Liz
@lizofottawa.bsky.social
she/her 🏳️🌈
Ottawa-based pedestrian and transit rider. Mostly here to complain about OC Transpo and car dependency.
(Was lizabeenthere on the other app)
Ottawa-based pedestrian and transit rider. Mostly here to complain about OC Transpo and car dependency.
(Was lizabeenthere on the other app)
Reposted by Liz
Bill 60 means that we will not be able to add cycle tracks to Albert and Slater Street or extend the O’Connor bike lane to Wellington Street. It’s an absurd overreach by the Ford government that will make all road users less safe and waste millions. I hate it here.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Ottawa says new provincial bill likely kills at least 3 bike lane projects | CBC News
New provincial legislation prohibiting how municipalities can build bike lanes means three projects in Ottawa likely can't move forward and others will get more expensive, according to a city report.
www.cbc.ca
November 27, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Bill 60 means that we will not be able to add cycle tracks to Albert and Slater Street or extend the O’Connor bike lane to Wellington Street. It’s an absurd overreach by the Ford government that will make all road users less safe and waste millions. I hate it here.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Liz
We design roads for speed. And we get speed. Want better results? Design better.
This is the product of a failed design process.
@brenttoderian.bsky.social
@thewaroncars.bsky.social
@tomflood.bsky.social
This is the product of a failed design process.
@brenttoderian.bsky.social
@thewaroncars.bsky.social
@tomflood.bsky.social
Driver caught at 133 km/h over limit on Ottawa's 'Limebank Raceway' ottawacitizen.com/news/driver-...
November 27, 2025 at 1:38 AM
We design roads for speed. And we get speed. Want better results? Design better.
This is the product of a failed design process.
@brenttoderian.bsky.social
@thewaroncars.bsky.social
@tomflood.bsky.social
This is the product of a failed design process.
@brenttoderian.bsky.social
@thewaroncars.bsky.social
@tomflood.bsky.social
Reposted by Liz
A sad day for cyclists. Bill 60 - which prohibits the conversion of motor vehicle lanes to bike lanes (or any other prescribed purpose) - has passed Third Reading this morning which will kill various cycling projects in Toronto & across Ontario. #shame #BikeTO #BikeSky #TOpoli #ONpoli #VisionZero
November 24, 2025 at 5:39 PM
The TLDR: they expanded off-peak and on-demand service, and it worked. When transit is a reliable and efficient option, people use it!
Plante roughly saying 'everyone's in the same boat with Transit having trouble' and that she couldn't find any cities that are successfully recovering.
15 second Google.
globalnews.ca/news/9477981...
15 second Google.
globalnews.ca/news/9477981...
Bus ridership on Edmonton Transit returns to pre-pandemic levels: city - Edmonton | Globalnews.ca
Edmonton bus ridership reached 100 per cent of 2019 pre-pandemic levels in January 2023, averaging 1.2 million rides per week, the city said.
globalnews.ca
November 24, 2025 at 10:38 PM
The TLDR: they expanded off-peak and on-demand service, and it worked. When transit is a reliable and efficient option, people use it!
@octranspo.com: hmm our ridership numbers keep dropping, how do we fix that? Such a difficult problem
Also @octranspo.com: this should do the trick!
#Autowa #OttTransit
🤦♀️
Also @octranspo.com: this should do the trick!
#Autowa #OttTransit
🤦♀️
OC Transpo is missing its reliability targets, but fares are still set to rise ottawacitizen.com/news/oc-tran...
November 24, 2025 at 10:35 PM
@octranspo.com: hmm our ridership numbers keep dropping, how do we fix that? Such a difficult problem
Also @octranspo.com: this should do the trick!
#Autowa #OttTransit
🤦♀️
Also @octranspo.com: this should do the trick!
#Autowa #OttTransit
🤦♀️
Reposted by Liz
That's all? Do it. Do it immediately. That is a hot hot deal!
Extending OC Transpo transfer window could cost nearly $1 million, staff say
Extending OC Transpo transfer window could cost nearly $1 million, staff say
Extending the OC Transpo transfer window an additional 30 minutes would cost Ottawa’s transit service nearly $1 million in lost revenue, according to staff.
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 12:05 PM
That's all? Do it. Do it immediately. That is a hot hot deal!
