By reducing lanes of…

By reducing lanes of vehicular traffic by 50 % on major arteries has significantly increased the number of vehicles that are now using residential streets to avoid the congestion on the major arteries. These residential streets often do not have sidewalks and thus put the safety of pedestrians at greater risk. All major arteries have designated sidewalks.

By encouraging vehicles to bypass the major arteries, the increased noise and air pollution in residential neighbourhoods decreases the desire to live there. Homeowners have chosen to reside in such areas with the belief that their streets would not be impacted so dramatically.

We pay our property taxes with the understanding that our streets would not be subject to such drastic measures. Is it not much more desirable to place bike lanes on residential streets where the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and homeowners is the key concern. This in face does not discourage cycling but will make it more desirable on a safety and environmental basis.

Major arteries need to continued to be used for effective traffic flow. The congestion currently created by reducing four lanes to two lanes to vehicles, and using the other two lanes for bicycles does not make sense. These lanes are made up of many types of obstruction - it is not a smooth ride by any means - the curves, the bus ramps, debris (including leaves), snow and ice. As such their maintenance is hampered Let us also remember that we live in a climate where it is much less desirable to cycle in the winter. What is the actual use during the different season? Even in the more desirable months, the number of cyclist is very minimal. Let us move these bike lanes to a residential street.

In addition, this reduced traffic flow causes an impasse to emergency vehicles. Each minute lost in congestion as a result of no accessible lane can result in tragedy to a city resident. By placing physical barriers in place, the street is truly only functioning as a two lane street, and thereby the possible maintenance of the bike lanes. It also creates much more ineffective use of time and money in keeping the two lanes for cars safe. Is the well-being of city residents, whether on foot, bike or car the most important consideration. Let us use the major arteries with full vehicular access and sidewalks and use residential streets for bike lanes. Health and safety for all.