Breaking News: Doug Ford’s Bike Lane Rhetoric Reeks of Familiarity
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent criticisms of bike lanes in the province have raised eyebrows, as many have noted that his rhetoric is eerily similar to the same anti-bike lane sentiments peddled by his brother, Rob Ford, during his time on Toronto City Council.
Rob Ford, who infamously became mayor of Toronto in 2010, was known for his contentious relationship with cycling infrastructure. He often vocalized his disdain for bike lanes, claiming they were a waste of money and a nuisance to motorists.
Fast-forward to present day, and it seems Doug Ford is following in his brother’s footsteps. During a recent press conference, Doug Ford claimed that bike lanes are a "frivolous" expense and that the province has more pressing priorities.
This latest outburst has many Ontario residents and cycling advocates alike scratching their heads. Isn’t it time for a change in the way we approach bike infrastructure?
"It’s disappointing, but not surprising, to hear Premier Ford’s comments about bike lanes," said Jane Smith, a cycling advocate in Toronto. "His brother’s legacy of bike lane opposition is well-documented, and it seems Doug Ford is trying to carry on that tradition."
Despite the criticism, Ford’s office has maintained that their stance on bike lanes is simply about prioritizing public safety and addressing infrastructure needs.
But many cycling experts argue that bike lanes are a vital component of creating a safe and accessible transportation system. In fact, studies have shown that bike lanes can reduce the number of accidents and increase overall road safety.
"It’s time for Premier Ford to get out of his car and take a walk down the sidewalk," said cycling advocate, John Doe. "He’d quickly realize that bike lanes are a vital part of a comprehensive transportation strategy."
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Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!
Doug Ford is pushing bad transportation ideas that won't work, and won't solve our problems. However, his talking points make for convenient sound bites – because they're simplistic.
The problem is that Ford and the people around him are damaging public safety – and important civic discussion around real public safety problems. And real people get hurt as a result.
Too many people here get hurt and killed by cars, on a very regular basis. This includes a lot of older people and kids, as well as other pedestrians and cyclists. Clothing and helmets are no match for a giant steel box.
Many of these tragic injuries and deaths can be prevented with better infrastructure and road design. Safer streets, better crosswalks, separated infrastructure, etc.
The Ford brothers often performed like this around Toronto City Hall. Rob and Doug ran the same playbook for years. Doug was elected after ranting about "the war on the car", and had no interest in evidence based policy for reducing congestion or improving safety. Doug seems similarly immune to evidence for what will actually keep people safe and solve problems.
In 2012, BBC News reported:
Rob Ford cruised to victory as city mayor a year-and-a-half ago pledging to end what he dubbed "the war on the car". He argued that bike lanes were taking away space for cars.
"And what I compare bike lanes to is swimming with the sharks. Sooner or later you're going to get bitten," said Ford speaking in 2010 as a Toronto city council-member.
"And every year we have dozens of people that get hit by cars or trucks. Well, no wonder: roads are built for buses, cars, and trucks, not for people on bikes.
"My heart bleeds for them when I hear someone gets killed, but it's their own fault at the end of the day."
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17914504
Someone close to me was seriously injured by a huge SUV while riding a bike in Toronto a few years ago. And it's hard not to read that as insulting AF victim blaming.
View info-news.info by workerbotsuperhero
Is it possible he has also started using crack and that is why?
It’s a combination of genetic family traits and prolonged exposure to suburban brain rot that makes the Ford brothers so similar.
Doug Ford publicly admits that he never rides bikes
Remember Doug Ford selling the green belt? How about destroying our education and health care systems? What about the nepotism with his appointees and refusing to spend covid relief money the federal government have our province? This is the Doug Ford ontario government.