I’m recommending the author…

I’m recommending the author of this proposal or those evaluating it to consider the following points:

1. High Rates of Cycling and Walking: Toronto has one of the highest rates of active transportation (cycling, walking) in Canada. According to a 2019 report, around 1.4 million trips are made by bicycle each week in Toronto. Restricting the development of bike lanes could discourage this growing preference for active transportation.
2. Reducing Congestion Through Multimodal Transportation: Toronto ranks among the most congested cities in North America. Encouraging cycling by expanding bike lanes can reduce car dependency, helping alleviate gridlock. A 2020 study found that when cities invest in biking infrastructure, they see reductions in car traffic, as more people opt for biking over driving.
3. Environmental and Public Health Goals: Toronto has ambitious environmental goals, including a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. Shifting more trips from cars to bicycles is critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. Bike lanes also support Toronto Public Health’s objectives by encouraging physical activity and reducing pollution-related health risks.
4. Improving Road Safety: Toronto has adopted Vision Zero, a commitment to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. Expanding safe cycling infrastructure like bike lanes is key to achieving this goal, as it protects cyclists and reduces the risk of collisions with vehicles. As a driver, bike lanes yield an additional benefit in reducing traffic stress; cyclists using a separate lane means they are not weaving in and out of one’s blind spots.
5. Economic Benefits of Bike Lanes: Studies in Toronto have shown that bike lanes can increase local economic activity by making streets more accessible to people shopping, dining, and commuting by bike. On Bloor Street, for example, bike lane implementation was associated with a 4.5% increase in local spending.
6. Unnecessary bureaucracy: Municipalities are typically best positioned to understand and address local transportation needs, including bike lanes. Requiring provincial approval for new bike lanes, especially when it involves removing existing vehicle lanes, undermines municipal autonomy and adds unnecessary bureaucratic layers. This diverts resources away from other projects of significance. Please dedicate resources to finishing transit projects instead.