Bike lanes save lives, make…

Bike lanes save lives, make the environment healthier, and reduce the number of cars on the road. I have young children and want them to be healthy, active members of society, and safe bike lanes give them the confidence to get exercise while going to school, sports, etc.

Harbord Street in Toronto is currently undergoing some construction so its bike lane is closed. Yesterday, while riding in the only lane available, my wife and son were repeatedly honked at by a motorist behind them. On Saturday, I was riding with my daughter in the evening. It's dark this time of year and without the safety of the bike lanes on University and Simcoe, I would have felt much more uncomfortable riding with her in the dark. Without safe alternatives, we put people into dangerous situations.

I've seen studies that say bike lanes increase business for stores along their routes. Personally, although I have a car and could take transit, the convenience of separated bike lanes makes me more likely to shop at a store where I can ride right up to it and not worry about parking.

Please don't take away the safety and access that bike lanes are providing and please ensure cities are able to put them in reasonable locations based on data and growth patterns that align with what we need in our cities.