Cimino critical of Ministry of Transportation

The Ministry of Transportation must challenge the cars-first culture that remains entrenched within Ontario’s transportation planning profession, said Sudbury MPP and NDP Transportation critic Joe Cimino in a release.

Cimino was responding to a letter from the Ontario Public Health Association that was critical of weak provisions for pedestrians proposed for the latest update of the Ontario Traffic Manual.

“In 2012, Ontario’s Chief Coroner said all pedestrian and cycling deaths in Ontario can be prevented, but we need to move towards a complete streets philosophy of transportation planning that makes room for all road users, not just cars,” said Cimino.

“But as a councillor and now as an MPP, I have seen how the transportation planning profession often still clings to a ‘cars-first’ culture that treats pedestrians and cyclists as second-class citizens. It is up to the Minister of Transportation to show leadership and challenge this culture, but so far he has been AWOL here.”

The complete streets philosophy pushes for roads that are designed for all ages, abilities, and modes of travel.

Complete streets should allow safe and comfortable access for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users, even if they have impaired mobility.

The Ontario Traffic Manual is a 22-volume set of guidelines that serve as the primary design manual for transportation professionals in the province.

The manual is regularly updated, but consultations during the review process are generally limited to within the profession and a few select stakeholders.

The Ministry of Transportation is currently reviewing Book 15, dealing with pedestrian crossings.

“Despite the Coroner’s recommendations, the term ‘complete streets’ is nowhere to be found in the latest guidelines,” said Cimino. “If the government is serious about pedestrian safety, the government needs to tell its transportation experts that the days of ‘cars first’ are over.”