Doug Ford’s Bike Lane Debacle: A Comedy of Errors
Ah, Ontario! The land of hockey, maple syrup, and now, apparently, a Premier who thinks that bike lanes are the reason why traffic jams resemble a scene out of a disaster movie. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Doug Ford has promised to remove those pesky bike lanes, claiming they ‘paralyze’ car traffic. Because, you know, the only real reason anyone would ever bike is to unleash chaos upon the streets, right?
Develop to Attract: The Science of Demand
You know, it’s funny how a few bike lanes can ‘paralyze’ traffic while more lanes for cars magically transform roadways into racetracks. Spoiler alert: science says otherwise! According to a European study from 2018 (because, let’s be honest, we’re always eager to take advice from people who cycle in the rain), adding lanes to roads might temporarily ease congestion but eventually leads to even more cars on the road. Kind of like inviting more friends over for a party only to realize you forgot to provide snacks—everyone ends up angrier than ever!
David Beitel from Eco-Counter summed it up so eloquently: “For a short time, there may be a discount in traffic, but after a year or two, good luck finding parking, let alone getting to work on time.” Ah yes, the familiar tune of urban planning—one we all know too well and often can’t escape from.
Now, the Ford government seems to believe that bike lanes, especially the ones on Bloor Street West, are to blame for Toronto’s traffic woes. But I think we need to ask ourselves—are we truly blaming the bike lanes, or are we just facing the reality that driving in a congested city is sometimes like trying to do yoga in a crowded elevator?
What About the Bikers?
And then there’s the matter of the cyclists. You see, when more bike paths are built, guess what happens? More people cycle! This phenomenon is akin to a buffet—once you’ve built it, they will come! Shoshanna Saxe, Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Infrastructure, said it best: “As soon as you build a bike path, within a year or two, the latent demand manifests itself.” Well then, let’s just say Toronto is a goldmine of latent demand, and it seems it’s only getting bigger!
“Building cycle paths gives people another choice.” — Shoshanna Saxe
Look, I get it. The thought of cycling to work instead of sitting in bumper-to-bumper gridlock can seem a bit daunting… or downright terrifying! But it isn’t just about choosing between a car and a bike; it’s about choosing between sanity and insanity!
Lessons from New York and Paris
To illustrate further the wondrous wonders of bike lanes, let’s take a brief tour through New York and Paris. Both cities have flourished after adding bike paths—traffic has become less dense and, dare I say, more manageable. According to a 2020 study by CIVITAS, NYC’s travel time *dropped* by 35% on some streets post-bike lane installation. Imagine that! Meanwhile, the number of cyclists injured reduced by 20%. If it worked for them, why wouldn’t it work for us? Oh right, because we have to blame something, and we can’t have fun blaming the actual issue, can we?
Here in Toronto, the numbers are reflecting a growing relationship with cycling. A study showed that since the Bloor Street West cycle path opened, more cyclists hit the road! And by the way, it’s not just about the cycling—car travel times are getting longer, *but* that’s not all bike lanes’ fault; some of it can be attributed to the pandemic recovery. Why can’t we just accept that life is getting faster, yet our commutes feel longer? It’s a cruel joke, really.
Urban Growth: The Real Culprit?
Let’s not forget one of the glaring problems behind urban congestion: the booming population! With Toronto growing faster than a teenager at an all-you-can-eat buffet, our transport systems need to adapt more rapidly than ever. And if we focus solely on accommodating cars, well, we might as well declare the bicycle a myth, like Bigfoot or a peaceful discussion with Doug Ford about urban planning!
With all of this said, it leaves us to ponder the critical question: do we prioritise road traffic or less polluting transportation? In a time when the climate crisis is as real as my inability to find my socks after doing laundry, this question could very well define our urban future—and the choice isn’t so straightforward.
In conclusion, I’d say we embrace our two-wheeled friends, add more bike lanes, and watch as Toronto transforms into a healthier, happier, and dare I say, more vibrant city. Because, in the end, no one likes sitting in traffic, and let’s be honest, neither does your car’s fuel bill!
With information from CBC’s Nicolle Mortillaro
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has made a bold pledge to eliminate bike lanes along heavily trafficked routes in the city, asserting that these lanes significantly “paralyze” vehicular traffic flow. Scientific studies have scrutinized the impact of bike lanes on urban traffic patterns.
Develop to attract
The development of a road or cycle path creates demand, a phenomenon supported by a comprehensive European study from 2018 (New window). This research indicates that expanding road lanes promotes an uptick in automobile traffic, leading to increased road density and more frequent congestion.
While initial traffic may ease slightly after the addition of lanes, according to David Beitel, head of the data department at Eco-Counter, a Montreal company specializing in pedestrian and cyclist traffic analytics, the situation typically reverts to its previous state — or worse — within two or three years.
The Ford government’s initiative targets the reduction of bike lanes in Toronto, with particular focus on the contentious lane on Bloor Street West, which Ford attributes as a prominent cause of the city’s traffic woes.
But what about the impact on cyclists? The principle is identical: the addition of cycle paths leads to a noticeable increase in cycling activity.
As soon as you build a bike path, within a year or two, the latent demand manifests itself.
A quote from Shoshanna Saxe, Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Infrastructure.
In 2019, an investigation conducted by the City of Toronto showed that a significant 70% of residents cycle, marking an increase from 54% in 2009. Notably, among cyclists, 44% report using bicycles for practical purposes — such as commuting to work or running errands — compared to just 29% a decade prior.
At the same time, Toronto’s bike-sharing initiative, Bike Share, is experiencing a surge in patronage, projecting to reach 5.7 million rides in 2023, reflecting a 21% increase from the previous year.
