Dear Government Official, I…

Dear Government Official,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding Bill 212, which proposes to remove or restrict bike lanes in Ontario, particularly in Toronto. As a frequent cyclist in downtown Toronto, I believe this action would be counterproductive to reducing traffic congestion and could potentially worsen the situation.
Removing bike lanes would significantly impact my safety and that of many other cyclists. Without dedicated lanes, I would feel far less secure riding on busy downtown streets. This loss of safety would likely force me, and many others, to opt for driving instead, thereby increasing the number of cars on the road and exacerbating traffic congestion.
I strongly believe that maintaining and expanding bike lanes is a more effective solution for reducing traffic. Here’s why:
1. Bike lanes improve traffic flow: Studies have shown that bike lanes can actually help reduce congestion. Research from Carnegie Mellon University found that if just 10% of short car trips during peak afternoon travel were replaced with micromobility options (like bikes), it would decrease vehicle miles traveled by more than 7,300 miles a day.
2. Bike lanes promote safety: The presence of bike lanes has been shown to reduce traffic speeds and improve safety for all road users. A study by Rutgers University found that installing a bike lane resulted in a 28% decrease in average maximum speeds and a 21% reduction in average speeds for vehicles making right turns.
3. Economic benefits: A 2019 report on the impacts of bike lanes on Bloor Street found that local businesses reported getting more customers since the lanes were installed.
4. Environmental impact: The Carnegie Mellon study estimated a 2.76% reduction in emissions if short car trips were replaced with micromobility options.
5. Efficient transportation: Bike lanes can provide faster commute times for some individuals. For example, one Toronto resident reported reducing their commute from 50 minutes via public transit to 25 minutes using an e-bike on separated bike lanes.
Contrary to the belief that removing bike lanes will reduce congestion, evidence suggests that building more roads actually encourages more people to drive, leading to increased congestion. As urban planning expert Lewis Mumford aptly stated, “Adding car lanes to deal with traffic congestion is like loosening your belt to cure obesity.”
Instead of removing bike lanes, I urge the government to consider:
1. Expanding and improving bike lane infrastructure to encourage more people to choose cycling as a transportation option.
2. Investing in public transit to provide efficient alternatives to driving.
3. Implementing smart traffic management systems to optimize traffic flow.
4. Encouraging flexible work hours or remote work options to reduce peak hour congestion.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that maintaining and expanding bike infrastructure, along with promoting alternative transportation methods, is more likely to effectively address Toronto’s traffic challenges while providing additional benefits to the community.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Concerned citizen

Sources:
1. Carnegie Mellon University study on micromobility and traffic reduction
2. Rutgers University study on bike lanes and traffic speed reduction
3. 2019 report on the impacts of bike lanes on Bloor Street businesses
4. Toronto resident’s commute time reduction using e-bike
5. New York City Department of Transportation study on Columbus Avenue protected bike lane
6. Chicago Department of Transportation study on Kinzie Street protected bike lane
7. Philadelphia study on buffered bike lanes on Spruce and Pine streets
8. Harris et al. (2013) study on injury reduction in protected bike lanes