As a Torontonian who both…

As a Torontonian who both bikes and drives in the downtown core, I find the removal of bike lanes under Bill 212, the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024, to be not only shortsighted but a step backwards in our city's progress. Cycling infrastructure is essential for promoting sustainable transportation, reducing congestion, and improving safety for everyone on the road, including drivers.

By removing bike lanes, we’re forcing more cyclists into dangerous situations, which will ultimately lead to more accidents, more traffic as cyclists and cars share tight spaces, and slower commutes for everyone. Studies in cities worldwide have shown that dedicated bike lanes can actually improve traffic flow by reducing the number of cars on the road and encouraging alternative modes of transportation.

The goal should be to build a more modern, livable city for all road users, not to regress into a car-centric approach that doesn't serve our long-term needs. We should be expanding cycling infrastructure, not dismantling it.

I urge the government to reconsider this counterproductive move and invest in a future where people feel safe and encouraged to bike, drive, and walk in Toronto.