Contrary to the suggestion…

Contrary to the suggestion that bike lanes universally worsen congestion, research and case studies prove (time and time again) that well-planned bike infrastructure can reduce overall road congestion. Studies show that bike lanes often encourage a shift from car use to cycling, especially in urban areas. This reduces the number of cars on the road, easing congestion overall. Cities like New York and Vancouver have demonstrated that adding bike lanes can improve traffic flow without significant delays for vehicles. Toronto has benefited from the increase in bike lanes since COVID immensely.

Please understand that traffic is not something that can be solved with more lanes. You need to offer alternatives to driving to get less cars off the road. This is a very well studied phenomenon called "induced demand". Cars are inherently inefficient uses of space for single occupants (majority of commuters).

Evidence-based decisions should be something your mandate prioritizes, I encourage the Ministry to consider the MANY peer reviewed studies published on congestion before fueling this unnecessary culture war, which puts actual lives in danger when your political followers take your misleading word as gospel.

Rather than focusing exclusively on congestion, policies should aim to integrate multi-modal transportation systems that benefit all users. This includes public transit, active transportation (cycling, scootering, etc.), walking and carpooling.

I hope this perspective is helpful and that the Ministry remains committed to fostering a transportation network that balances the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike.