I wholeheartedly cannot…

I wholeheartedly cannot support this proposal. The removal of safe cycling infrastructure will do a disservice to each community impacted - moreso that of downtown Toronto where safe cycle networks are an asset, relied on and appreciated by all including motorists, cyclist and pedestrians. I am all three of these, and can speak on behalf of each of these demographics, as can countless others. First - as a motorist, cycle networks that are clearly demarcated (and those that are fully separated) make me a more comfortable driver as cyclists are provided a degree of separation and are therefore more predictable and visible to motorists. We can co-exist safely on the roadway with safe cycling infrastructure which is the ultimate goal. Also, in all of my decades as a driver I have never ONCE looked to bike lanes as the reason for congestion and placed my blame on them. The removal of bike lanes will not magically ease traffic congestion. You need to find another scapegoat because bike lanes are not the cause. If anything, the removal of on street parking on busy roadways would be a more appropriate place to start.

Second - as a cyclist, I am appreciative of the safe cycling networks that exist. I feel safer in protected bike lanes and can get to my destination faster. The benefits of cycling are boundless, and my commute by bike has relieved so much stress and saved me so much time as compared to driving or taking transit. I feel that I am doing better for myself and for the environment, and I wish that these benefits were more highly discussed to encourage more cycling. This mode of transportation only has net benefits and I don't think that demonizing bike lanes is effective. The removal of cycling infrastructure is only doing a disservice and I think will be a grave mistake. As more people explore cycling as a legitimate mode of transportation, we ease the woes of car congestion as that is one more vehicle off the road. Is this not one of the very things you are hoping to achieve? Encouraging safe cycling and expanding safe networks will only pay dividends to easing traffic congestion.

As a pedestrian, we have dedicated sidewalks for foot traffic. How are sidewalks any different than bike lanes? Each method of transport should and deserves to have a dedicated space to move about safely. Full stop. Cars have roads, bikes have cycle networks, and pedestrians have sidewalks.

The provincial overreach into municipal matters will not benefit the province of Ontario whatsoever. I am saddened to watch what is happening to the province, and embarrassed to be a resident. We are making backwards trajectory fast, and that is alarming.