Roads are one of the top issues on the campaign trail. E-scooters have become an accessibility question for candidates. And a new survey suggests road safety could move votes on October 26. Welcome to the Good Roads Podcast, where we break down the biggest municipal infrastructure, transportation, and road safety stories shaping Ontario communities.
In this special municipal election edition, Thomas and Andrew unpack three stories that could shape the ballot questions voters hear about: road funding, e-scooters, and bike lanes.
🕳️ The Long and Winding Road
Voters across the province are ranking road conditions among their top campaign issues, often tied to concerns about taxes and accountability. Greater Sudbury is projecting a jump from $37 million in road spending in 2025 to $67 million in 2027. Meanwhile, Good Roads’ review of more than 40 municipal 10-year plans found councils are “fiscally handcuffed” into resurfacing when rebuilding would last longer. We discuss what the next council inherits, and why a financing plan matters as much as a paving list.
đź›´ Scoot Over
The AODA Alliance is urging voters to ask council candidates to sign a municipal disability accessibility pledge, starting with no e-scooters in public places backed by real enforcement. We look at the concerns for pedestrians who are blind or use wheelchairs, how municipal approaches vary, and why micromobility policy is only as good as the street design and enforcement behind it.
🚲 The Spokes Have Spoken
A new Abacus Data survey of 2,000 Ontarians suggests road safety could move votes, with 46% more likely to support a candidate who commits to road safety and cycling infrastructure. 64% believe municipalities, not Queen’s Park, should decide where local bike lanes go. We dig into the results, including a warning sign: the share of Ontarians who never cycle has climbed to 41%.
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