Every now and then I check to see what Gil Penelosa has been doing since he led an enthusiastic community meeting in Thunder Bay in the spring of 2010.
Mr. Penelosa was in our city as a guest of the Active Transportation Committee to share his insights into active, healthy living.
I was at the meeting and I saw Mayor Hobbs among the crowd along with a few councillors. I took notes but I’m not sure anybody else was listening.
That’s unfortunate because he clearly and specifically explained how to support cyclists and pedestrians in our community.
Mr. Penelosa is based in Toronto as executive director of 8-80 Cities, an organization that promotes active transportation in enlightened cities around the world.
His good advice came to mind recently when the Ontario government released its draft cycling strategy for the province.
The plan contains many lofty goals and objectives but I wonder if Mr. Penelosa and his organization were consulted.
His message hasn’t changed much since he spoke in Thunder Bay but his approach is now more direct and to the point.
When he visits the world’s greatest cities he is often very critical of his hosts.
When he spoke at a conference on urban cycling last year in Vancouver he pointed a few fingers.
He urged delegates to take bold steps, not timid, ineffective measures like the steps recently taken by the city of Calgary and several other municipalities.
In those cities, lines are painted on the roads to keep cyclists safe and to promote active transportation.
Mr. Penelosa says that half measures such as these often do more harm than good.
He was referring to what he calls the “niceties” of cycling – painted lines, fancy signs and a fresh coat every spring – which is costly, frustrating and according to some, downright dangerous.
Research shows that if you mix pedestrians with bicycles, the walkers get hurt. If your bicycles mix with automobiles, cyclists get hurt.
A painted line on asphalt offers little protection for a cyclist from a speeding motorist and it will not protect a pedestrian from an out-of-control cyclist.
As Mr. Penelosa emphasized when he was here, roads, bike paths and walking trails must be physically separated to avoid collisions and make active transportation more attractive.
Unfortunately this long-term strategy is a big expense when cities like Thunder Bay are facing huge infrastructure deficits.
But according to 8-80 Cities, if we aren’t committed to more effective long-term solutions, the money would best be spent elsewhere.
Don’t even bother mixing the paint.
We should stop building cities as if everyone was 30 years old and athletic. It should be easy and safe for school age children to walk or bike to school and home again.
Seniors in our city shouldn’t have to worry about avoiding collisions and injuries. They aren’t as nimble as those 40-year-olds speeding by in spandex body suits.
If our streets are safe for eight-year-old kids as well as 80-year-old seniors, they will be safe for everyone.
That’s what 8-80 Cities means.
Ontario’s new strategy aims to promote cycling as a recognized, respected and valued mode of transportation for all ages.
No problem there.
However, this will require a huge shift in attitude and behavior.
Active transportation is good for the environment, promotes personal health and well-being and provides economic opportunities.
But in cities where the automobile is king, walking and cycling are dangerous prospects.
It takes more than painted lines to make streets safe and inviting.
It might be time to invite Gil Penelosa back to Thunder Bay. Maybe this time somebody will be listening.
