I work as a nurse at Sick…

I work as a nurse at Sick Kids Hospital on University Avenue, and I frequently bike to work on the cycle tracks on hospital row. On my commute to work, I pass a white memorial bike to mark the spot where cyclists have died after being struck by vehicles. I am very disappointed that the province is trying to remove these bike lanes that help me and many other people travel safely, all to slightly improve car travel times. Even though I don’t drive, I wish that my provincial government cared about my safety over the convenience of the apparently more important drivers, who are prioritized first. As well, it would be helpful if this act was based on true data, which has shown that traffic has not worsened and that emergency response times are not longer. At work, I see children who have been injured riding their bikes after being struck by car and truck drivers. This act says to me that these children’s safety is an afterthought, and not important when compared to car traffic times. I hope that the province will reconsider this act and prioritize all citizens, not just car drivers.