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End of the road for bike licensing idea

End of the road for bike licensing idea

A controversial proposal to have cyclists obtain a city-issued licence for their bicycles was shot down at city hall Tuesday.

Coun. Stephen Holyday (Ward 3, Etobicoke Centre) had moved a motion to have staff look into the pros and cons of bike licensing, with an eye to gathering information about where cyclists travel, and when. That information could have been used to help inform councillors as they develop cycling infrastructure and policy, Holyday argued.

Decision ignores "heartbeat of the city"

But Coun. Mary-Margaret McMahon (Ward 32, Beaches-East York) called the idea "preposterous" and introduced a motion of her own, asking the committee to shelve the licensing idea indefinitely. Her motion passed 4-1.

Later, Holyday said he respected the decision, but said "the committee didn't reflect the heartbeat of the city."

He said he'd continue to look for new ways for councillors to gather information, so they can be better informed when discussing cycling policy.