Robert Zaichkowski

@rzaichkowski

Accountant, Road Safety Advocate, Bike Blogger & Campaign Lead of Open Streets Toronto. Bilingual EN/FR. #BikeTO #BikeSky #TOpoli #VisionZero 🚲 Blog = www.twowheeledpolitics.ca Open Streets Petition = tinyurl.com/OpenStreetsPetitionTO

3,917 Following7,764 Followers3,492 Posts

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Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· 15h

To add insult to injury, Bradford disabled comments on his Instagram post about this proposal! His related Facebook post is still open, so by all means roast him there. www.facebook.com/share/p/1Hhn...

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· 6d

You can read my take on last year's ride here. #BikeTO #ScarbTO #TOpoli www.twowheeledpolitics.ca/2025/10/the-...

A group shot of the 2025 Scarborough South Loop Community Ride taken at the foot of Gates Gully

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· 8d

A new bike share station utility map has been making the rounds lately which shows a potential problem for Bike Share Toronto. Many stations north of Bloor routinely see no bikes while many downtown or close to the Waterfront see no docks. #BikeTO #TOpoli jdstrapp.pythonanywhere.com/BikeShareUti...

A screen grab of the Bike Share Station Utility Map which shows stations more likely to have no bikes in red, balanced stations in green, and those more likely to have no docks in blue.

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· 11d

Canadian Blood Services has reported a 20% drop in blood supply since June and needs donors to help replenish it. Please go to www.blood.ca to book an appointment and get your friends to do the same. Already did three weeks ago before going on vacation. #TOpoli #ONpoli #cdnpoli

Graphic from Canadian Blood Services

"There is an immediate need for blood"

Images of a blood drop and vital sign line at the bottom with a red background

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· 13d

Nice to be back home after two weeks in #Kyrgyzstan. Landed in Pearson where jets belong. NOT at Billy Bishop Airport no matter how many temper tantrums the Ford government and his Toronto Board of Trade lackeys cause. #TOpoli #ONpoli #cdnpoli #NoJetsTO #travel

An aerial photo of Toronto taken while on the flight home

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· 15d

Hey #BikeTO! @cycletoronto.bsky.social will be hosting a rally this Thursday to mark one year since we won the court challenge though a decision on the appeal is still pending. Meet 6 PM at Ramsden Park and ride at 6:15 PM. Will be back in Canada by then for this event. #TOpoli #ONpoli #VisionZero

Event poster from Cycle Toronto

One year later ...
The fight to save our bike lane continues!
Join speakers from: NoJetsTO, Toronto Tenants Union, and The Bicycle Lawyer LLP

Thursday, July 30
Meet 6 PM, ride 6:15 PM
Ramsden Park (1020 Yonge St)
cycleto.ca/events

Image is of a group ride

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· 18d

Finished seven days (and almost 88 km) of hiking in the Alay Mountains of #Kyrgyzstan. Just uploaded some more pictures to Strava with yesterday's hike being the toughest by far. #travel 🇰🇬🏞️ strava.app.link/6NKXivXs34b

Our hiking group in the Alay Mountains of Kyrgyzstan with me in the right.

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· 21d

Almost halfway done an eight-day hike in #Kyrgyzstan. Uploaded some photos to my Strava feed for your viewing pleasure. #travel 🇰🇬🏞️ strava.app.link/fHAVNg1sY4b

A group of hikers in the Alay Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· Jul 10

So let me get this straight! Brad Bradford - who's a cyclist and voted in favour of making the Richmond-Adelaide cycle tracks permanent in January 2019 - is now blaming those same bike lanes for gridlock on that street?! SMH! #shame #TOpoli #StopBradford #ReelectChow

Facebook post from Brad Bradford on July 10, 2026

Time spent sitting in traffic is time away from your family and friends. And it’s because of poor city planning.

Here is my Fix it Friday plan for Adelaide Street and Toronto-wide congestion.

