Putting priority on reducing…

Putting priority on reducing gridlock in a city, rather than protecting cyclists and reducing injuries is actually an outrageous proposal.

There are ~3 million people in Toronto, there will never be enough lanes to eliminate traffic unless we tear down buildings and destroy the current infrastructure. From the City of Toronto’s study on cycling in 2019, it was reported that ~70% (varies by district) of the population are cyclists (both recreational and utilitarian). Removing bikes lanes is increasing the chances of injuries and deaths for the 70%. Per the report, Torontonians are twice as likely to say they’re comfortable biking on major roads with a bike lane as opposed to no bike lane.

From a personal perspective, biking is the most affordable way for me to get around. Having ridden on Bloor St. W and Spadina Rd., I can say that I feel much more safe in the Bloor St. bike lanes. Safe drivers/cyclists are the predictable ones, removing bike lanes only brings cyclists into the rest of traffic and creates more unpredictable situations. Twice I have fallen while riding on the street, the first time was in a lane while the second was in the middle of traffic. If not for the slow traffic, I would have absolutely been run over by a car. That wasn’t even a concern during my first fall.

Always prioritize safety, not money. There are no workers to exploit if they’re all disabled or dead.