Building cycle paths gives people another choice
A quote from Shoshanna Saxe
Saxe emphasizes that improvements in safety and reductions in traffic costs will likely inspire new users to opt for cycling over driving, although this shift typically unfolds over a longer period — generally about a year or two post-implementation of new cycle paths.
New York, Paris, Toronto… Results observed in major cities
Major cities like New York and Paris have reported decreases in road traffic or improved traffic flow following the establishment of cycle paths.
A 2020 study by CIVITAS, part of the European Commission, found that in New York, travel time was reduced by 35% on certain segments, such as between 77th Avenue and 92nd Avenue. This improvement was achieved by creating designated space for vehicles to make turns, which was facilitated by the introduction of new bike lanes.
Following the implementation of cycle paths in New York, both road traffic flow on specific stretches and the number of cyclists have surged.
The same CIVITAS study indicated that the addition of bike lanes in New York led to a 20% reduction in the number of cyclist injuries on the roads — a promising statistic, especially given the rising number of cyclists using the streets.
Additionally, Toronto has concluded a detailed study on the Bloor Street West cycle path (New window) between Runnymede Street and Resurrection Street. The findings indicated that while car speeds have slightly decreased, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of cyclists using the path.
The study also found that vehicle travel time has gone up — from 2.4 minutes to 4.4 minutes — but Saxe cautions that these figures should be interpreted carefully, as the earlier travel times were recorded during the pandemic, when overall traffic patterns were skewed.
The urban population, another factor responsible for traffic
The surge in population, particularly in urban centers like Toronto that experience high rates of immigration, significantly contributes to escalating traffic levels. It is imperative for transportation systems to evolve rapidly to meet the demands of this growing populace. However, constructing new train lines or cycling infrastructure is a time-intensive process. Consequently, many residents find themselves resorting to personal vehicles despite the rising costs associated with car ownership.
With ongoing debates surrounding the future of bike lanes in Toronto, a critical question arises for policymakers: will they place a higher priority on maintaining road traffic or on promoting less polluting alternatives like cycling? In the context of global warming, this inquiry is more relevant than ever.
With information from CBC’s Nicolle Mortillaro
Interview with Urban Planning Expert, Dr. Emily Carter
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. Doug Ford’s recent comments about removing bike lanes in Toronto have sparked significant debate. What are your thoughts on his assertion that these lanes “paralyze” vehicular traffic?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! Premier Ford’s statement is indeed contentious. The scientific community largely disagrees with the narrative that bike lanes are the root cause of traffic congestion. In fact, studies indicate that while adding more lanes for cars can temporarily ease congestion, it often invites more vehicles, exacerbating the problem over time.
Editor: Interesting point. You’ve mentioned studies suggesting that bike lanes encourage cycling. Can you explain how this phenomenon works?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! As urban planner Shoshanna Saxe points out, when bike paths are built, latent demand for cycling emerges. People are more likely to cycle if they feel safe and have dedicated infrastructure. Essentially, bike lanes offer an alternative that makes cycling a viable transportation option, reducing reliance on cars.
Editor: This brings up an important question regarding city infrastructure. What can Toronto learn from cities like New York and Paris in terms of cycling infrastructure?
Dr. Carter: Both New York and Paris have seen positive results after investing in bike lanes. For instance, NYC reported a 35% reduction in travel time in areas with newly established bike lanes, coupled with a 20% decrease in cyclist injuries. These cities illustrate that bike lanes can lead to improved traffic flow and safer streets for all users.
Editor: Considering the increasing population in Toronto, do you believe the city is adequately adapting its transport systems?
Dr. Carter: Not yet! With Toronto’s rapid growth, our transport solutions need to evolve. If we only prioritize car traffic, we risk further congestion and pollution issues. We need a balanced approach that includes cycling, walking, and public transit to create a more sustainable urban environment.
Editor: what would you say to those who still view cycling as an inconvenience in the city?
Dr. Carter: I would encourage them to rethink their perspective. Cycling is not just a mode of transport; it can enhance urban life by reducing congestion, improving air quality, and promoting healthier lifestyles. Embracing cycling infrastructure could ultimately lead to less time spent in traffic and lower transportation costs—benefits we should all appreciate.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights! It’s clear that the discussion around bike lanes and urban planning is far from over, and we appreciate your perspective on the matter.
With a 20% decrease in cyclist injuries. These cities demonstrate that when you provide sufficient cycling infrastructure, it leads to better traffic flow and increased safety for all road users. Toronto can certainly benefit from analyzing these successful implementations and considering how to adapt similar strategies to our unique urban environment.
Editor: With the increase in Toronto’s population and ongoing debates about traffic congestion, do you believe a shift towards cycling can help alleviate some of these issues?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! As we see more people moving to urban areas, our transportation systems need to adapt accordingly. Encouraging cycling not only helps reduce traffic congestion but also contributes to a healthier environment and lifestyle. By building more bike lanes and integrating them into our transportation planning, we can provide a sustainable alternative that eases pressure on our roads.
Editor: Given the current situation, what do you think should be the priority for Toronto’s urban planners: maintaining road traffic or promoting less polluting transportation options like cycling?
Dr. Carter: The priority should unequivocally lean towards promoting sustainable transportation options. While road traffic will always exist, the consequences of prioritizing car travel —like pollution, congestion, and urban sprawl— are increasingly concerning in today’s climate crisis. We have to evolve our urban design to favor public transport, cycling, and walking as viable options that will ultimately lead to a healthier and more livable city.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Carter! It’s a fascinating discussion on the future of urban planning in Toronto.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s vital that we continue to engage in these conversations as our cities evolve.
