Cyclists are tax-paying…

Cyclists are tax-paying citizens who deserve a fair share of the road infrastructure in our city and province. Bike lanes are not just a convenience; they are a necessity for ensuring the safety and well-being of cyclists. Removing these lanes would not only endanger cyclists but also discourage the use of environmentally friendly transportation options.
Moreover, bike lanes contribute to reducing traffic congestion and pollution, promoting a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. They provide a safe space for cyclists, encouraging more people to choose biking over driving, which in turn benefits everyone by reducing the number of cars on the road.
Statistics show that cities with robust bike facilities experience significant safety benefits. For example, a study found that streets with protected bike lanes had lower fatality rates for all road users, not just cyclists. In cities like Portland, the road fatality rate dropped by 75% as the bicycle mode share increased. Additionally, protected bike lanes have been shown to improve the economies of surrounding neighbourhoods. In Salt Lake City, sales rose by 8.8% for stores located along a protected bike lane.
Locally, Toronto has seen significant benefits from bike lanes. For instance, when protected bike lanes were installed on Bloor Street, collisions between cars and bikes fell by 71%. Furthermore, a study conducted by Ryerson University estimated that fully separated cycle tracks along Bloor-Danforth could prevent between 153 and 182 injuries over the next decade. Additionally, a poll found that 84% of Torontonians support the construction of protected bike lanes, with strong support consistent throughout all districts in the city.
I urge you to reconsider the plans to reduce and remove bike lane infrastructure in Toronto. Instead, we should be investing in expanding and improving these lanes to support a growing number of cyclists and to promote a greener, safer, and more inclusive city.