There are two key reasons…

There are two key reasons why removing bike lanes is preposterous and dangerous: climate change, and safety.

At a time when the impacts of climate change could not be clearer, the last thing this government should be doing is taking away options that reduce driving. We've just come through some of the hottest October days ever recorded in Toronto (and much of Ontario). As a society, we need to shift away from reliance on personal vehicles and instead consider alternative modes of transportation. It is clear from how busy most of Toronto's bike lanes are that people are eager to get around by bike.

The Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition's "Bike Counts on Bloor 2016-2024" report found that bikes made up as much as 37% of road vehicular traffic during rush hour at key intersections such as Spadina and Bloor. The demand for biking is clear, when people are presented with the option to do so safely.

This brings me to my second point. As someone who commutes to work by bike in the exact lanes that are set to be removed, I fear for the safety of myself and others if these lanes get removed. I do not own a car, nor am I interested in owning one, as someone who lives in a highly accessible, walkable area of Toronto. When I have to go across town, my preference is to do so by bike, because I enjoy the fresh air, exercise, and ease of getting as close to my destination as possible. My behaviour will not change if bike lanes are removed, as I will continue to bike the same routes, but I am concerned that my life might. I and everyone else in this province deserve the ability to get to my destination without fearing that I will be hit by a car, or harassed by an aggressive driver.

In short, this decision is irresponsible, and will not only worsen the climate catastrophe that we face, but will also lead to more deaths on Ontario's streets.