards Pottery Rd I’ve sent a note to 311 @toronto.ca

Toronto Cycling and Pedestrian Projects@cyclingpedestrian.cityof.toronto.ca · 2w ago

The Lower Don Trail between the Belleville Underpass and Queen Street will reopen on August 1, 2026 (weather permitting), with a temporary closure planned in Fall 2026 to complete a pathway connection to the Riverdale Pedestrian Bridge. Learn more at toronto.ca/lowerdon.

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 3d ago

#HearThis Sharing 3 pieces of Black specific content with my kids this week. 1. Play It Loud! 2. Black Freedom 3. Black Bike Dad I think these stories are all worth #Amplifying h/t @tvodocs.bsky.social @artsci.utoronto.ca @toure.bsky.social medium.com/@lanrickbenn...

THE WEEK OF AUGUST 2nd
#HEARTHIS
SHARING 5 PIECES OF BLACK SPECIFIC CONTENT WITH MY KIDS THIS WEEK "If you've never had a moment in your life where you realise your skin colour alone makes other people hate you, you have white privilege," - by Lori Lakin Hutcherson

TVO original

Play It Loud

Image of Jay Douglas

Derefe Chevannes challenges long-held beliefs about democracy and Black freedom
July 14, 2026 by Sean McNeely - A&S News

Best Dad on Tiktok

Image of Touré and dad on a bike with his son

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 3d ago

I wasn't able to make it to the Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride Friday, but glad many friends did :) h/t @authorytm.bsky.social

Image of people on the subway

One person sitting with a sign that reads Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride

A person holding up a book 'Marching North'

Lanrick Bennett@lanrickbennett.bsky.social · last wk.

#HearThis On Friday, July 31st, The Freedom Train will travel non-stop between Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station & Union Station TTC Information www.ttc.ca/riding-the-t... Event Page Info www.eventbrite.ca/e/emancipati...

THE EMANCIPATION
UNDERGROUND FREEDOM TRAIN RIDE
UNION
• 12
A recognition and celebration of Black farming in Ontario
Join us for a celebratory late-night TTC subway ride honouring
Emancipation, Black and Caribbean farmers and farm workers, and the connection between food, land and freedom.
Friday, July 31, 2026 10:30 PM
•
Vaughan Metropolitan
Centre to Union Station
Meeting Point:
Transit Park at Vaughan Metropolitan
Centre
(100 New Park Place)
All Ages Welcome
PLEASE BRING
NON-PERISHABLE
FOOD DONATIONS
TO SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD BANKS

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 4d ago

This is a fantastic accomplishment for protecting the safety of public transit users utilizing streetcars. Can we go one step further and implement “No Right Turns on Red Lights” across the whole city? Prioritizing the safety of all vulnerable road users, walking, rolling or riding. #VisionZero

Josh Matlow@joshmatlow.bsky.social · 5d ago

Your commute should be safe from start to finish. But more than 140 people have been hit while boarding or exiting a streetcar in the last 10 years. That’s why I’ve been working to use every tool available to make sure that cars stop when the streetcar stops…

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 4d ago

#HearThis Emancipation Month recognizes the struggle for human rights and the rich contributions made by Peoples of African descent. Recognizing.. acknowledges an abhorrent period in our history and our ongoing commitment to eliminate discrimination in all forms. www.toronto.ca/explore-enjo...

Emancipation Month

Browse Emancipation Month events across the City. Emancipation Month recognizes the struggle for human rights and the rich contributions made by Peoples of African descent. Recognizing Emancipation ...

toronto.ca

Lanrick Bennett@lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 5mo ago

February 23rd of #BlackHistoryMonth in #TorontoDanforth What is #EmancipationDay? It commemorates the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834. On August 1, 1834, slavery was abolished in Canada. h/t @nhenrydixon.bsky.social

“That remembering is supposed to be
coupled with action and activism, and
marking BHM should be calling on people
to not just hold a celebratory tone, but to
move towards some action. —For example,
to assess the policies of the different levels
of government and organizations to gauge
if they advance efforts to improve Black life,
to advocate for policy implementation if
none exists or if policies that do exist are impeding the ability of Black people to thrive,
that they be changed.” - Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 5d ago

Watching ‘Once’ this evening. RIP Glen Hansard

Glen Hansard@glenhansard.bsky.social · last wk.

With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning. We are still dealing with the shock of it all, so we kindly ask that the privacy of Glen’s family, colleagues and friends is respected at this difficult time. . Photo by Mikolaj Rotowski

Oh The Urbanity!@ohtheurbanity.bsky.social · 5d ago

Salsa dancing every Friday night on Montreal’s Wellington summer pedestrian street

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 5d ago

✅ Meet Uncle Crawfy, the subway operator behind those delightful TTC announcements Cc: @ttcriders.bsky.social youtu.be/NUOowNaRZMA?... #FridayFlex

Meet the subway operator behind those delightful TTC announcements

YouTube video by CBC News Toronto

youtu.be

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 5d ago

Ugh! Hey @ohtheurbanity.bsky.social have you noticed these targeted attacked on Bixi Bikes? youtu.be/JBbcpmTU28I?...

Montreal's Bike Share System Has A Problem

YouTube video by Dan Vineberg

youtu.be

Urban Truth Collective @urbantruth.bsky.social · 5d ago

“Flood unapologetically uses the directness seen in advertising messaging to try to disrupt the dominant car-focused narrative. Often using quotes, phrases and concepts over and over again — like advertising does to get through to people.” Our own @tomflood.bsky.social. #UrbanTruth

Car adman turned road safety and sustainability advocate Tom Flood to speak in Dublin

Tom Flood — whose work used to include car advertising but who turned his skills to promoting road safety and mobility beyond cars — is to speak at an event in Dublin on September 22nd.…

irishcycle.com

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 5d ago

💔🚲📢

Kenny Uong@kennyuong.bsky.social · 5d ago

RIP Louisa Gag, a transit planner who dedicated her career to making Boston’s streets safer for cyclists & pedestrians. She was killed while biking to work on July 9, 2026. Street safety improvements shouldn’t be delayed, watered down, or treated as a political inconvenience. Safe streets now!!

Colson Whitehead @colsonwhitehead.com · 5d ago

And the official announcement — variety.com/2026/tv/news...

Colson Whitehead’s ‘Harlem’ Trilogy TV Show in Development at Apple (EXCLUSIVE)

Apple TV is in development on a series based on Colson Whitehead's 'Harlem' trilogy, including 'Harlem Shuffle,' 'Crook Manifesto' and 'Cool Machine.'

variety.com

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 5d ago

Heading to work this morning. Corner of Sumach St. and Shuter St. Decoupling ourselves from car dependency while prioritizing the safety to Walk, Roll, and Ride + Public Transit. Do we have a #TOPoli list of incumbents and candidates who have equitable movement on their platform for 2026-2030?

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 5d ago

'When it comes to Black history & slavery, many Canadians believe our country's story begins with the Underground Railroad, Canada acting as a benevolent safe haven for enslaved Africans escaping the bitter bondage of the American South...there's more to the story...' @shellenedrakestull.bsky.social

Eric Very@ekvery.bsky.social · 6d ago

Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride is a unique and awesome tradition the TTC runs with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. A non-stop ride between Vaughan Metropolitan Station and Union Station with singing and drumming to celebrate emancipation day. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...