The Toronto Environmental Alliance (T.E.A.) issued its 5th Smog Report Card for the City of Toronto yesterday August 7th, 2002. The overall grade was D+ In most areas that T.E.A looked at they gave C's to F's. One of the two A's they gave City Council was for adopting the Toronto Bike Plan and funding its first year of implementation. To quote from the report card.

"In spite of early plans to cut the Bike Plan in half, the City ultimately provided full funding for the first year of this 10 year plan. They will be establishing six new bike lanes, adding 2,000 bike racks, undertaking initial design work for new trails, and negotiating with Toronto Hydro, Hydro One and the rail lines for access to hydro and rail corridors.

For more information about the causes and effects of smog and what the City of Toronto can do about it you can read the report. You can download the report here: Smog Report Card(PDF).

This report will add strength to the arguments in favour of fully funding the Bike Plan as the 2003 budget is now being developed by senior administrative staff and when the Budget goes through the Council process starting in September.