Doug Ford has been waging…

Doug Ford has been waging war against climate action since he took office. He has worked to weaken conservation authorities, dismantle the Greenbelt, forcing the closure of the Ontario Science Centre despite donation offers from wealthy Ontarians, and now he has found his latest adversary, bike lanes. This government wants to restrict the ability of municipalities to install bike lanes, as well as the power to remove already existing infrastructure. This is incredibly backwards, narrow minded and fiscally irresponsible. In studies throughout the world, bike lanes have been shown to ease congestion, reduce emissions and are beneficial to local businesses. Furthermore, they provide safety for cyclists, reducing injuries and fatalities. Much of Canada and the hockey world was shook when we learned the tragic news of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s needless and untimely passing. Although different circumstances, it highlighted the dangers road cyclists face daily. All it takes is one impatient or aggressive driver. It’s something that has been on my mind frequently. Before I had my first child, I would occasionally bike to friends' houses, or for small errands, as well as for leisure and exercise. Now it is something I am nervous to do. I am hopeful that Niagara will continue to work towards making cycling a safe and viable option for residents, despite the wishes of the Ontario PCs. Similarly, I hope that the Premier will reconsider the removal of established bike lanes in the city of Toronto. The Premier suggests moving bike lanes to secondary streets, but in a large city like Toronto, what would that even mean? Cyclists and drivers alike are typically traveling to businesses and residences on busy streets. Commuters are cycling to their workplaces that are located on major streets. How else are cyclists expected to get to these businesses and workplaces, only traveling on “secondary streets”? How are cyclists expected to get from one “secondary street” to another? Once again, this will come at a cost to the taxpayers. How much will removing and or relocating these bike lanes cost? How much was spent to install them in the first place, now being wasted? This solution makes little sense when given the smallest bit of thought. If reducing congestion truly is the goal of Doug Ford and the PCs, focus should be placed on getting more cars off the road, not adding lanes and highways. Research has shown that increased supply just increases demand in the long run. Solutions to reduce congestion should include improving public transit, and alternative options, but clearly this government has no intent on actually solving problems. And let’s take a look at the name of the bill, “The Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act”. If Doug Ford is so concerned about saving Ontarians time, let’s maybe look at saving time for those waiting in emergency rooms, or waiting months to receive necessary, urgent care. Surely time spent saving lives is more important than slightly reducing the daily commute.