There is no bike war in Mississauga. For as long as I can remember, people have loved to frame transportation debates as wars. A war on the car. A war on the bicycle. A war on transit.
Let me say this clearly, as someone who has lived in Meadowvale for over 40 years: there is no “war” in Ward 9.
What we have is a community of hardworking people trying to get to work on time, get their kids to school safely, visit neighbours, pick up groceries, deliver pizzas, catch buses, walk their dogs, and yes—ride their bikes.
When changes are made to the roads we rely on every day, emotions can run high. That’s not ideology. That’s lived experience. And I respect it.
When I was first elected, one of the earliest concerns brought to me was the pilot project on Aquitaine. Residents were worried about congestion, safety, access to their driveways, bus delays, and the overall impact on a vital Ward 9 corridor.
As someone who cycles myself—more commuter than road warrior—I understand the value of cycling infrastructure. I also understand that roads serve many users, and when changes don’t work for the majority of people who depend on that corridor, we have a responsibility to listen and adjust.
“After reviewing the
data, listening to residents,
and walking
and cycling the corridor
myself, I made
the decision to return
Aquitaine to its original
configuration this
construction season,
as recommended by
City staff. “
The pilot was meant to be temporary, with decisions guided by realworld data and community feedback. DelaysinRegional construction meant the timeline stretched longer than planned, and what we saw on the ground mattered.
That delay hurt me; It hurt our neighbours and it made me look insincere. The bike lane saw limited use, while congestion increased. Buses were delayed, signage caused confusion, and residents felt the daily impact on their routines. That feedback was clear, and it was honest.
Some called this a “war on bikes.” Others called it a “war on cars.” I don’t accept either framing. There is no war. There is feedback—and feedback is how communities get better decisions.
After reviewing the data, listening to residents, and walking and cycling the corridor myself, I made the decision to return Aquitaine to its original configuration this construction season, as recommended by City staff. This is not a rejection of cycling. It is a recommitment to doing cycling infrastructure properly.
We will move forward with a multi-use path on the boulevard that connects into Meadowvale’s strong network of trails and bypass routes. This creates safe, separated space for cyclists and pedestrians—especially students—without creating unnecessary gridlock on a key road. It respects how the road is used today while improving safety for those who choose to cycle.
I want to thank the residents of Barrisdale, Montevideo, and Aquitaine for speaking up with care for their neighbourhood. Our conversations were passionate, but respectful. That matters. Civic engagement doesn’t have to be cruel to be effective. Kindness should always rule the day.
Safety remains a priority. Speeding concerns are real, and enforcement, engineering, and education must work together. Our goal is simple: safer streets, real options for families, and a community that works for everyone.
There is no bike war in Ward 9. There is a community learning, adjusting, and moving forward—together.
If you have questions or ideas, my door is always open: marttin.reid@mississauga.ca.