Today while crossing Bank and Somerset, there was a car sitting halfway into the crosswalk. A visually-impaired pedestrian using a cane nearly walked into it. Seriously drivers, stop behind the stop line. Yes, even if you're waiting to turn right (oh look, another reason to ban RToR!) #Autowa
November 22, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Today while crossing Bank and Somerset, there was a car sitting halfway into the crosswalk. A visually-impaired pedestrian using a cane nearly walked into it. Seriously drivers, stop behind the stop line. Yes, even if you're waiting to turn right (oh look, another reason to ban RToR!) #Autowa
Reposted by Liz
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
Closing Central Madrid To Cars Resulted In 9.5% Boost To Retail Spending, Finds Bank Analysis
City of Madrid significantly boosted the takings of its shops and restaurants last Christmas by banning cars from the CBD, finds an analysis by Spain's second largest bank.
www.forbes.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
Why hasn't @helps.octranspo.com announced this? There are still significant delays on Line 1 (because, as this article explains, repairs won't happen until tonight), but OC Transpo's last message says the issue is "resolved with minor delays" #OttTransit @octranspo.com @occtranspo.bsky.social
O-Train Line 1 service down to single track due to wire system 'defect' ottawacitizen.com/news/o-train...
November 21, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Why hasn't @helps.octranspo.com announced this? There are still significant delays on Line 1 (because, as this article explains, repairs won't happen until tonight), but OC Transpo's last message says the issue is "resolved with minor delays" #OttTransit @octranspo.com @occtranspo.bsky.social
Reposted by Liz
With the world heating up [and more pedestrians being killed], why are more SUVs being sold?
“It’s the industry that has driven the demand through huge marketing & advertising campaigns in recent years. SUVs offered the industry a simple way of charging more for a vehicle that does the same thing.”
“It’s the industry that has driven the demand through huge marketing & advertising campaigns in recent years. SUVs offered the industry a simple way of charging more for a vehicle that does the same thing.”
With the world heating up, why are more SUVs being sold?
Despite dire predictions of climate breakdown, more Sports Utility Vehicles are being spotted on, and off, the roads.
www.bbc.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:09 AM
With the world heating up [and more pedestrians being killed], why are more SUVs being sold?
“It’s the industry that has driven the demand through huge marketing & advertising campaigns in recent years. SUVs offered the industry a simple way of charging more for a vehicle that does the same thing.”
“It’s the industry that has driven the demand through huge marketing & advertising campaigns in recent years. SUVs offered the industry a simple way of charging more for a vehicle that does the same thing.”
Reposted by Liz
Traffic deaths are policy choices.
“Helsinki hasn’t registered a single traffic-related fatality in the past year…Citing data that shows the risk of pedestrian fatality is cut in half by reducing a car’s speed from 40 to 30km/hr, city officials imposed the lower limit in most of Helsinki’s residential areas & city center in 2021.”
Helsinki just went a full year without a single traffic death
The capital city is Finnish’ed with car-related fatalities.
www.politico.eu
November 17, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Traffic deaths are policy choices.
With speed cameras gone, we can't rely on manual speed monitoring from police. Roads need to be redesigned to promote safe speeds. Lower speeds limits, banning RToR, raised crossings, curb extensions, trees, signal progression, and other infrastructure can help keep pedestrians and cyclists safe.
New local traffic safety programs are being rolled out, and you will see more officers enforcing the rules with tickets and demerit points to keep our streets safe.
Please do not speed. Drive responsibly. Our families, our schools, and our neighbours deserve safe roads every single day.
-
Please do not speed. Drive responsibly. Our families, our schools, and our neighbours deserve safe roads every single day.
-
November 17, 2025 at 10:29 PM
With speed cameras gone, we can't rely on manual speed monitoring from police. Roads need to be redesigned to promote safe speeds. Lower speeds limits, banning RToR, raised crossings, curb extensions, trees, signal progression, and other infrastructure can help keep pedestrians and cyclists safe.
Reposted by Liz
Just because a street has sidewalks, that doesn't automatically make it a nice place to walk.
This is in Downtown Atlanta. I guess it's "walkable" but why would you want to? Truly walkable places need the presence of great land use & the absence of car-oriented sludge.
This is in Downtown Atlanta. I guess it's "walkable" but why would you want to? Truly walkable places need the presence of great land use & the absence of car-oriented sludge.
