Parking Restrictions

Photo Courtesy of Spacing Magazine

In London England, the Times Online has just reported that new cycle lane cameras will be installed and drivers who stray into cycle lanes will be fined 120pounds.

In Toronto, it is not legal for drivers to stop or idle in bike lanes, but this law is not enforced and many still do it. So, everyday as I cycle around the streets of Toronto, I am frequently forced to veer out into the vehicular traffic lane, risk getting hit or caught in a street car track.

The 2007 Bike Plan promises to increase the number of bike lanes from the current 69 to 467. This is better than not doing anything at all (if you believe this will happen). There is however no indication that the city will put any effort on improving the safety of existing lanes. Now I understand why many people refuse to bike despite the number of pro cycling arguments. I always believed in the saying " if you provide it, they will come". In this case, if you provide a cycling infrasture that does not allow for a safe integration between cars and bikes, they will not come.