Here we go again. More bike lane drama–and it’s not the first time for the Ontario city of Brampton. The city council has voted to remove or alter bike lanes on three roads this year, sparking criticism from cycling advocates who argue the changes will make riding less safe.
Back in February, protected bike lanes were removed from a busy section of Howden Boulevard. That was after a council vote that passed almost unanimously. The lanes were to be replaced with…sharrows, according to InBrampton.
The importance of separated or protected bike lanes
And as we always say here on Canadian Cycling Magazine, paint ain’t infrastructure. Without clear separation, drivers can either drift into the lane–whether distracted or on purpose. Separated bike lanes are the only way to keep cyclists safe. The ultimate are protected or buffered ones–that’s when there’s a bit of grass in between. That makes it very difficult (although not impossible…) for drivers to veer into the lane.
The latest bike lane debacle in the city came on May 27, according to the Brampton Guardian.
Council approved removing bike lanes from Charolais Boulevard and restoring the road to four vehicle lanes.
The Brampton Guardian reported that a survey conducted by Wards 3 and 4 councillors Dennis Keenan and Martin Medeiros found most respondents opposed the lanes. The reason? Traffic congestion and limited use. Council has asked staff to explore alternative locations for the cycling infrastructure.
Another change came a week earlier when council approved turning part of the bike lane on Clockwork Drive into an urban shoulder. The move would allow on-street parking in the area while still leaving space that cyclists can use when vehicles aren’t parked there.
The changes have quite obviously drawn a whole lotta opposition from cyclists and active transportation advocates. An example is. Katarina Puljak, who wrote in a letter to the council. “I’m writing because I’m concerned about the continued removal of bike infrastructure in Brampton. Cyclists are ordinary people who use bikes to commute, get to work, run errands, and move around the city. Not just for recreation.”
What’s happening in Brampton is far from unique. Similar battles over cycling infrastructure have played out across Ontario, Quebec, B.C., the Prairies and the Maritimes. In city after city, debates continue between those pushing for more protected bike lanes and those who want projects scaled back or removed altogether.