As a driver and as a…

As a driver and as a pedestrian, I think that the amount of construction on Toronto’s city streets contributes far more to congestion than bike lanes. In my experience, having clearly designated spaces for cars, bike lanes and parked cars increases predictability and communication among the drivers and cyclists, and therefore increases safety for both. I think that is important in areas with heavy traffic, such as downtown or along Bloor.

I also think that bike lanes are even more important in areas with less traffic, because those cyclists need the protection of a designated lane. We all know how quickly a bike can appear out of nowhere, or easy it is for the cyclist to be in the driver’s blind spot. Quantity should not be the only determinant; safety for both the cyclist and driver is more important.

As a pedestrian, I find it much easier to shop locally.

I want to see more encouragement for using other modes of transport. Walking and cycling improve health and well-being, which benefits our healthcare system. They also have less impact on the environment, obviously. We need to continue to improve our public transport system.

We need fewer cars on the road, not more.

Moreover, I think that the provincial government should allow the municipality to make these decisions.