November 7: opening new bike lanes with Ariel Troster

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Well, as I predicted in my previous blog about the removal of bike lanes in Ontario, it appears we don’t have to worry too much in the short term about removal of bike infrastructure in Ottawa. Why? Because premier Ford said so:

“We’re focused on Toronto, we’re focused on Younge Street, University and Bloor streets, a few other ones. I’ll work with the mayor, but when I was [in Ottawa], the traffic was moving fairly well.” (CTV)

So that is how traffic legislation is made nowadays: from behind the windshield of the premier’s vehicle. Last Tuesday, another protest against both the bike lane legislation as well as against the overreach of the province into municipal affairs was held. Side note: even rural communities in Ottawa were asking for more cycling infrastructure, more sidewalks connecting to neighbourhoods at the 2924 rural summit.

Rural communities asking the mayor for more walking and cycling infrastructure and not just a reflective armband

Marko from ‘Strong Towns Ottawa’ (image Horizon Ottawa)

Meanwhile, 13 councillors asked Ford to reconsider his crazy plans, mostly councillors from inside the Greenbelt, although Tim Tierney, our transportation chair, is missing on the list. And here I thought I was friends with Tim when he saw me last at the Traffic Safety Conference. Tim, it is not too late.

We had great vendors present, including the Ottawa Safety Council and Safer Roads Ottawa, representing our city! Special shout-out to @HansontheBike for joining us as well!

The list:

After this depressing week, there is something fun happening on Thursday November 7 at 11 am. Councillor Ariel Troster’s office is organising somewhat of an official opening of the new bike lanes along Slater and Albert in front of the location of the new library just west of Bronson. Unfortunately, I have to be at the dentist as it would be fun to see everyone again.

If you are planning to join Ariel and other cyclists, do sign up in advance, it is tomorrow already (Thursday): ariel.troster@ottawa.ca