Readers of this blog know that I support building a great network of bike lanes in Toronto, a network that enhances the city without creating traffic chaos. I thought the idea of bike lanes on University Ave was destined for disaster. Let’s run the bike lanes on smaller downtown streets and emphasize cars on the main arteries. The experiment isn’t going to happen though – at least not for a while – because the idea has been defeated at City Council.

What’s interesting about this particular vote is that the motion was defeated because Councillor Paula Fletcher pressed the wrong button. You just can’t make this stuff up. Not only do we have to worry that our Councillors take positions that are good for the city, it seems we also have to worry that they manage to work out how to vote for the position they support.

I’ve mentioned before in this space that I think the more new Councillors we get at City Hall after the next election, the healthier it will be for Toronto.  Am I being too sweeping here? If so, tell me which Councillors you think should be returned to office and why. I’m open for an education on this.

A recent comment  suggested we need a smaller council. Yesterday, 28 votes were cast for the bike lane motion, but we have 44 Councillors + the Mayor. Where were the missing 16 Councillors? Perhaps attendance at Council should be taken and published in the newspapers? I don’t know if it is normal for there to be so many Councillors missing, but if it is, I have to agree that it’s time to have a serious look at the size of Council.