Yesterday we learned that the Ford Government is doubling down on its anti-bike lane legislation, just days after it was universally panned by witnesses at the committee studying the Bill. It has introduced amendments to ensure it doesn’t have to reimburse cities for removing lanes, let alone for the costs incurred to install them in the first place.
More importantly, and most cruelly, it would prevent lawsuits against the government should someone be killed or injured following the removal of bike lanes.
It is already dangerous for cyclists on Ontario’s roads, even though cycling is increasingly popular. Cycling is growing especially in areas with protected cycling infrastructure. While some many drivers are careful (after all, many are cyclists too), others seem to see this manufactured “culture war” as license to be aggressive. How much worse will it be when people on bikes are forced into traffic because their safe options have been removed?
Doug Ford needs to listen to people like the family of Karl Mann, who was mortally injured in September while cycling in Ottawa’s west end.
Janessa Mann, shown with her father Karl, says she has serious concerns about the safety of Ottawa’s cycling infrastructure. (Submitted by Janessa Mann to CBC Ottawa)