Our provincial…

Our provincial representatives have more than enough challenges to deal with at the moment. While inter-city concerns seem appropriate to manage, it’s time to step back and recognize that citizens have elected municipal leaders to manage concerns within city boundaries. The ability to move around the city with ease should not be limited to those who elect to do so in an automobile. While many criticize that public transit, cycling paths, and sidewalks are underused in many areas of the city, that pattern would likely be reversed if proportionate spending was allocated to those car alternatives. Currently, pedestrian deaths are at an all time high due to careless or distracted drivers AND poorly designed intersections that favour speed for automobiles over safety for pedestrians. Similarly, many people avoid bicycle use not because it is a poor method of transportation, but because it is dangerous to drive in Ontario cities due to roadways that were (and continue to be) developed with cars in mind. Most major cities around the world are investing in car alternative solutions that are more people, community, and environment friendly. Some major cities are already limiting the number of cars permitted at any given time in city centres. It’s time to look ahead and develop our cities with a new mindset. Put away ideas that were developed to grow the automotive sector rather than the quality of life of Canada’s citizens. Countless studies have proven that the more roadways are expanded, the more cars fill them. My vote supports more bike lanes, more public transit investment, and more urban planning that prioritizes pedestrian mobility with better designed and safer streets. Either stay out of the game or start playing smart. Cars are A solution, not THE solution.