This is a bad idea and is…

This is a bad idea and is not in line with the policies in the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, that just finished receiving comments (https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8462). That document contains numerous mentions of active transportation and its role in building homes and sustaining strong communities.

I live just North of where the bike lane ends on Yonge St. In the past two years, numerous new apartment buildings have been proposed, consulted on and approved with minimal and even no car parking under the assumption that people would be able to use transit, bike or walk for their needs. These decisions may need to be revisited if cycling options are removed, delaying and adding new costs onto housing at a time when housing starts are already far below this government's targets.

The Yonge subway line is currently experiencing frequent delays due to slow zones caused by delayed maintenance. The province has not offered help and delays therefore seem likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Cycling therefore remains the most reliable way for many Toronto residents to reliably get to work or social events downtown. Removing this option will hurt Toronto's economy and will not improve congestion.

This sort of policy lurch undermines not only reliable transportation options and housing progress, but also public trust in the government.