LETTER

Gridlock or active transportation!

 

Finally a third lane on Lucerne (Lower road) . . . not!  

Having lived in Aylmer for over 15 years, I am happy to see the city’s interest in improving the development and modernization of downtown Aylmer. One cannot argue about the need for active transportation and encouraging Aylmerites to increase their daily exercise regime as suggested by Canada's physical activity guidelines.  Speaking as citizens of this city, it’s always great to be consulted.

I have also witnessed a decreased amount of greenspace in Aylmer, either due to city amalgamation or, simply, corporate greed.  What was once a great place to raise a family, play with our children in parks, use bike paths along the Ottawa River (on Lucerne), etc. has been replaced (by a larger city) with an inability to plan for the future of our Aylmer. For example, the increased traffic on Lucerne Blvd. since this past September has caused commuters to be backed up as far as the eye can see.  

An urban planner could have anticipated this urban sprawl by building infrastructure to support the hundreds of new builds in Aylmer -- by increasing transit routes and changing the three-person car pooling lanes to help move more people along on Aylmer’s busiest roadways.   These lanes should be restricted to vehicles carrying at least two people (several cities have adopted this policy and have had a reduction in traffic and roadside rage issues!)

No, the City has decided to build east and west bike lanes on Lucerne,  instead of a third car-pool lane!

My question is did anyone consult local bike users before making this decision? I doubt it. I can tell you that biking alongside bumper-to-bumper traffic and inhaling millions of toxic nanoparticles with each breath, and taking in five times the drivers and pedestrians on the same streets is not only unhealthy but linked to heart disease and long term respiratory problems.

What’s next, the creation of a fourth commuter lane for bikers on the Champlain Bridge? Where are your priorities Mr. Bégin, Mr. Fergus?

Dan Riendeau
Aylmer