Image is a still from a video in which he blames bike lanes for gridlock on Adelaide Street

Voting record for Motion IE1.5 which passed unanimously in January 2019 including with the support of Brad Bradford

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· Jul 9

For those of you wondering why @cycletoronto.bsky.social has a petition to save the Portland-Dan Leckie #BikeTO lanes with over 600 signatures, there's another petition calling for their removal which has almost 700 signatures. So effin frustrating! #shame #TOpoli #VisionZero www.cycleto.ca/portland

Change.org petition with 690 verified signatures

Petition to Revise/Reverse the Conversion of Portland Street Into a Split One-Way Street

Image is allegedly taken from a social media video about Portland Street

The Issue

This petition calls for the complete reversal of the recent conversion of Portland Street into a split one-way street and the full restoration of its former two-way traffic configuration. Residents and local businesses are seeking a return to the previous street design, which provided more direct access, improved traffic circulation, and reduced unnecessary detours. The requested revision is not a modification of the current arrangement, but rather a complete reinstatement of the traffic pattern that existed prior to the implementation of the split one-way system.

Given the significant impact these changes have had on residents, local traffic flow, and public safety concerns within a high-traffic nightlife district, we respectfully request a full reassessment and revision of the current street configuration.

Since the implementation of these traffic changes, residents have experienced increased congestion in their commutes, more complicated navigation within the neighbourhood, and concerns regarding accessibility and safety. These changes have negatively impacted daily travel for residents, visitors, and local businesses. Many community members feel there was insufficient consultation and that the current configuration is not functioning as intended.

Visitors, rideshare drivers, and delivery vehicles frequently misunderstand the traffic direction changes, contributing to congestion and unsafe turning behaviour.

Residents have also been affected by new rideshare restrictions associated with the street redesign, where Uber and other rideshare services are now directed toward shared pickup locations rather than allowing direct residential pickup in certain areas. This has created additional inconvenience, accessibility concerns, and confusion for both residents and drivers.

(Cont'd from previous image)

While the intention of these changes may have been to reduce cut-through traffic within the neighbourhood, many residents are now experiencing significant difficulty entering and exiting their own area due to the reduced number of accessible routes. The current street configuration has resulted in longer travel times, increased confusion for drivers navigating the neighbourhood, and heavier congestion on Bathurst Street, which is already operating as a narrowed one-lane main roadway in several sections.

Residents who live in the area are the individuals most directly impacted by these changes, and many feel that their daily routines, accessibility, and overall quality of life have been significantly disrupted. The current traffic pattern has created unnecessary stress and confusion for community members simply attempting to travel to and from their homes, and we believe these resident concerns should be prioritized in any future review of the traffic plan.

In addition, the surrounding area is a well-known nightlife and entertainment district with significant evening traffic from clubs, bars, rideshare vehicles, taxis, and visitors unfamiliar with the neighbourhood. Many residents are concerned that the current split one-way street configuration increases the likelihood of dangerous driving behaviour, including wrong turns, aggressive lane changes, and vehicles converging into the same narrow routes at the same time.

The confusion created by the opposing one-way sections, combined with high volumes of nightlife-related traffic and rideshare activity, has raised serious concerns regarding pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and the potential for reckless or impaired driving incidents within an already heavily congested area.

Daniella Golias
Petition Starter

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· Jul 8

Next Wednesday's IEC meeting has an update on connecting the Loop Trail with The Meadoway. Long story short, the East Don Trail will officially open this summer while the Bermondsey to Eglinton gap is expected to be done by the end of 2027. #BikeTO #WalkTO #TOpoli secure.toronto.ca/council/agen...

Map of existing and planned connections between the Loop Trail and The Meadoway

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· Jul 3

To mark their 40th anniversary, Pho Hung was giving away free small bowls of pho today. I have to hand it to them for the efficient operation. Half an hour from standing in line to getting your delicious bowl of pho! 😋🍲

The lineup at Pho Hung at around 6:20 PM

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· Jun 26

For those hoping to take part in the next #FightFord protest, the Toronto one will be held on Monday the 29th (7 PM) at Queen's Park due to Pride Weekend. The other protests will be held on Saturday the 27th. Details at protestdougford.com. #ONpoli #ONDP #OLP #GPO

Please note:

The Toronto Fight Ford protest is on the 29th!

If you are not in Toronto, then the protests will be happening on Saturday the 27th.