November 17, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Just because a street has sidewalks, that doesn't automatically make it a nice place to walk.
This is in Downtown Atlanta. I guess it's "walkable" but why would you want to? Truly walkable places need the presence of great land use & the absence of car-oriented sludge.
This is in Downtown Atlanta. I guess it's "walkable" but why would you want to? Truly walkable places need the presence of great land use & the absence of car-oriented sludge.
Reposted by Liz
One year, 4,464 calls, 92% required no police intervention. The Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) in Centretown is sending the right people to help in cases of mental health or substance use crises. It represents the de-tasking of police and it works.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Centretown crisis response team handled thousands of calls in its 1st year, report shows | CBC News
Launched in August 2024, the Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) team responded to 4,464 calls in its first year, according to numbers in a new city report. The pilot program aims to pr...
www.cbc.ca
November 16, 2025 at 1:43 PM
One year, 4,464 calls, 92% required no police intervention. The Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) in Centretown is sending the right people to help in cases of mental health or substance use crises. It represents the de-tasking of police and it works.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Liz
There are two speed cameras on Walkley Rd between Bank and St Laurent that were installed in 2024. In 2022 that stretch of Walkley had 34 collisions with injuries. In 2024, after the cameras were turned on, there were just 4 collisions with injuries. Speed cameras work.
November 14, 2025 at 7:01 PM
There are two speed cameras on Walkley Rd between Bank and St Laurent that were installed in 2024. In 2022 that stretch of Walkley had 34 collisions with injuries. In 2024, after the cameras were turned on, there were just 4 collisions with injuries. Speed cameras work.
Reposted by Liz
I've filtered Ottawa's traffic collision data to show only collisions with injuries for each year, and then added the speed camera locations present in those years.
It looks like speed cameras have made the roads much safer.
It looks like speed cameras have made the roads much safer.
November 15, 2025 at 1:34 AM
I've filtered Ottawa's traffic collision data to show only collisions with injuries for each year, and then added the speed camera locations present in those years.
It looks like speed cameras have made the roads much safer.
It looks like speed cameras have made the roads much safer.
Reposted by Liz
One of the strategic failures of #OttCity Road Safety Action Plan is the lack of communications about where speed camera revenues are spent.
I got the list via #ATIP. Here are some projects that were only made possible because of these revenues. Full data at tinyurl.com/4brrmh9j
#Rideau-Jock
I got the list via #ATIP. Here are some projects that were only made possible because of these revenues. Full data at tinyurl.com/4brrmh9j
#Rideau-Jock
November 11, 2025 at 5:50 PM
One of the strategic failures of #OttCity Road Safety Action Plan is the lack of communications about where speed camera revenues are spent.
I got the list via #ATIP. Here are some projects that were only made possible because of these revenues. Full data at tinyurl.com/4brrmh9j
#Rideau-Jock
I got the list via #ATIP. Here are some projects that were only made possible because of these revenues. Full data at tinyurl.com/4brrmh9j
#Rideau-Jock
Reposted by Liz
Here’s something that’s really important for everyone to understand.
If we design our cities just for cars, they fail everyone, including drivers.
If we design our cities with many great CHOICES in how to get around, they work better for everyone, including drivers.
Spread the word.
If we design our cities just for cars, they fail everyone, including drivers.
If we design our cities with many great CHOICES in how to get around, they work better for everyone, including drivers.
Spread the word.
November 15, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Here’s something that’s really important for everyone to understand.
If we design our cities just for cars, they fail everyone, including drivers.
If we design our cities with many great CHOICES in how to get around, they work better for everyone, including drivers.
Spread the word.
If we design our cities just for cars, they fail everyone, including drivers.
If we design our cities with many great CHOICES in how to get around, they work better for everyone, including drivers.
Spread the word.
Reposted by Liz
Highways/Freeways are good for connecting far flung places to each other. Running them through cities/neighborhoods was one of the worst ideas of the 20th century -
November 14, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Highways/Freeways are good for connecting far flung places to each other. Running them through cities/neighborhoods was one of the worst ideas of the 20th century -
Reposted by Liz
When a vulnerable road user is killed, saying ‘everyone has a role in safety’ is just code for dodging responsibility. People walking aren’t the ones killing anyone. Drivers and the city need to step up - full stop.
