People want to get rid of bike lanes in Brampton: councillor

Brampton needs better planning for adding more bike lanes, a local councillor has suggested.

Brampton Ward 7/8 Councillor Rod Power posted a letter stating his support for the province’s stance on adding more bike lanes.

Last week, Brampton MP and Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the province is considering new rules for future bike lanes. Ontario towns and cities could soon need provincial approval for bike lanes.

Power supports this plan, stating he hears a lot of complaints about bike lanes in Brampton.

“One of the biggest complaints I heard at the doors of residents, was get rid of the bike lanes,” Power said in a post on Instagram.

Recently, Power sent a letter to residents outlining his position on the subject. In the letter, Power said he supports initiatives that promote health, safety and environmental sustainability but he has concerns about bike lanes in some areas of the city.

There are several proposals for bike lanes listed on the City of Brampton website.

Power said he opposes some bike lanes due to traffic congestion concerns, parking for businesses, and the cost of construction and maintaining bike lanes.

“There are other pressing infrastructure needs in our community, like expanding out transit options, “Power said.

He also said there are concerns about the limited use of bike lanes.

People had varying opinions on Power’s stance in a post on the Brampton sub-Reddit.

Some suggested Power is just trying to appeal to a certain political base and those frustrated with traffic congestion.

“It’s just low hanging fruit for a voter base afraid of change,” one person wrote.

The cost of living makes bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters a more economical choice, the person argued.

Another person said the use of the bike lanes shouldn’t be a reason not to create the lanes.

“Limited usage shouldn’t be a factor for being against. If you don’t provide opportunities, it will never happen,” they said.

Still others suggested the need for good planning and including factors such as space for parcel delivery and Uber drivers.

“I’m not against cycling, but we shouldn’t add bike lanes without careful planning,” one person said.

 

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A post shared by Rod Power (@rodpowerbrampton)

Lead photo: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine