Mississauga cyclists get a different experience in downtown core
Published August 9, 2022 at 10:27 am
A new initiative launched this summer has given cyclists in Mississauga a somewhat different experience while getting around some areas of the city.
A bicycle repair station, phone charging stop and a host of other bike-friendly projects rolled out on select streets in Mississauga’s downtown core and in the Cooksville area are all part of a larger project dubbed Sharing Lanes.
City of Mississauga officials describe the project as “a tactical urbanism project that will see temporary, people-friendly gathering places installed along select streets in the city’s downtown and Cooksville neighbourhoods. The project’s main goal is to put people first by making our streets inviting and accessible for all.”
Essentially, the City has used a “pop-up approach” to transform a number of streets and sidewalks in those areas into “open and active spaces” for members of the community to enjoy in summer.
In the downtown core, Princess Royal Dr. and the Living Arts Centre Dr. area were transformed under the project. In Cooksville, the area around Jaguar Valley Dr., north of Dundas St., was used as a temporary test site.
Calling all cyclists! Have you tried our outdoor bike maintenance station?
Grab a quick tune up & enjoy the public art along Living Arts Dr by Moonlight Murals Collective.
We’re making our streets more people friendly this summer. Learn more: https://t.co/1agChNUJpe pic.twitter.com/RGUWmNfyC7
— City of Mississauga (@citymississauga) August 8, 2022
Videos
The project will wrap up in mid-September.
Among the changes, residents have seen:
- sidewalks with whimsical new seating, painted games along the boulevard and additional planters and greenery
- transformed streets where one lane is replaced with safe community space including lounging spaces, library programming, music-based play equipment, chalkboards and natural game boards
- vibrant public art including ground murals and bike lane artwork
- bicycle repair station and solar phone charging station
“During the pandemic, access to outdoor public space was more important than ever for the heath and well-being of Mississauga residents,” City officials say. “The Sharing Lanes project is building on that experience by rethinking what public space is, how it can be used and the value it holds for everyone.”
The City adds that such tactical urbanism initiatives are used in cities around the world to study new ways in which to enliven public spaces.
Staff will evaluate the project to determine its future value and feedback will be sought from the community.
All photos: City of Mississauga
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising