LETTER OF THE DAY

Toronto Sun, July 23, 1999

THIS LETTER is a plea to the citizens ofToronto. The air quality in Toronto is getting worse every day. When smogalert warnings are issued, we are told not to go outside or participatein strenuous activity. Unfortunately, this is what bike and foot messengersdo for a living.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just because city council refuses to dosomething about the problems doesn't mean we cannot. I thank you, the footand 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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