In most of Canada right now, it’s cold. (Yes, B.C., we’re aware of your mild temps and liquid sunshine, but the rest of us are freezing our tuchus off.)
Riding through Canada’s frigid winters can be tough but not impossible. The key challenge is finding the right gear to stay warm. Layering is essential, and it’s crucial to have items that block the wind. Toronto mayor Olivia Chow, a passionate cycling advocate who doesn’t even own a car, recently rode to work on a very cold day, proving it can be done. She also shared her clothing choices for staying warm.
On her first day in office, Chow was joined by a large group of cyclists supporting their bike-friendly mayor. She won the by-election on June 26, 2023, following the resignation of former mayor John Tory.
Threats to the future of bike lanes
Now, Chow faces a significant challenge for Toronto’s bike lanes after Premier Doug Ford’s government passed legislation in late 2024 requiring provincial approval before installing bike lanes that reduce vehicle lanes. Bill 212 also gives the province the power to remove bike lanes on three of Toronto’s busiest streets, a move strongly opposed by cycling advocates.
Cycling advocates have protested the bill, formerly called the “Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act.” The province argues that removing bike lanes will ease congestion, citing outdated data claiming bike commuters “clog primary roads” for 70 per cent of drivers. However, a Toronto poll shows that 10 per centof residents commute by bike, while 70 per cent use bikes for recreation or errands. Critics argue the 1.2 per cent figure is misleading, as it includes areas without cycling infrastructure, and propose reallocating bike lane removal funds to urgent needs like hospital wait times and transit improvements.
Charter challenge to the bill
Chow has vowed to fight the ruling. Recently, CycleToronto launched a Charter challenge against the bill, delaying any lane removals until at least March.
Chow has been vocal against the bill from the start, stating, “I do not support limiting city powers. It’s always better when we work together to get things right. To tackle congestion and keep people safe on city roads, we need all types of transportation. The Province should focus on their job of finally getting the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRTs open, which will have a huge impact on congestion in our…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…