Bike lanes make pedestrians…

Bike lanes make pedestrians safer: Bike lanes provide cyclists with a dedicated space, keeping them off the roads and away from pedestrian areas. This reduces the chances of dangerous encounters between pedestrians and cyclists, as the bike lane becomes the safer alternative to often congested roads or narrow sidewalks, which can be hazardous.

Bike lanes provide safety for bikes, scooters, and runners: A dedicated bike lane not only benefits cyclists but also enhances the safety of other road users such as scooter riders and runners. It reduces the risk of accidents by clearly delineating spaces for each mode of transport.

Multiple studies show that bike lanes increase business activities:

The Green Lane Project (PeopleForBikes): This initiative found that bike lanes boost local businesses by increasing foot traffic and sales. In areas where bike infrastructure is improved, businesses report more customers and higher revenue.
The Economic Benefits of Bicycle Infrastructure (U.S. Department of Transportation): This study outlines how bike lanes can enhance local economic activity, especially in urban areas, by encouraging people to visit nearby shops and services more often.
Copenhagenize Design Company – Bike Lanes and Business Impact: Research from Copenhagenize shows that bike lanes can significantly boost business activity, especially in cities where cycling is already common, by attracting more cyclists to the area.

Cars, buses, and construction trucks cause even more congestion and danger: When bikes share the road with cars, buses, and heavy vehicles, the risk of accidents and fatalities rises. Not only do these conditions cause dangerous congestion, but they also contribute to environmental degradation. A shift to bike lanes can reduce congestion and save lives by separating these modes of transport.

City infrastructure shifting towards low-emission transportation is inevitable: Many cities around the world are already embracing sustainable transportation options. With rising concerns about climate change and air pollution, prioritizing low-emission modes like biking, walking, and public transportation is becoming increasingly essential. In fact, during peak summer heat, the heat generated by cars is no longer sustainable, making the shift even more urgent.

These changes require traffic lane removal: Implementing bike lanes and prioritizing low-emission transport often requires the removal of car lanes. This shift is already happening in many modern cities across the globe, which are ahead of Canada in transitioning to more sustainable urban planning practices.

Getting rid of cars downtown is inevitable, but it must be done with the approval of all users. Affordable parking spots around the city, education for new cyclists and scooter users, and municipal and provincial consultation about traffic lane removal are essential to avoid antagonism and prevent frustration from all sides.