Is the provincial government getting ready to remove bike lanes in Brampton?

Will bike lanes become a thing of the past in Brampton?

Many residents and cycling enthusiasts are surmising that based on a recent newsletter sent out by an MPP.

The questionnaire from Brampton Centre MPP Charmaine Williams highlights the steps the Ontario government is taking to relieve traffic congestion. One measure is to remove bike lanes along major roads.

Premier Doug Ford has already targeted bike lanes along major routes in Toronto but has yet to determine how to proceed in other Ontario towns and cities, including Brampton.

However, in her newsletter, Williams says she is looking for public input to help determine how the province will proceed:

“I have heard the many complaints made about bike lanes in Brampton like the ones on Vodden (Street) and Howden (Boulevard). I have seen the increase in commute times and the increased use of side road traffic on roads like Heath Street because of the reduction of the right turning lanes. I have heard frustration from the residents on Vodden who have lost their on-street parking in front of their homes for visitors. The congestion these lanes have caused has led to heightened frustration from many drivers.”

Questions posed in the newsletter include:

• Do you use bike lanes?
• Are there bike lanes in Brampton that you would like to see removed?
• Are the bike lanes impacting your commute?
• Which bike lanes would you like to see removed?
• What challenges have bike lanes caused you and your family?

It concludes by asking residents if they are happy with the direction that the Doug Ford government is taking on this matter.

Reaction on Reddit is predictably mixed with those pointing out both the problems and benefits of bike lanes.

Most of those who are critical say that many of the ones in place have been poorly planned in terms of design and location and that, in general, they are under utilized considering the problems it has created for car and truck traffic.

Those who are in favour of bike lanes also don’t seem to like the designs but point out that in general, the lanes are being used and that it will take time before the cycling culture takes hold and that they should remain.