Toronto is a long way from achieving its stated Vision Zero goal of prioritizing the safety of its most vulnerable road users. Since the beginning of 2026, more pedestrians have been killed in Toronto collisions than people riding on bicycles and motorcycles and driving in cars combined. Since the end of August, eight pedestrians have either died or been seriously injured. During the current election campaign, we have an opportunity to ask candidates about their position on issues concerning the ability to get around Toronto safely on foot.
With municipal elections just under six weeks away on October 26, now is the time to ask questions of those who want our vote to represent our interests at City Hall.
Walk Toronto offers the following five key questions as a starting point to engage candidates and keep the conversation about pedestrian safety front and centre. Remember, we are all pedestrians at some point in our journey.
- Can we spend more on sidewalk maintenance and snow removal? During the winter of 2025-26, Toronto experienced significant snowfall. In some areas, sidewalk snow removal took weeks, forcing people to walk in the roads. Some people requiring mobility devices could not get out of their homes for weeks because there was simply no access to sidewalks. Meanwhile, during the rest of the year many sidewalks create tripping hazards through lack of maintenance.
- Can bike lanes be retained and should the cycle track network be expanded? Walk Toronto believes that separated cycle tracks create a buffer between vehicular traffic and the sidewalk. Studies have shown they also reduce cycling on sidewalks. Also, cycle tracks tend to slow drivers as they make right turns, making collisions with pedestrians less likely.
- Can right turns on red be prohibited? Walk Toronto has long called for a ban on right turns on red lights. There are several intersections across Toronto where this has been instituted, although sometimes only on certain days and at certain hours. This inconsistency leads to confusion, collisions, injuries, and deaths. The consistency of having a total ban of right turning on red lights would calm traffic and make it safer for pedestrians (and cyclists) to cross intersections.
- What can be done to ensure every street in Toronto has a sidewalk? Toronto’s plan to replace missing sidewalks is moving slowly and is often derailed by local resistance when it comes time for the city to install sidewalks along with scheduled road work.
- Can we expand the pedestrianization of streets, both seasonal and permanent? Many businesses and communities enjoy the experience of semi-permanent, or permanent, pedestrian streets that are closed to vehicles. This past summer some of Church Street and Market Street were closed to create vibrant areas for easy walking, local retail and community group events, and entertainment. Continuing and expanding these initiatives would contribute to making Toronto a better city for walking.
Go to the City of Toronto website for details on how to vote and a list of candidates for all positions.
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