July 11: Living in Toronto, I accept traffic congestion as a way of life. It’s a big city, and there’s a lot going on. Life is hectic. People are rushed and need to move around. Sadly, the preferred method is the car. With the summer construction program well underway, there are bound to be delays. And with delays there are real costs to drivers, urban life, and our health through increased emissions.
T
he last thing I expected when coming to rural France was traffic congestion, but it happens here too. Like Canada, there are construction projects , detours, and delays everywhere. But this morning, congestion was far worse. We trundled along at a walking pace for the longest time while this convoy made its’ way to work. The road was jammed and the emissions were terrible. Finally, it turned off, leaving only the gentle reminder of a different pace of life.
And those emissions….