I applaud this initiative by…

I applaud this initiative by the Provincial Conservative government. The idealistic and unpractical idea of bicycle lanes at the expense of other vehicular traffic disregards the practical considerations around implementing such modes of transportation in a country where we spend a good deal of the year with conditions in-conducive to cycling for all but the most dedicated cyclists.

In my hometown of Ottawa, a well known and highly publicized bike lane was installed on O’Connor St at the expense of one lane of vehicular traffic some years ago. Throughout this time, this bike lane has sat largely unused for the 6 colder months of the year, while gridlock plagues the mass exodus of vehicles from downtown as federal civil servants return home at the end of their workday. This is but one example of a city wide issue that is politically fashionable, but impractical for most and disadvantageous to all but the very few who expect special treatment.

The mass expansion of bike lanes has not only proved increasingly challenging for other road users facing increased congestion, but is worsened by the constant disregard and sense of entitlement exhibited by many cyclists. Bike lanes from this perspective have provided a sense of entitlement to many cyclists who blatantly disregard the rules of the road. Collision statistics dictate that cyclists are very often the cause of accidents, and not the innocent victims they often portray themselves to be.

Recent national Census data indicates that less than 300,000 Canadians classify their main method of commuting to be through cycling. This equates to less than 1% of our national population. Logic would dictate this group would be best served to adapt to existing infrastructure, and not expect special treatment.

Cyclists need be reminded that they are in fact the minority, that traffic laws apply to them as well, and that the interests of the majority outweigh the needs of their very vocal minority. I fully support this initiative by the Provincial government and look forward to seeing this legislation implemented.