This reckless initiative…

This reckless initiative shows a complete misunderstanding of why Toronto struggles with congestion. Proper biking infrastructure alleviates congestion on major roads as more individuals opt to bike instead of sitting in traffic, caused not by the bike lanes but the ever-increasing influx of cars from the suburbs. Torontonians walk and cycle—the downtown congestion is a result of commuters. Banning street parking on Toronto's major arteries would be more effective than cutting out an important network for green commuters.

Congestion could be improved with more investment in car-alternatives: public transit and bike lanes. To allow for further growth amid a developing climate crisis, investing in more infrastructure for cars is exactly the opposite of what Ontario should be doing.

Why begin a new project when others are still incomplete? How can there money for tearing up bike lanes but not for fixing the Eglinton Crosstown or Ontario line—two solutions actual Torontonians have asked for that would actually help to solve congestion in the city. Is there no accountability? How can the Premier move forwards in such a thoughtless manner?

Further, why is the Premier of Ontario dictating how congestion on Toronto streets should be managed? What makes him qualified or entitled to? Does he live in Toronto, making him intimately acquainted with its specific problems? Has he studied Toronto in detail and have the facts to substantiate his decision to tear up perfectly good infrastructure at a high price to taxpayers?

Blaming bike lanes for congestion satisfies the Premier's conservative backing and not much else—it does not reflect facts and it's a move away from solving the problem.