I am strongly opposed to the…

I am strongly opposed to the proposed Bill 212, specifically the provision that calls for the removal of established bike lanes on major streets such as Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue. The bill explicitly states it will "provide for the removal of the bike lanes on Bloor St., Yonge St., and University Ave. in the City of Toronto and to return them to a lane of traffic".

Studies in urban planning repeatedly show that expanding road space for cars only encourages more driving, a phenomenon known as induced demand. By removing bike lanes, the government will likely push many current cyclists back into cars, increasing the number of vehicles on the road. Including us.

Bike lanes are essential to my family's life. My husband and I both commute along the Yonge and Bloor bike lanes daily, multiple times a day - going and coming from work, dropping off and picking up our children from school, daycare and weekend activities. Our kids are safer in bike lanes - much safer. Our commute times are faster and our overall health has increased since we began biking. Our lives are so much better with bike lanes.

Bill 212 is a step in the wrong direction. It prioritizes short-term traffic flow over long-term solutions that could lead to a safer, healthier, and more sustainable city. Instead of dismantling existing cycling infrastructure, the government should be investing in expanding it, enhancing public transit options, and implementing policies that reduce car dependency. I strongly urge the government to reconsider this bill and protect the bike lanes that have become an integral part of Toronto's transportation network and urban landscape.