If we want to reduce…

If we want to reduce gridlock, we need to focus on a long-term solution! Cities that are accessible without requiring the need to drive. I understand the current infrastructure promotes the convenience of driving. However, as the population grows and if we are concerned about the environment and building healthy communities, then it is not sustainable to rely solely on driving. We can take a page from Europe and Asia where walkability, public transit and other means of transportation is prioritized over owning and driving a vehicle. Although the bike lanes may have negatively affected drivers, there have also been positives out of it.

Anecdotally, I can say that these bike lanes have changed my life for the better (and many others I have spoken to). Prior to the installation of the bike lanes, I did not even own a bicycle let alone call myself a cyclist. I was too scared to bike anywhere "public" and it always felt like anywhere in Toronto was far to get to. It is thanks to these bicycle lanes that the City installed, I have learned to cycle safely and confidentally in the city. I am now excited about the idea of going out because it is so easy to bike from one place to another. I have also been an avid supporter of people cycling for physical and mental wellbeing, saving money, saving time and saving the environment from all the consumption a car requires. It has even allowed me to support local businesses I wouldn't have noticed if I were driving!

Driving is expensive for both the city and for the individual users. The need to maintain roads, for individuals to own and maintain their own car. We're worried about housing space? Well if people need to own cars, we have to think about that too!

The City needs to take a leap of faith and trust that these bicycle lanes will result in more permanent and significant changes in the mindset of citizens. Just like how the Bixi bikes took time to rise in popularity, so will the adoption of cycling and a more car-free city. You can't build a great building on a weak foundation - and that weak foundation would be removal of the bike lanes.