However, due to Pride Weekend, the Toronto event will occur on the following Monday - June 29th 7 PM - at Ontario legislature.

Hopefully this clears up any confusion!

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· Jun 21

Good morning, everybody! I just issued an action alert calling on open streets supporters to e-mail councilmeeting@toronto.ca (+ CC Mayor Chow and your councillor) to support @joshmatlow.bsky.social's pedestrian streets motion (MM42.39). #BikeTO #WalkTO #TOpoli secure.toronto.ca/council/agen...

E-mail Template for MM42.39

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I would like to express my full support for this motion from Councillors Josh Matlow and Chris Moise regarding the creation of a pedestrian streets program for Toronto. This motion builds on the momentum from the Church Street Pedestrianization Pilot which officially started on Friday, June 19. While the Church Street Pilot would help inform this process and there are other streets that could use pedestrianization such as Downtown Yonge and Kensington Market, I believe bringing back open streets needs to be part of this discussion as well.

(explain your past experiences with pedestrian streets and open streets)

In the event open streets gets brought back to Toronto, there are three things that are needed to ensure its long-term success. The first is dedicated and permanent funding from the city; something which open streets events in other cities such as Bogota, New York, Ottawa, and Hamilton enjoyed whereas past OpenStreetsTO events relied on external partners for funding. The second is increased frequency beyond the two Sundays annually per past events. Ideally, open streets should be held every Sunday (10 AM – 4 PM) from Victoria Day to Labour Day. Finally, there is a need for a significantly longer route. One bold suggestion that has been floated around is to host it along Yonge Street from York Mills Road to Queen’s Quay and along Bloor-Danforth from the Humber River to Warden Avenue for a total of 30 kilometres. However, there are many other events happening across the city – including street festivals – that would need to be accounted for which could lead to route changes.

Pedestrian streets and open streets offer many benefits including increased foot and bicycle traffic, improved business activity and public health outcomes, and bringing people of all ages, backgrounds, and neighbourhoods together. Given this, I urge Mayor Chow and City Council to support this motion and amend it to include bringing back open streets.

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· Jun 17

Leave it to @tomflood.bsky.social to come up with these brilliant cartoons! His latest one I found on LinkedIn compares kids driven everywhere to caged chickens! #UrbanTruth www.linkedin.com/posts/tom-fl...

Cartoon by Tom Flood of Rovélo Creative

Two cars and two hens separated by a fence

"Feel bad for the kids in those cages, they really should be free range"

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· Jun 10

At Pearson Airport waiting to fly back home to New Brunswick for a few days. Jets like these belong at Pearson, not at Billy Bishop regardless of how much Doug Ford, the Toronto Port Authority, and JP Morgan whine. #NoJetsTO #cdnpoli #TOpoli

A Flair Airlines plane parked at Pearson Airport

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· Jun 9

Filled out the survey last night, but can't disagree with your skepticism on the process. Let's hope we are wrong about the proposal being a "done deal". #cdnpoli #ONpoli #TOpoli #NoJetsTO

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· Jun 9

The federal government launched their public consultation on the future of Billy Bishop Airport which is open until July 24. Please fill out the online survey and use Question 5 as your opportunity to tell @mark-carney.bsky.social #NoJetsTO! #cdnpoli #ONpoli #TOpoli tc.canada.ca/en/corporate...

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 30

And here's a short video I recorded of the march around Queen's Park. Let's keep building momentum in order to put an end to Doug Ford's destructive agenda. #FightFord #ONpoli

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 30

Must have been over 1000 people out at today's #FightFord protest! Several passionate speakers were featured discussing everything from a planned FOI court challenge to #NoJetsTO, climate change, electoral reform, and #BikeTO lanes. #ONpoli

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 30

All right, folks! Who's going to today's #FightFord protest at Queen's Park? Got my sign ready to go which emphasizes how much the Ford government has interfered with Toronto's affairs (including bike lanes). See you at 11 AM. #BikeTO #NoJetsTO #VisionZero #TOpoli #ONpoli

Poster sign for the #FightFord Protest

Hands Off Toronto

- Elections
- Billy Bishop Airport
- Ontario Place
- Ontario Science Centre
- Bike Lanes
- Speed Cameras
- MZO's

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 29

Just for a friendly reminder, the next #FightFord protest is happening TOMORROW! Toronto's main protest will be held 11 AM at Queen's Park while more than 60 other locations across the province can be found at this website. #ONpoli #ONDP #OLP #GPO #PCPO protestdougford.com/may-30th-pro...

Province Wide Protest
Fight Doug Ford's Corruption
May 30th, Queen's Park, TO
11 AM
Find further times and locations at:

QR code points to https://protestdougford.com/may-30th-protest-locations/

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 28

Want to show your support for the cancelled Eglinton Complete Street? @cycletoronto.bsky.social will be hosting a Rally and Ride for Eglinton Redux on Tuesday, June 2 (6 PM) at Eglinton and Holly. Please spread the word. #BikeTO #TOpoli #VisionZero www.cycleto.ca/rally_for_eg...

Rally and Ride for Eglinton Redux
Show your support for the cancelled Eglinton Complete Street
Tuesday, June 2nd, 6:00 PM
Meet Eglinton E & Holly (near Yonge)
cycleto.ca/events

Image is of a construction notice sign on Eglinton

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 25

Terrible news for #BikeTO! I got confirmation from @toronto.ca that the eglintonTOday Complete Street Project can no longer be completed because of changes to provincial legislation. Given the City had resurfaced that street last fall without bike lanes, it's on them too. #shame #TOpoli #ONpoli

Website updated by City of Toronto on May 25, 2026

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eglintonTOday Complete Street Project

While City Council endorsed the long-term Eglinton Connects plan in 2014 and the eglintonTOday Complete Street project in 2024 to address gaps in the bikeway along the 19 km Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the City is now unable to complete the project due to changes to the Provincial Highway Traffic Act.

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 25

The Driveside will be hosting a Hamilton Community Ride on Sunday, June 14. Meet 10 AM at Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Memorial Pavilion (200 Harbour Front Drive) and RSVP at the link. Unfortunately, I'll be out of town. #BikeTO #HamOnt #BikeMonth www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-drive-...

Group ride poster from The Driveside

Hamilton Community Ride
June 14 | 10 AM

Picture is of a pavilion with some cyclists

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 21

Here's some more carbrained nonsense from ABC Toronto calling for bike lanes on University Avenue to be removed. Let's roast them on their Facebook (www.facebook.com/share/r/1BAc...) & Twittter (x.com/abctoronto_/...) accounts to tell them bike lanes save lives! #shame #BikeTO #TOpoli #VisionZero

Facebook post from ABC Toronto
May 21, 2026

🚑 University Avenue should be a hospital corridor first, not a traffic experiment. ABC Toronto is calling for the immediate removal of bike lanes that slow ambulance access to some of Canada’s busiest hospitals. Sign the petition. Share this post. Help spread the word and support A Better City Toronto. #topoli #toronto See less

Video shows an ambulance on University Avenue

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 19

Jamaal Myers just registered today to run for re-election in Ward 23. Hope @graphicmatt.com updates his candidate tracker ASAP. #TOpoli #TOelxn26

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 19

Survived riding the Barrie-Collingwood Rail Trail this afternoon in the 30'C heat. While the rail trail is pretty good, the New Lowell to Stayner stretch in particular was brutal with the loose gravel, but had some fish and chips with beer in the end. #BikeTO #BikeSky www.strava.com/activities/1...

My blue Brodie gravel bike next to one of several stone benches along the Barrie-Collingwood Rail Trail

The Port of Collingwood with its signature siloes

Me next to the Barrie-Collingwood Rail Trail map in Angus after riding the trail

Fish and chips with beer at Malone's Pint House

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 18

Happy Victoria Day! On the GO Train to Barrie to ride the new Barrie-Collingwood Rail Trail! Hope you are able to get out and ride today wherever you are! #BikeTO #BikeSky

My blue Brodie gravel bike on a GO train.

Robert Zaichkowski@rzaichkowski· May 16

Started reading "If You Want to Win, You've Got to Fight" by @carterlavin.bsky.social this evening. So far, it gives a reminder that we cannot avoid politics if we are to change transportation outcomes. Hope to do a review when I am done. #BikeTO #BikeSky