*Biking is a reliable way to…

*Biking is a reliable way to commute to locations that are off the subway lines*
The university bike lane has a major positive impact on my weekday evening commutes from downtown to Sunnyside. The commuting options are as follows:
- 30mins by bike,
- 1-hour drive, or
- 1-hour (or longer) TTC

Studies have shown that people will take the option that is the fastest, safest, and most reliable.
Since there is often poor bicycle and transit infrastructure in the GTA, many people choose to drive. Which results in more cars, that cause more gridlock.

If we remove protected bike lanes, biking can feel unsafe and unreliable for many. During rush hour, on roads without bike lanes, cyclists are also stuck in car traffic, which directly adds to gridlock and frustration for all users of the road. As such, more people that would cycle if they had safe infrastructure may instead choose to drive, which increases traffic and extends rush hour periods.

If we are instead able to focus our efforts towards improving public transit and bicycle infrastructure, this will certainly take some cars off the road. Which will directly reduce gridlock.

*Biking reduces gridlock* [1]
If I were to drive during rush hour, I would be adding 1 more car to the road, which increases traffic and gridlock. If every cyclist were to think like this (i.e., drive instead of bike), that would exponentially increase city gridlock during rush hours.

As such, it is critical that bicycle infrastructure is held up so that people who are able to bike to their destination can safely do so.

Additionally, improved bicycle infrastructure incentivizes new cyclists who otherwise are afraid to bike in the city due to the very real risks of being hit by a driver in unprotected bike lanes, or in situations when the road must be shared with cars.

*Car emissions are adding to global warming, decreased health, and a scary future for our children* [1, 2]
It has been studied that cities with fewer cars have cleaner air. With the concerns for our future air quality, health, and life outcomes, not only for us adults, but our future children, it is a MUST to prioritize creating a healthier environment. It is our responsibility to ensure the future world that our children will live in remains safe so they can lead long, healthy lives.

Additionally, when we will rely on these children being able to care for us when we are old, they must be strong, healthy, and capable to do so.

*Improving personal health & fitness can improve the economy*
Bike lanes incentivize more people to bike. Biking can be for the purpose of commuting to work, to social activities, or even to get outdoors and have exercise.

Doctors are beginning to prescribe "getting outside" and "exercise" as initial remedies to depression and anxiety [3]. As such, bike lanes are a great way to help your citizens get outside a bit more frequently to improve both their mental and physical health.

A society with better health will thrive and ultimately improve the economy as citizens are more fit to work (both physically and mentally) and have less health complications that require complex medical treatment (i.e., that would otherwise cost more tax dollars).

*Pedestrians and cyclists are slower than cars, and are more likely to see stores that interest them, stop, and shop!* [4]
Studies have also shown that shopping areas improve their sales after the area increases bike and pedestrian traffic. This is also good for our economy and for ensuring that small businesses in Toronto thrive.

*Increasing cyclists & pedestrians helps EMS workers and those who absolutely need to drive to get to their destinations faster* [4]
More people will take transit, bike, and walk when it is safe and reliable. This directly reduces the number of people driving downtown, and immediately reduces gridlock. An added benefit is that EMS workers will be able to get to the site of an emergency faster, which saves lives.

Further, anyone who absolutely needs to drive (i.e., plumbers, electricians, delivery vehicles, etc.) will also be able to get to their destination sooner [1]. Plus, with fewer vehicles, it will be easier for those workers to find parking so they can get to each of their sites with efficiency and ease.

*Closing statement*
The Ontario citizens and economy can thrive by investing in our people and by creating more jobs related to creating and improving bicycle and transit infrastructure. Such measures will improve people's long term health by promoting exercise, getting outside, and by reducing car emissions across the GTA (where majority of Ontario's population resides).

Overall, by investing in protected bicycle and public transit infrastructure, the Ontario government will directly reduce gridlock and will be able to efficiently achieve their goals for getting people where they need to go faster.

[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/bike-lanes-impacts-1.7358319
[2] https://www.weforum.org/stories/2018/08/air-pollution-opportunity-not-j…
[3] https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/30/health/canada-doctors-prescribe-nature-w….
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlXNVnftaNs