Dying to Drive

Eglinton and Scarlett, by Vic
So far in 2007 there have been 73 murders in Toronto, and 42 traffic fatalities. But what you might be surprised to learn is that when the year is done, more than 440 people will have died because of traffic pollution.

That's the assertion made by Toronto's Medical Officer of Health David McKeown in a new report released yesterday. The report goes on to estimate that a 30% reduction in vehicle emissions would save about 190 lives and save 900 million dollars in health care costs.

Would you drive less to save 190 people?

Walking and cycling, and creating infrastructure to encourage people to use these modes of transportation are encouraged by the report.

Some of the suggestions in the report related to cycling include:

• Enabling safer year-round cycling through snow removal on bike routes and lanes
• Completing the 1,000 km of bike lanes in the Toronto Bike Plan
• More and higher security bike parking at work places and other destinations and better integration with public transit for longer trips

Think walking, riding your bike, or public transit instead before hopping in your car for each trip. Its for the air we all breathe. You'll also get fitter, save money, and feel more connected with your city.

With the right infrastructure, you can feel comfortable doing so, and save time bypassing congestion.

Bypassing downtown congestion, photo by Martin