Amendment to the Sign By-law to Regulate Bike Share Signs outside of the Public Right-of-Way

Currently, signs within the public right-of-way, such as those affixed to Bike-Share Stations operated as part of Bike Share Toronto ("BST"), are excluded from the Sign By-law, however, signs for Bike Share Stations outside the public right-of-way are subject to the Sign By-law. Locations outside of the right-of-way where these signs and Bike-Share Stations may be located include transit stations, Park Roads, Bicycle Paths, Cycle Tracks, and other areas that align with the City's transportation network. To accommodate signage at Bike Share locations outside the right-of-way and avoid the need for sign variances and site-specific amendments, staff have reviewed the Sign By-law to identify changes that align with the City's objectives for bike sharing, cycling, and transportation networks, while also meeting the goals of the Sign By-law. The regulations proposed in this report will support the City's bike share initiatives and cycling network, permitting signage at Bike Share Stations that is functional, compatible with its surroundings, and enhances Toronto's visual appeal for residents, businesses, and visitors. Due to the uniqueness of signs on Bike Share Stations, the Sign By-law does not contain regulations that are suitable for these types of signs. The amendments proposed in this report will permit "Bike-Share Signs" (signs displayed on or attached to Bike Share Stations) on private property, integrate these signs into the permit application and approval processes, and establish specific regulations for their size, orientation, content, and illumination. Signs displayed on Bike Share Stations in the right-of-way will continue to be out of scope of the Sign By-law. These changes will make it easier to add Bike Share Stations, with appropriate signage, to the city's infrastructure and help create a more attractive and unified public realm while supporting Toronto's goal of sustainable transportation.