Actually, our city is limiting more bikes

Some key facts have been overlooked or perhaps misunderstood about bikes on the Confederation LRT line.

The decision by city council was not to allow unlimited numbers of bikes on all wagons of the train at all times. Rather, it was to allow up to two bikes per train, only in one specified wagon (the far front one) and only entering one specified door. I suspect the general public was imagining the mayhem of bikes being loaded randomly, at all times on all wagons.

In fact, what was approved by council is even more restrictive than the current and long-standing situation on the “O -Train” Trillium Line. For more than a decade, cyclists have been welcome on the Trillium Line with no limits on time of day, nor a specified door or wagon.

There is no record of angry confrontation; rather, this has been going on without complaint. I do not expect that introducing two bicycles per train onto the Confederation Line under the strict conditions proposed will result in any worse behaviour or any more clashes.

OC Transpo staff will monitor how this is working and propose modifications.

Consider the original alternative: a rush hour ban. If a transit user wished to use a bicycle for their commute at any time between 6 and 9 a.m. or 3 and 6 p.m., they would have had to leave their bicycle at the station where they entered. Should they wish to finish their commute on a bicycle at the other end, they would need to have another bicycle locked and waiting there.

The end result could be dozens and perhaps hundreds of additional bicycles in need of safe and secure racks at every station. That would be physically impossible, expensive and completely unnecessary. I have faith in the good citizens of Ottawa to share space amicably.

David Chernushenko, councillor, Capital Ward