There’s overwhelming support for protected bike lanes in Toronto.

A poll out today shows 75 percent of Toronto residents in all areas of the city are in favour of separated bike lanes. Gideon Foreman with the David Suzuki Foundation, which co-sponsored the poll,  says it’s exciting to see support from all  areas of Toronto and from drivers. But the issue has become a polarizing one at city hall, and has detractors like councillor Stephen Holyday, who says it’s difficult to find common ground will all road users. The random survey was sent to 800 city residents and while it shows widespread support, it was strongest in the downtown core. The cycling group Cycle Toronto also co-sponsored the poll. According to police, 20 pedestrians and three cyclists have been killed in collisions so far this year.  With that in mind, the city’s Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic related deaths to zero got a multi million dollar boost from city councillors earlier this summer amid criticism the strategy has done little to curb fatalities over the last several  years.