Hello, I’m a resident of…

Hello, I’m a resident of Toronto, originally from Saskatchewan. I moved here 15 years ago, and growing up in Saskatchewan, driving was the only way to get around the province and cities. What I love most about Toronto is the wide variety of transportation options that don’t require me to get behind the wheel.

I currently live near Danforth and Warden, and I’m excited about the expansion of bike lanes into Scarborough. I regularly bike to Shoppers World, all the way down the Danforth, and into downtown for shopping, dining, and various activities, I am excited to be able to bike East and new the lanes is expanded in the opposite direction.

This proposed bill, however, will hinder the growth of Toronto’s cycling network and, in turn, jeopardize the safety of all road users. It’s important to recognize that the city should focus on solving broader issues, like congestion, rather than limiting the city’s transportation options. Removing bike lanes in downtown Toronto will do nothing to alleviate the congestion on the 401 and other regional highways.

In fact, we need more bike lanes, not fewer. Expanding cycling infrastructure is a proven way to reduce traffic and provide more sustainable transportation options. The fact that Toronto Bike Share usage has grown from 600,000 rides per year to 6 million rides per year clearly demonstrates how much Torontonians want and need to bike. This growth in ridership speaks for itself, and it’s time for the city to continue supporting cycling as a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transport.