I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal to remove three main bike lanes on Yonge, University, and Bloor in the name of improving car commute times. This decision would not only undermine our community’s commitment to sustainable transportation but also have several negative consequences for cyclists and the overall quality of urban life.

Removing dedicated bike lanes puts cyclists at greater risk of accidents. Without safe, designated space for biking, cyclists will be forced to navigate through vehicle traffic, increasing the likelihood of collisions. This could lead to more injuries and fatalities on our roads. This would also lead to more people choosing to ride in a car or drive, which would increase congestion even more, making this proposal even more counter-intuitive.

Bike lanes also promote active transportation, which is crucial for public health. By facilitating safe cycling, we encourage more people to choose biking over driving, reducing traffic congestion and pollution. Removing bike lanes sends the opposite message, discouraging healthy habits and active lifestyles.

Bike lanes enhance connectivity within our neighborhoods. They provide safe routes for residents to reach schools, parks, and local businesses, fostering a sense of community. Eliminating these lanes would hinder access for many and could diminish local economic activity.

Improving car commute times is a complex issue that cannot be resolved by eliminating bike lanes. Instead, we should explore long-term solutions such as better public transportation options, traffic management strategies, and infrastructure improvements that accommodate all forms of transportation. I urge you to reconsider this proposal and instead think of other ways to remove gridlock like speeding up construction work or ensuring that transit projects like the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRT lines are completed.