re ERO 019-9265 I am very…

re ERO 019-9265

I am very much against tearing up existing bike lanes as proposed in Bill 12 and for expanding bike lane infrastructure in Toronto. I live in Toronto and own a car but prefer cycling when possible - and when I feel safe. Cyclists still need to be aware of surroundings when using a bike lane but it is far safer than in their absence. Major cities around the world are increasing their bike lane infrastructure but under Bill 212, the Province would be forcing Toronto to take retrograde measures that will lead to more cyclist deaths and more pollution generated by more cars on the road. I happen to live near a busy road and can attest to the pollution that vehicle traffic creates.

Cycling lanes need to be on some major roads to be useful for commuters. Winding through side roads is fine for a Saturday ride but are not helpful for commuting or otherwise in a time-efficient manner. All three lanes mentioned in Bill 212 are on streets where there are subways - Bloor, Yonge and University. That may be the most perverse aspect of the whole proposal!

When I drive, I see that it is the vast number of (largely single-occupied) cars that clog the streets, exacerbated by the constant and never-ending construction. I lived in London England for some time. Toronto could learn from London and the construction industry there about hastening construction times through innovative processes and strict time requirements.

Bike lanes save lives and promote a healthier city through the act of cycling and the reduction of emissions. There are much more egregious reasons for grid-lock in Toronto. The Province should stay out of this and the City should continue to expand the bike lane protections that allow cyclists to accomplish tasks in a safe and time-efficient manner.