Comment 113229

By kevlahan (registered) | Posted July 31, 2015 at 12:45:45 in reply to Comment 113227

So are you trying to build consensus to have the two-way streets where you now live (Rolston, apparently) converted to one-way?

What is obvious is that the majority of people who love fast, multi-lane one way streets do not live on them, but feel they should have a veto over the reversion of streets like Queen, Bay or even Charlton and Herkimer. Just like the fellow from Dundas writing about the dangers of two-way streets and the desire to keep downtown streets one way and many other similar letters to the Spec from suburban residents supporting fast multi-lane one-way streets in other people's neighbourhoods.

If one-ways are so great why have no other parts of the city been treated to the Ward-1-3 style mass conversions? Why aren't all new subdivisions built with one way street networks? Because the residents don't like them.

In terms of 'quanitifying' the damage of fast multi-lane one way streets, this has been done numerous times on this very site, as you know. Fast multi-lane one way streets kill foot traffic (think Main St, Cannon St, James before reversion) which kills downtown businesses. It also lowers property values, and leads to a cycle of decay, neglect and demolition. I recently cited a Louisville KY example which quantifies the economic benefits of two-way reversion and this is why it is increasingly being used a tool of urban renewal.

Please don't keep asking the same questions over and over! You like fast multi-lane one way streets. Let's leave it at that.

The DNA has been working for two-way reversions for 40 years or so, with some success. And this includes engaging with those who disagree. Part of this engagement has been explaining in many town hall meetings the reasons why two way streets (ideally with no more than one lane in each direction and wide sidewalks, bike lanes and pedestrians crossings) make the streets safer and more comfortable for everyone, which is what residents want.

Remember that council approved a whole slate of two-way reversions over a decade ago: that was the result of engagement. They then refused to allocate any money or resources to implement them. That's called being passive aggressive ... it's nothing to do with citizen engagement.

Some people only care about driving fast with minimal need to pay attention, but very few people prefer to live on streets like that if they have the choice to change the street layout.

Comment edited by kevlahan on 2015-07-31 12:59:08

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