Traffic congestion in Etobicoke has escalated into a pressing issue, with our major roads bearing the brunt of increasing busyness. Traditionally bustling routes such as Dundas, Burnhamthorpe, Islington, Lakeshore, and Kipling have seen a surge in traffic, now even roads like Bloor, Renforth, and Rathburn are now posing significant concerns for safety and smooth traffic flow.
According to the City of Toronto, addressing this escalating concern is the "Vision Zero Road Safety Plan," a comprehensive action plan designed to significantly reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Toronto's streets. This visionary plan places a strong emphasis on ensuring the safety of our most vulnerable road users and spans across seven key focus areas. The approach involves a broad spectrum of proactive, targeted, and data-driven initiatives, all aimed at making our roads safer for everyone.
For years, I have passionately advocated for safer pedestrian routes in Etobicoke, urging the city to prioritize pedestrian safety and enhance walkability. My focus has been on creating an environment where our children can embrace the healthy habit of walking or cycling to school without unnecessary risks. Regrettably, there has been minimal progress in terms of infrastructure improvements and since the tumultuous year of 2020, driver behavior has taken a turn for the worse. Vision Zero is not working here in Etobicoke or across the city as more and more people are getting hurt and many drivers are not focusing on the rules of the road.
Notably, even in the vicinity of schools, I've witnessed parents blatantly disregarding traffic rules while picking up their children, exacerbating an already significant problem. This issue has transcended the realm of a minor concern that school councils can tackle independently. It has now become a substantial community-wide challenge, necessitating collective input and action.
Addressing the complex nature of this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that encompasses various crucial aspects. This includes tackling inadequacies in infrastructure, addressing reckless driver behavior, promoting alternative modes of transportation, and ensuring the specific needs are met for our most vulnerable residents, particularly those with mobility challenges.
In the face of mounting traffic challenges and growing safety concerns, the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan stood as a beacon of hope when first brought to City Council, offering a strategic and comprehensive way forward. As we navigate through this issue collectively, it is imperative for us to remain informed and engaged, working collaboratively to ensure the effectiveness and success of these crucial road safety initiatives.
The issue of traffic safety and walkability in Etobicoke is a critical concern that demands our immediate attention and collaborative efforts. We cannot afford to overlook the safety of our residents, especially our children, as they navigate our community.
I invite you all to actively participate in this vital initiative. Your insights and observations about specific intersections and streets that worry you are invaluable. By sharing your concerns, you will play a crucial role in identifying the problem areas that require urgent attention and intervention. While the city may try to tell us where crosswalks and other materials are needed and when they are not; we as active users of our community have a lived-experience and knowledge that goes deeper than some policy books. If the city was an expert we would have more public washrooms and benches throughout the city!
Let's come together as a community to pinpoint these areas of concern. Your feedback will enable us to map out the issues comprehensively. In the early months of the 2024, The Etobicoke Voice aims to host its first online town hall where we can collectively address these challenges and explore potential solutions.
Your engagement is vital to effecting meaningful change. Reach out, share your thoughts, and help us build a safer and more accessible Etobicoke. Together, we can make a difference and create a community that prioritizes safety and inclusivity for all. Looking forward to hearing from you and collectively working towards a brighter, safer future.
Feel free to start the conversation here in the comments and please pass this post around to all your neighbours, family, and friends who share the concerns about Etobicoke roads!
This is just the start and updates will come regularly!