The proposed addendum to a…

The proposed addendum to a framework that would require the province to remove sections of Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue bike lanes in the City of Toronto is extremely concerning. Equally disturbing is that the proposed framework would also provide the province with the authority to require municipalities to submit information about existing bike lanes on municipal roads where an existing vehicle lane was removed.

Following are reasons this proposed framework is concerning:
1. Local road infrastructure is a municipal responsibility and should remain that way for the following reasons:

a. Local expertise and context – municipal governments have a deep understanding of the specific needs and challenges of their communities and are better positioned to design and implement infrastructure projects, including the installation of bike lanes, that address local traffic patterns, population density and urban planning goals.
b. Customization and flexibility – municipalities can tailor infrastructure projects to fit the unique characteristics of their areas such as factors like local climate, geography and cultural preferences, which might be overlooked by broader, more centralized planning.
c. Safety and Efficiency – Local governments can implement safety measures and traffic management strategies that are specifically designed for their roadways. This can lead to more effective solutions for reducing accidents and improving traffic flow.

By keeping roadway infrastructure under municipal control, cities can ensure that their transportation systems are safe, efficient, and aligned with the needs and values of their residents.

2. The proposed framework is not grounded in research. There is no evidence that shows bike lanes cause gridlock. Below is some research for consideration:

a. After New York City installed a protected bike lane on Columbus Avenue, bicycling increased 56 percent on weekdays, crashes decreased 34 percent, speeding decreased, sidewalk riding decreased, traffic flow remained similar, and commercial loading hours/space increased 475 percent.
b. After Chicago's Kinzie Street protected bike lane was installed, a travel time study found little to no effect on automobile traffic: Eastbound morning rush hour travel time from Milwaukee Avenue to Wells Street increased by less than one minute. - Westbound morning rush hour travel times from Wells Street to Milwaukee Avenue slightly improved. - Evening rush hour travel time in both directions slightly improved.
c. A survey of Portland, Oregon, protected bike lane users found that 70 percent of respondents thought the lane made cycling safer and easier. Motorists generally thought it didn't make driving any less convenient or slower. Only three percent of cyclists didn't use the protected lane, compared to before it was installed, when 12 percent of riders rode in the street instead of in the bike lane.

3. Bike lanes create a safer environment for cyclists, enhancing safety and saving lives. Studies have shown that cities with well-designed bike lanes experience fewer accidents involving cyclists. Below is some research for consideration:

a. Because they shorten crossing distances, control turning conflicts and reduce traffic weaving, New York City's protected bike lanes reduced injury rates for pedestrians by 22%.
b. Cycling lanes reduce fatalities for all road users – roads are safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in cities with robust bike facilities.
c. Study shows that bicycling infrastructure is significantly associated with fewer fatalities and better road-safety outcomes.

On a personal note, I consider myself a cyclist but am also a motorist. My mode of transport to get to the office is by bike as I enjoy having the physical activity built into my day and being able to be outside to get to and from work. In addition to the health and mental health benefits of biking to work, there is the positive impact on the environment by lowering my carbon footprint. Research shows bike lanes saves lives and I am disappointed that the Ontario government is looking at putting legislation in place to remove them.

I urge the government to reconsider putting in place this legislation as it is short-sighted, not progressive and is a waste of taxpayers’ money. It compromises the safety of cyclists, discourages environmentally friendly transportation and increases traffic congestion by reducing the number of people who choose to bike instead of drive. Research shows bike lanes help reduce gridlock, build stronger and more vibrant cities and protects all road users.