Tax increases versus number of cyclists

Matt Hopkins claims bicyclists don’t need insurance because amongst thousands of motorists; one hit a pedestrian and sped away (Herald letters, Aug. 14).

The Supreme Court ruling that audible signals have to be installed at floating bus stops because cyclists won’t stop for pedestrians is a massive drain on tax dollars and speaks for itself.

For months we read many columns and letters from Mr. Hopkins on why we should have bike lanes. I don’t recall denigrating comments on Hopkins for his opinions.

My few letters presenting the other side seems to be a problem for Mr. Hopkins. Other writers have received denigrating comments also. Those that resort to name calling at someone’s opposing viewpoint usually do so because their arguments are weak and lack validity.

The Consumer Tax Index tracking the total tax bill of the average Canadian from 1961 to 2020 including all types of taxes shows increases of 1,992% since 1961.

Taxes have grown more rapidly than any other single expenditure for the average Canadian family: Shelter increased by 1,671%; Clothing 629%: Food 767% from 1961 to 2020.

The 1,992% increase in the tax bill has also outpaced the increase in the Consumer Price Index (773%), which measures the average price that consumers pay for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, health and personal care, education etc.

The average Canadian family now spends more of its income on taxes (36.4%) than it does on basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing combined (35.4%). By comparison, 33.5% of the average family’s income went to pay taxes in 1961 while 56.5% went to basic necessities.

In 2020, the average Canadian family earned an income of $96,333 and paid total taxes equaling $35,047 (36.4%). In 1961, the average family had an income of $5,000 and paid a total tax bill of $1,675 (33.5%).

Let’s generously say there are 5,000 cyclists in Penticton. That brings the tax bill to $6,400 per bicyclist. It is likely half that number or less with costs rising to $12,800.

I don’t include tourists or satellite communities. One lady in Naramata thinks we should spend these tax dollars so she can ride in Penticton with her friends. An environmentalist on the West Bench thinks also wants these bike lanes.

I would suggest these ladies lobby their area director within the RDOS to pay their share of this tax bill.

Elvena Slump Penticton