The July issue of MPulse Mississauga featured a story that detailed City Hall’s plans to spend over $250 million on 600 kilometres of new bike lanes to be installed in the years ahead. The City staff report included the notion that not including more bike lanes was an equity issue negatively affecting people based on race and LGBT-matters.
SHAMEFUL WASTE
My feeIing is that $250 million spent on a feature less than 1% of the population uses for whatever reason is a tremendous waste of money during times of increasing cost of living.
I’m certain there are other more important issues requiring funding like health care, education, policing and on and on. This waste of money is shameful.
There are bike lanes in my area and in the time they’ve been there I have yet to see someone riding in those lanes — like Argentia from the exit of Meadowvale Town Centre to Glen Erin complete with useless plastic white posts, bollards or whatever.
Brian O’Connell
CITY FEELS NEGLECTED
It’s not that I’m against bike lanes but really $250 million when pot holes have not been filled, many roads need repairs, garbage on streets are not picked up, lawns aren’t being mowed and city owned trees on side street need to be trimmed. Before millions are spent on bike lanes this money should be used to clean up the city first.
I have lived in Mississauga for almost 40 years and have never seen it neglected as it has now.
Mary Storozuk
CLEAR EVIDENCE NEEDED
I find the city’s conclusion that a lack of bike lanes is “racist” to be unsupported by the evidence presented. It is difficult to understand the basis for such a claim. At most, one might argue that unequal access to cycling infrastructure could have discriminatory effects in some circumstances, but even that does not appear to be established by the information in the article.
In my observation, bike lanes are used by a relatively small proportion of road users. I also frequently see organized cycling groups riding two or three abreast on single-lane roads and not always moving into single file when appropriate, which can create frustration for motorists.
Given the significant cost of expanding bike lane infrastructure, I question whether this level of spending is justified. I believe the city should provide clear evidence that the proposed investment addresses a demonstrated need and represents a prudent use of public funds.
Steve Hartery
STOP THE MADNESS
How many residents are actually going to use and benefit from these lanes?
Both politicians in Mississauga and Toronto fail to acknowledge that despite climate change we still live in an environment where we get snow, ice, rain, cold and extreme heat, as is the case at the moment, throughout the year. This makes it difficult to rely on bicycle transportation year round.
As for the suggestion that this is a matter of “equity”, is performative at best. I’m curious to know how receptive the residents in Malton are to having their hard earned income being taxed for the installation of bike lanes.
I don’t see many families cycling to pick up their groceries, taking their kids to soccer practice or swimming lessons. I don’t see this changing because of additional bike lanes.
How do we as residents put a stop to this madness and wild spending for what will amount to a costly project with very little impact or benefit to the community?
Tom Marsala
CYCLING IMPRACTICAL
This has to be one of the biggest colossal wastes of money I have ever witnessed. Mississauga is a vast area that makes the use of cycling impractical as a means of transportation.
The city even asked for the public’s opinion on the matter, and the public response was essentially what I have stated. However as politicians often do they ignore the public and go ahead with their hair-brained schemes anyway because obviously the public is stupid and ignorant.
The result of this $250M bike lane white elephant will be our property taxes going way up again to cover the cost of this wasteful spending on a boondoggle no one in Mississauga wants. Hopefully the public on the next city council election day remembers this and votes these charlatans out of office.
Tony Ganhao
MONEY OUT THE WINDOW
How is it that we spend money having studies done and then no one listens to them? We obviously don’t need anymore bike lanes, if no one will use them.
I would also like to know how it is possible to be racist against a bicycle! Why are we throwing that into a conversation about bike lanes?
I really wish someone would tell me why I work so hard, pay my taxes and then our government throws it all out the window. I’m pretty positive we have more important issues to address and spend our tax dollars on.
Susan
OPTIMISTIC
I am writing to you to express my support and optimism for Mississaugas bike lane plan. I am incredibly excited about the prospect of better biking infrastructure in Mississauga. Especially during summer months.
I would prefer to ride a bike for short trips (as would my wife, and friends), rather than driving and parking. This will lower congestion, as less people will have to drive, especially if they do it as their plan with the Eglinton Ave multi-use trail.
It is time for Mississauga to catch up to the rest of the world, and let people get around the way they seem best fit, to boost physical activity, reduce pollution, reduce cars on road, get everyone moving faster, including car drivers. It is the best investment Mississauga can make and backed by multiple studies.
Mekail Ali
