In a recent Toronto Star Op…

In a recent Toronto Star Op-Ed, the Minister of Transportation contends that "what we need is a common sense, evidence-based bike lane policy".

I agree with the Minister; fortunately, that's what we already have right now.

There is ample evidence, both from Toronto itself and from around the world, that the complaints regularly levelled against bike lanes are overblown (at best), or completely bogus (at worst).

The linked fact-checks from CBC, and the linked study, cover all the main points, but in summary:

(a) Bike lanes do not cause gridlock - in fact, a safe, well-connected and well-maintained bike lane network can actually reduce it, by encouraging people out of their cars
(b) In general, building more lanes *anywhere* does not reduce gridlock, due to induced demand - more lanes encourages more cars, which fill the available space
(c) Bike lanes do not negatively impact emergency services, and the first responders themselves are bemused by these repeated claims
(d) Bike lanes are well-used - cyclists make up around 30% of vehicles entering/leaving Downtown along Richmond & Adelaide, but it doesn't always look that way as they're so much more space-efficient.
(e) Bike lanes are a boon to business - far from harming the local economy, businesses along bike lanes tend to report more customers, staying longer, and spending more.

This legislation is ill-thought-out, ideologically driven, an appalling overreach of Provincial authority, and a massive step backwards for our City. I oppose it thoroughly.