Turn your thoughts in to action and keep vulnerable road users safe.
Turn your thoughts in to action and keep vulnerable road users safe.
#HamOnt Please see my Statement regarding the tragic incident regarding a City of Hamilton Crossing Guard today.
November 14, 2025 at 11:43 AM
When a vulnerable road user is killed, saying ‘everyone has a role in safety’ is just code for dodging responsibility. People walking aren’t the ones killing anyone. Drivers and the city need to step up - full stop.
Turn your thoughts in to action and keep vulnerable road users safe.
Turn your thoughts in to action and keep vulnerable road users safe.
Reposted by Liz
With all of the talk about Lansdowne 2.0, and improving transit access to the location, this is the perfect opportunity to get fully dedicated 24/7 bus lanes, not just during "peak" hours.
Delays for buses are almost constant throughout the day.
strongtownsottawa.ca/2025/11/08/a...
#Ottawa #Bank
Delays for buses are almost constant throughout the day.
strongtownsottawa.ca/2025/11/08/a...
#Ottawa #Bank
November 8, 2025 at 4:50 PM
With all of the talk about Lansdowne 2.0, and improving transit access to the location, this is the perfect opportunity to get fully dedicated 24/7 bus lanes, not just during "peak" hours.
Delays for buses are almost constant throughout the day.
strongtownsottawa.ca/2025/11/08/a...
#Ottawa #Bank
Delays for buses are almost constant throughout the day.
strongtownsottawa.ca/2025/11/08/a...
#Ottawa #Bank
Reposted by Liz
Some polling was done for Lansdowne 2.0, lo and behold the top issue for people polled was improving transportation to Lansdowne. What better way to provide better access to Lansdowne than safe, dedicated 24/7 bus lanes?
strongtownsottawa.ca/2025/09/25/t...
#Lansdowne #Ottawa #busLanes
strongtownsottawa.ca/2025/09/25/t...
#Lansdowne #Ottawa #busLanes
October 31, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Some polling was done for Lansdowne 2.0, lo and behold the top issue for people polled was improving transportation to Lansdowne. What better way to provide better access to Lansdowne than safe, dedicated 24/7 bus lanes?
strongtownsottawa.ca/2025/09/25/t...
#Lansdowne #Ottawa #busLanes
strongtownsottawa.ca/2025/09/25/t...
#Lansdowne #Ottawa #busLanes
Reposted by Liz
TIL that the ability for cars to turn right on a red light was an attempt to ‘save fuel’ during the 70s oil crisis—which it doesn’t actually do.
The result: There are people who are dead today who would otherwise be alive and healthy.
And many of those people were drivers turning right on a red.
The result: There are people who are dead today who would otherwise be alive and healthy.
And many of those people were drivers turning right on a red.
Right Turn of Death | Creator Network | A Film by The Greater Discussions
YouTube video by CBC British Columbia
youtu.be
November 1, 2025 at 3:31 AM
TIL that the ability for cars to turn right on a red light was an attempt to ‘save fuel’ during the 70s oil crisis—which it doesn’t actually do.
The result: There are people who are dead today who would otherwise be alive and healthy.
And many of those people were drivers turning right on a red.
The result: There are people who are dead today who would otherwise be alive and healthy.
And many of those people were drivers turning right on a red.
Reposted by Liz
I'm going to repeat my comment. We have had a lot of stopped trains since tunnel curve track replacement. We learned in LRT inquiry that minor track misadjustments cause axle issues which cause stopped trains. Do you see where I'm headed?
🚇Line 1 Alert: Due to a stopped train:
⚠️ Service is operating on the eastbound platforms only at the following stations:
➡️ Cyrville & St-Laurent
➡️ Change trains at St-Laurent
1/2
⚠️ Service is operating on the eastbound platforms only at the following stations:
➡️ Cyrville & St-Laurent
➡️ Change trains at St-Laurent
1/2
October 31, 2025 at 10:24 PM
I'm going to repeat my comment. We have had a lot of stopped trains since tunnel curve track replacement. We learned in LRT inquiry that minor track misadjustments cause axle issues which cause stopped trains. Do you see where I'm headed?
Reposted by Liz
Yes, speed cameras work.
September 25, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Yes, speed cameras work.