Traffic is a problem in…

Traffic is a problem in downtowns everywhere. However, removing bike lanes is not an appropriate solution to traffic problems. City planners and traffic experts agree, and the evidence usually shows, that bike lanes improve traffic: by allowing more cyclists to use the road, and by safely separating them from car traffic, both cyclists and cars can travel faster and safer.

Removing bike lanes from arterial streets will force the cyclists into the road, where they will take up more space and cause more drivers to drive more slowly to ensure their safety. Cyclists who no longer feel safe on their bikes may return to driving cars, adding even more traffic to the mix.

The only way removing bike lanes makes sense as a solution to traffic congestion is if we also remove cyclists entirely—but that’s not possible. Cyclists are entitled to the road, and bike lanes ensure a safer and faster experience for everyone.