This comment, that I endorse…

This comment, that I endorse, has been originally written and signed by 120 physicians and researchers from the University of Toronto.

Legislation that guides road design must prioritize safety over travel times

In Canada during 2022, 294 pedestrians, 46 cyclists, 258 motorcyclists, 316 passengers, and 952 drivers died in collisions. There were 8,851 serious injuries from collisions, including pedestrians (15 per cent), cyclists (5 per cent), motorcyclists (13 per cent), passengers (17 per cent) and drivers (47 per cent). As of Oct. 9 this year in Toronto, 16 pedestrians, six cyclists, three motorcyclists and 10 motorists have been killed by traffic-related trauma. Every fatality is the loss of a person, someone who loved and was loved.

The vast majority of traffic-related fatalities – pedestrian and cyclist especially – are preventable. Research from many jurisdictions, including Toronto, shows that protected bicycle lanes reduce the risk of motor vehicle trauma for pedestrians and cyclists. A recent position statement from the Canadian Paediatric Society strongly endorses protected bike lanes as a way to protect children, the most vulnerable road users. Public health data can identify high-risk areas. Reductions in speed that result from changes to road design also improve safety for motorists. Bicycle lanes benefit all road users, and it is much preferable to prevent motor vehicle trauma than to try to treat it. Not only can these devastating injuries destroy lives, the costs for this care, and the opportunity-costs of lost productivity, are borne by society.

For this reason, I strongly oppose the recent proposed Ontario legislation, Bill 212, that limits the ability for municipalities and cities to make their roads safer for their citizens. The legislation requires that municipalities seek Ministry of Transportation approval before installing cycling lanes that reduce the number of lanes available for motor vehicles. The legislation states that the ministry will base its decision on whether to approve a bicycle lane on “whether it would unduly diminish the orderly movement of motor vehicle traffic”, without any mention of safety for road users.

The Ministry of Transportation is responsible for serving the people of Ontario, not its motor vehicles. We must address the root causes of traffic congestion and provide options for solutions, such as improved transit connectivity and reliability, incentives for choosing alternatives to motor vehicle travel, and support for complete streets that offer safe and efficient transportation options for all people.

Legislation proposing to guide road design decisions, such as Bill 212, should explicitly place a higher priority on road safety than motor vehicle travel times.

Source and further information:
https://healthydebate.ca/2024/10/topic/legislation-road-design-safety-t…