I have lived along the…

I have lived along the Danforth for 40 years now and for 40 years I have biked to work. I am sure that the mental heath and physical activity benefits of biking all these years have helped keep my health care expenditures down.

I have observed the steady growth in bike commuting over the years as concerns about the environment have grown, the ability to afford a car has decreased, and the advent of bike lanes had improved safety- in spite of the growing population. Every day, I witness every day how biking is a great equalizer that contributes to a stronger and more human community. We communicate by voice when "passing on the left", we look into each others faces at stop lights and take moments to chat. It provides an opportunity for rich and poor, educated and non-educated, to mix in a way that may not otherwise happen if not biking or walking. Through that we are helped to recognize the humanity in one another and enjoy the shared community. This happens far more readily on bikes than in cars, because of the nature of the vehicle.

My experience does not square with what the Ford government is presenting as the rationale for and against bike lanes. It is also contrary to the direction that great cities all over the world are taking.

Thanks to the city for its great job in building bike lanes. Leave them alone. Keep investing in improved transit.