Bike lanes are a vital…

Bike lanes are a vital component of Toronto's transportation infrastructure, offering numerous benefits that enhance the city's sustainability, livability, and economic vitality. Removing these lanes would be a step backward, while expanding them is crucial for progress.

Environmentally, bike lanes promote eco-friendly transportation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. Safety and health benefits include increased protection for cyclists, reduced collisions, and encouragement of physical activity. Economically, bike lanes boost local businesses, increase property values, and reduce infrastructure costs.

Socially, bike lanes foster community interaction, accessibility, and vibrant public spaces. They also efficiently alleviate traffic congestion, rivaling car travel times and integrating with public transit.

In Toronto, bike lanes alleviate congested roads, enhance scenic waterfront routes, and support climate resilience. Expansion plans should focus on enhancing existing lanes, connecting the network city-wide, and incorporating innovative designs.

Removing bike lanes is not an effective solution to alleviate gridlock, as research consistently shows. In fact, studies demonstrate that bike lanes have a minimal impact on traffic capacity, often replacing underutilized or parking lanes.

The concept of induced demand also comes into play, where adding more car lanes encourages driving, offsetting potential congestion relief. Furthermore, traffic evaporation occurs when reduced capacity leads to behavioral changes, such as carpooling or alternative routes.

Bike lanes are integral to a larger transportation network, promoting multimodal travel and prioritizing safety and efficiency for vulnerable users. Urban planning strategies emphasize sustainability, livability, and economic growth, aligning with bike lane infrastructure.

Toronto has already seen positive results from its bike lanes, including increased cycling mode share, reduced cyclist injuries, and economic growth. Continuing to improve and expand these lanes is essential for creating a people-friendly city.

Please consider these points. The government should strive to make the lives of all its citizens better, not just drivers.