Cycle Paths or Sociopaths?
John Forsey counts the reasons why the province’s proposed approach to bike lanes is a terrible idea that won’t help ease congestion
On Oct. 21 the Ontario government introduced a bill under which municipalities would be required to obtain provincial approval before installing new cycling lanes that would result in removal of motor vehicle traffic lanes. Although not part of the legislation, the provincial government is also seeking authority to remove existing cycling lanes.
Why is this a bad idea?
Provincial overreach into municipal affairs
It is true that municipalities are “creatures of the province” and, legally, provinces can override municipal decisions. At times it makes sense to do so. But if ever there was an issue that is municipal in nature, it is transportation planning within municipal borders.
Furthermore, the legislation provides that provincial approval will be the responsibility of the Minister of Transportation. So, provincial review of cycling lanes will not be undertaken on a scientific basis by professional traffic engineers, but rather for political reasons by political staff in the minister’s office. These staff members may not be at all familiar with local issues in Ottawa.
In contrast, our mayor and councillors are elected to serve their constituents and are intimately familiar with local issues.
Reduction in public safety
It is obvious that forcing cyclists into vehicular lanes exposes cyclists to increased risk of death or injury. But the legislation also increases risks to pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers. One unintended consequence will be that more cyclists (illegally) ride on sidewalks in order to reduce the danger of collision with motor vehicles. Drivers will be at higher risk of causing an accident, perhaps hitting a cyclist in times of low visibility.
The consequences for the driver, both legal and psychological, could be severe.
Contrary to the need to fight climate change
The world is facing an existential crisis due to climate change. Ottawa and many other municipalities have declared climate emergencies. In Canada vehicle emissions are a prime contributor to climate change (as well as to air pollution due to noxious exhaust gases). Hence Ottawa, like many other cities worldwide, is seeking to encourage a transportation modal shift away from private motor vehicles to active transportation modes (walking and cycling) and to public transit.
Construction of cycling lanes and complete streets is part of this strategy – a strategy now imperilled by the provincial legislation.
Financially wasteful
Rebuilding streets is costly, which is why progress in building cycling lanes is slower than many cyclists would wish. Now we face the prospect of our provincial tax dollars being used to demolish what our municipal tax dollars have already built.
At the very least, the provincial approval requirement will increase red tape and require resources at both the municipal and provincial levels, and therefore increase administrative costs.
Will not reduce vehicular congestion
The ostensible reason for the legislation is to reduce vehicular congestion. In fact, it will have the opposite effect. The reason is induced demand, or “build it and they will come.”
When additional motor vehicular traffic lanes are added, for a brief period, congestion is reduced and travelling by personal motor vehicle becomes more attractive. So, more people travel in their personal vehicle, or people move farther from the city centre where no travel option other than motor vehicle exists. After two to three years, congestion is as bad as it was prior to the addition of lanes.
Conversely, if additional and safer cycling routes are built, it becomes relatively more attractive to travel by bicycle, drawing people away from their motor vehicles and reducing vehicular congestion. This shift has been demonstrated countless times around the world, notably in Paris and Copenhagen.
What can I do?
The current Progressive Conservative government in Ontario has a majority. The proposed legislation will pass unless it becomes a political liability.
This government has reversed course before, notably on the GTA greenbelt. when enough people make their views known. It is also essential that each opposition party promise, if the legislation passes, to revoke it should they take power. Please write to your MPP and express your views, with a copy to Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. He has meekly said he would follow provincial policy, in contrast to Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow who has been vocal in her opposition.
Finally, support the advocacy efforts of organizations, such as Bike Ottawa, Ecology Ottawa and Strong Towns Ottawa. These groups are actively opposing the government’s proposals.
John Forsey is the former chair of the Manor Park Community Association’s Transportation Committee. He prefers travelling around Ottawa by bicycle whenever possible.