Car-free Sundays: Could they work here?

The Toronto Star published this article – and it couldn’t have been more timely.

You may already be familiar with Gil Penalosa of Walk and Bike for Life that was stationed in Port Credit. Just a few months ago, the organization has been re-branded as 8-80 Cities.  If you have ever had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Penalosa speak, you would recognize that new name as the 8/80 Rule that encapsulates his philosophy of street design: Would you send an 8 year old that you love along with an 80 year old you love on a walk, or a bike ride on the existing infrastructure? If you would, then it is safe enough, if you would not, then it is not safe enough. A growing number of world renowned cities have taken this to heart.

There are signs of interest from Toronto and Hamilton for the Car-free Sundays concept. Despite its decades of car-dependent thinking, Mississauga is opening its arms to “complete” streets. Mississauga is being renewed. This isn’t just a theory. Take a look at the construction in downtown Mississauga led by the Downtown21 Master Plan. Close to the hearts of the current and future cyclists in Mississauga is the upcoming launch of the Mississauga Cycling Master Plan.

Except from the Toronto Star article: “This concept, which involves closing certain streets to make the paved space available for walking and cycling, has been slower to thrive here than in some places. In New York and Guadalajara, Mexico, the idea of Sunday ciclovias, a tradition in Bogota since the 1970s, has been embraced and modified to fit the landscape and residents. With the support of the Ontario minister of health promotion, Margarett Best, 8-80 Cities is pushing for more car-free Sundays in the Toronto region. And there are small signs of interest.”

Even just two years ago the resistance to such an idea of closing a stretch of street to cars for a day would have been too great in Mississauga. Now we are witnessing an awakening that can make this a reality. Thanks to the persistent work of 8-80 Cities (Walk and Bike For Life), passionate citizens who take the time to get involved, the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee,  and the city and regional staff members who work diligently to improve the quality of life of the residents.