Dear editor
I was surprised by the negative reaction of drivers in Ottawa to Ontario’s new law requiring that drivers give cyclists one metre of room when passing. This seems like common sense and good manners. Some drivers are complaining that cyclists are using roads they think they paid for with fuel taxes.
Drivers who think this need a reality check. A 2008 Transport Canada study showed that all the gas taxes, fuel fees, licence fees and vehicle charges cover barely one-third of the $40.4 billion spent at that time on road building and maintenance. The figures for that year are typical.
The rest of the money comes from general tax revenue. People who don’t own cars and who would probably rather see better public transit and bike lanes are subsidizing drivers and cars with their tax money. If anyone is getting a free ride, it is drivers.
Of course, cyclists should obey the rules of the road. Most do. How many drivers never exceed the speed limit?
Ish Theilheimer,
Golden Lake
Co-chair, Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance
