Please do not do this…

Please do not do this. Please do not remove these bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge and University. Doing so will put my safety at risk, and also that of my family, friends, colleagues and community. I use these bike lanes every day, all year round, to get to and from work, and to get around the city for errands and liesure. These bike lanes keep me safe from motor traffic.

Traveling by bike is essential for those without cars (most condos now do not have sufficient parking for all), for those who cannot afford a car, or for those like me, who prefer to use their car only when traveling away from the city. When getting around the city, cycling is my preferred mode of transportation as it is healthier, more enjoyable, affordable, often faster, and I do not need to stress about parking or damage/theft to my car. These bike lanes move a tremendous amount of people (me) and goods (grocery and food delivery), and removing them may have the undesired effect of putting incremental cars on the road, for example me, if I don't feel safe now cycling. I do not want to drive in the city. Also, when I do or must drive, I much prefer when cyclists are in their own dedicated lanes, rather than sharing a lane with cars - I don't have to worry about collisions and potential deaths.

I also disagree with the broader proposal to establish a new committee that oversees municipality decisions on road and bike lane infrastructure, where they are in fact most closely connected to communities needs. This is a misappropriation of my tax dollars. We want smaller, more efficient government with less bureaucracy. This money should go directly toward road maintenance, transit, sidewalks, highways, bridges and other safety and transportation infrastructure.

Resident of West Bend (Bloor-Dundas), Toronto