There are certain situations…

There are certain situations when you cannot see the wood for the trees. The racket and contamination generated out of the question could lead us to think that wrong is right.

Do a quick imagination exercise and put yourselves in the place of the people who were to read about the following matter in about hundred years. Most likely, unreason and absurdity will trigger: the plan here is tearing down recent built infraestructures, which funnel bike commuters throughout the concrete jungle of downtown Toronto, and replace it with addiitonal new car lanes. Brilliant!

Let's have a quick journey along the basics here: cities in Northamerica were designed around cars, over a century ago. The consequences exhausting out of such a "motor-centrism" is pollution, traffic jams and unsafe conditions in the central heart of our cities.

After countless scientific studies, published in numerous papers around the world, plus all kind of traffic analysis and research, in combination with all metrics about quality of air collected from weather stations located in multiple points around cities everywhere, all data comes to the same conclusion: a healthier development of public space should not just go by adding safer and well-signed bike lanes, but about turning more existing driveways and streets for cars into pedestrian streets.

Enjoying of a proper designed and built bike lane does not only contribute to physical protection and agility on urban community. The impact in the psychological and mental health are proven, by reducing noise and fumes from cars, honks and congestion in the areas were we live, walk, commute, attend to school and courses or work.

All considerations above are just when setting a passive vantage point. If we consider an active commuter, using those lanes for biking to her/ his daily destinations, the effects in health are even better: promoting a healthy lifestyle, saving cost in transportation, reducing gases contamination and noise to zero and improving mental health and well being.

If this government would really have its centre of attention on willing to contribute to its citizens with a better life conditions, it would not vote for Bill 212. Governments are suppose to care about the people they represent, with a vocational service for public and protect them from any potential risk or hazard.

Voting for Bill 212 demonstrates that this Government either has other interests, far from the listed above, or does not really care about the citizens is serving to. If the reason is former, then what we have here is a collective of civil servants whose power have corrupted the ultimate goal of their political mission. That would mean they are not competent, in good condition or prepared any more to develop their state functions. On the other hand, if the reason is the later -does no really care about the wellbeing of the Torontonians- then what we would have here instead is a case of malicious and evil attitude, close to the psycopathy, which, in an ideal world, would immediately put the current decision makers out of the representation of the people, for obvious reasons.

Hence, here comes the fork in the path for you, Ontario PM, ministry of infraestructure any other responsible of this Bill: do you want to prove yourself as people with good intent, good moral and merciful of the position you hold? Or would you prefer, instead, to let your hand being led by toxic rage and cruel intentions?

Make ourselves a Christmas gift and favour and surprise all us for good on this one!