Thank your for the…

Thank your for the Opportunity to comment on Cycle ON 2.0

CycleON 1.0 was a great conversation starter. Although we can tell from the rash of Vulnerable user deaths that far more needs to happen to make active transportation safe.

Above all else at this time the greatest, and most important problem we can tackle is based in the legal system. This has to do with the right of a person operating a machine, in this case a motor vehicle and their over arching right to harm another human. Currently as if there was no intent to cause harm, a fine or similarly is sufficient. Yet if this same person was to carry out such actions with a fire arm, another machine, the law takes a very different stance. Yet statistics predict the probability of being hit by a car greater then that of a stray bullet. And physics would find that the energy in a vehicle traveling at highway speeds greater then that of the bullet. Yet we treat the out come from such “crashes” as an acceptable risk to getting out of bed in the morning.

THE ONLY RESOLUTION IS TO MAKE THE OPERATORS (HUMANS OR AUTONOMOUS MACHINES MANUFACTURES), RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS OR LACK THERE OF WHILE OCCUPYING THE PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY.

Secondly the provincial cycling network is an amazing idea. Problem, our area, Durham, has created a Region wide network with little to no data and little to no consultation with the cycling clubs and riders of the region. Further the Region has had little to no buy in from the lower tiers on secondary roads, those we cycle the most on. The Region themselves have indicated they really do not know where people ride their bicycles. As the Provincial network is based on this lower tier network it is flawed. Further I have noted that a lot of routes in the provincial network are of a Tourist nature. Waterfront trails are great. But as a transportation network connecting communities is more important then paving rail trails. First create safe routes and next we can group fund the nice to haves. CONSULT WITH THE USERS! Municipalities are concerned that creating networks with be onerous and costly to them. (In my opinion)

Reduce Traffic speeds in all residential neighbourhoods. 40 absolute max and better at 30. Complete streets, narrow trees, side walks both sides, finer grid patterns where possible. The way towns and cities should be. Look at small town Ontario for examples and case studies. This towns are perfect to walk and bike. They are generally all smaller then 5.0km in diameter. Just need some encouragement and small fixes on “hot spots” where people do not feel or are not safe.

Hurray on Safe Routes to schools. My kids walk, scooter, skate, bike everyday!!!!!

Why is Cycling under the port folio of “sustainable and innovation”. It is certainly not innovative.

Lastly MTO needs to stop being the Ministry of Cars and start being focus on Moving people regardless the form of Transportation.