LETTER OF THE DAY

Toronto Sun, July 23, 1999

THIS LETTER is a plea to the citizens of Toronto. The air quality in Toronto is getting worse every day. When smog alert warnings are issued, we are told not to go outside or participate in strenuous activity. Unfortunately, this is what bike and foot messengers do for a living.

There have been days this summer where the air was so toxic that messengers had to stop working. Who cares about that?

Everyone should. We are the canaries in the coal mine. If we are feeling the effects now, you will later.

Recently the Ontario Medical Association published a report saying 1,800 people a year die because of air borne particulates, i.e. automobile pollution. Some say this estimate is conservative.

When will this problem be dealt with? City council must live in air conditioned comfort because it appears most of them don't think there is a problem. They introduced a flaccid anti-idling law that the police do not enforce and most people don't even know the law exists.

Instead of dealing with the problem, Mayor Lastman has asked the public to do something about it. So these are the few things you can do to make breathing easier for all of us.

- Don't let your car idle. It will save you money on gas.
- Walk, rollerblade, skateboard or bike for short trips. It is good for your health.
- Call your city councillor and demand the TTC be free on smog alert days.
- Demand they put a big bouncer at the gates to our city. When two cars go out, one car can come in.

Just because city council refuses to do something about the problems doesn't mean we cannot. I thank you, the foot and bike messengers of Toronto thank you and your lungs thank you.

Derek Chadbourne
Toronto Hoof & Cycle Courier Coalition
(A city bouncer is a novel idea - ed)
 
 
 

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