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Front Burner

Canada’s traffic is brutal. Can it be fixed?

Oct 23, 2024
21:57
Snipd AI
Jennifer Keesmaat, the former chief planner of Toronto and a leading voice on urban issues, dives into Canada's traffic crisis. She discusses the contentious debate over bike lanes, highlighting their potential to ease congestion versus governmental constraints. Keesmaat emphasizes the necessity of integrated urban planning and examines successful global strategies like congestion charges. She also addresses changing perceptions around cycling infrastructure, showcasing how cities can learn from examples like Montreal to create efficient urban transport systems.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Bicycle lanes, often blamed for traffic congestion, actually enhance urban mobility by reducing car dependency and promoting alternative transportation.
  • Urban sprawl driven by high housing costs leads to increased car reliance, exacerbating traffic issues and necessitating improved regional planning and public transit.

Deep dives

Bicycle Infrastructure as a Traffic Solution

Bicycle lanes are essential for providing viable transportation options in urban areas, yet they have been targeted as culprits contributing to traffic congestion. Critics argue that the real issue is the excessive number of cars on the roads, creating a lack of space in cities. Data supports that bike lanes enhance urban mobility without worsening traffic; numerous studies from cities like Portland and Amsterdam have shown that cycling promotes a more complex transportation network. The idea of induced demand further suggests that urban design directly influences transportation choices, meaning that improved bicycle infrastructure encourages more cycling and less reliance on cars.

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