“You’re nervous when there’s…

“You’re nervous when there’s no bike lanes. At least I was. We have to do everything we can to make sure three’s never a death in the city. One death is way too many when it comes to bicycle riders."

Doug Ford TVO, 2017

It’s time to think outside the car

I am a 66 year old cyclist who rides my bike for commuting, utilitarian and recreational purposes. I own several bicycles and also own a car and use the appropriate vehicle for transportation considering conditions and distance. I also use public transit especially to get into and out of the city. I defer to these modes of transportation rather than my car than my car. I have lived in the GTA for over 60 years and witnessed substantial growth in the city over those years. A result of that growth is significant increase in car use, traffic flow and congestion.

I am active in promoting the many benefits of cycling and am a passionate advocate for the bicycle as practical active transportation. While I occasionally use the bike trails I generally ride on the roads when commuting or riding for utilitarian purpose, i.e. shopping. I am happy to see that The City of Toronto is establishing a network of interconnecting bicycle lanes and other infrastructure that make travel by bike within the city practical and safer.

The data is clear on personal car use in cities, it is unsustainable. Building more highways encourages more cars; "induced demand" - new roads attract more drivers. Vehicles are getting larger and more deadly, especially to vulnerable road users. One person using an oversize SUV to go 5km, or less, is causing congestion, not bicycle lanes. Public transit, walking and active/micro modes of transport are part of the solution to the bottlenecks on our roads.

Major cities of the world have begun to promote active transportation and restrict car use. The trend is towards progressive polices aimed at reducing air pollution, improve public health and relieve traffic congestion and gridlock. The proposed Bill 212 is regressive when what we need is bold, progressive “outside the car” thinking and action from our elected politicians, not legislation designed to serve personal car drivers.

Please review the data regarding bike lanes and traffic congestion and reconsider, or amend, Bill 212 and make evidenced based decisions.
Thank you for reading and considering my comments.

Concerned voting citizen
PSB