I would like to address the…

I would like to address the ongoing issue with the bike lanes on Yonge Street between Bloor and St. Clair. While the intention behind these lanes is commendable, the current setup has resulted in significant challenges that are impacting the flow of traffic and overall accessibility.

Firstly, the reduction of the roadway from four lanes to two has created severe traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. It is now common for what should be a two - three minute drive from Yonge and Church to Price Street to take upwards of 20 minutes. This congestion is not only frustrating for daily commuters but also poses a serious problem for emergency vehicles, which are often unable to navigate through the gridlock, especially when compounded by the CaféTO installations. I witnessed an ambulance maneuver its way between two cars and scratching the back side of a vehicle on route to an emergency.

The combination of bike lanes, reduced lanes for vehicles, and additional street usage from outdoor dining has stretched the capacity of Yonge Street beyond its limits, making it inefficient for both motorists and emergency services. While promoting cycling and outdoor dining is important, the current setup is not sustainable in such a critical area for city traffic flow.

I urge the city to reconsider this configuration and explore alternative solutions that balance the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers while ensuring the city’s core infrastructure remains functional, particularly for emergency access.