The move to eliminate some…

The move to eliminate some bike infrastructure by Premier Ford is absolutely insane on so many levels and using misleading figures to support that dangerous position is unethical at best, and worse will undoubtedly lead to preventable deaths on Toronto streets. Premier Ford and his yes men at Queen's Park will have those victim's blood on their hands.

Premier Ford has a history of meddling in municipal issues when they personally affect him, his family or friends.
Overriding the duly elected Toronto city council because of personal preferences represents gross overreach on Premier Ford's part and comes across as anti-democratic.

Roads are not meant to be exclusive to one form of transportation. Road use has evolved to include walking, horse riding, horse drawn carriages, bicycles, cars, buses and large transport trucks. Many people who cycle in Toronto are also drivers, pedestrians, transit users and we all expect a thoughtful infrastructure that address the ability of people to move about the city in an efficient and a safe manner. What's worse than bike lanes for traffic congestion? Drivers that park in no-stopping zones, make illegal turns and drive with their eyes glued to the phones.

The province has a responsibility to provide safe infrastructure for all residents (notice I don't use taxpayer) regardless of their activity or abilities. That includes a requirement for railings on bridges and elevated walkways, sidewalk curb cuts for people with disabilities, etc. Bike lanes are not an attack on cars, rather they help protect bicycle road users from interactions with vehicles that are exponentially increasing in size (like the Premier's previous Lincoln Navigator).

The city of Toronto conducted numerous studies and consulted with experts before implementing safe cycling infrastructure. Premier Ford being upset he can't zoom down Bloor Street West does not qualify as an expert opinion. Clearly Premier Ford wishes he had access to a tunnel that runs under the 401 and along his route to Queen's Park. I wish I had a pony, however we have to be realistic.

Simple fact - improved cycling infrastructure helps to saves lives, cuts down on congestion, promotes a healthy lifestyle and should be considered a basic human right in Ontario.

Premier Ford - drive in your provincial lane and stop encroaching on Toronto city council's jurisdiction.