I challenge the government…

I challenge the government to provide detailed evidence that the removal of bike lanes will improve traffic flow. Empirical evidence collated from multiple studies suggests that this proposal will in fact result in the opposite effect: an increase in congestion as cyclists enter car lanes, reduction in safety for cyclists and motorists alike, and a decrease in the likelihood of people choosing to cycle for their daily commutes, therefore adding to vehicle traffic.

Toronto’s traffic problem is not unique, and neither are the solutions. I’ve included a summary of some studies from other cities. Please note that this list is far from exhaustive, I’ve chosen just three in the interests of keeping word count to a minimum:

“Bike Lanes, On-Street Parking, and Business: A Study of the 9th Avenue Protected Bike Lane in New York City" (2014) - NYC Department of Transportation

Key findings: By providing dedicated space for cyclists, the bike lane helped reduce bottlenecks caused by cyclists mixing with motor vehicles. The protected bike lane increased bike ridership without causing an increase in congestion, as it improved traffic flow.

"Cycling and Urban Form: The Role of Cycle Lanes in Influencing Transportation Choices in London" (2018) – Urban Studies Journal

Key findings: The research pointed out that bike lanes allow for more efficient use of road space, and cities that promote cycling are less likely to face the same levels of congestion as cities that rely predominantly on cars.

"Economic Impacts of Bicycle Lanes: A Case Study from Portland, Oregon" (2010) - Transportation Research Board

Key findings: This study noted that bike lanes help reduce congestion by offering an alternative to driving. By providing cyclists with safe and efficient routes, fewer people rely on cars for short trips, which are often the most congested. The study also highlighted that Portland’s investments in bike lanes have contributed to more sustainable urban mobility and reduced traffic pressure.

To conclude, I will also offer some anecdotal evidence. I currently commute via bike to Bloor GO daily, either along Bloor Street West or Dundas West. When on Dundas West my ten-minute trip involves me entering the car lane several times to pass parked cars, each time slowing the traffic behind me and putting my safety at risk. Multiply that to include all the other cyclists on the road and it quickly become apparent that removing bike lanes will add to the problem the government is claiming it wishes to solve with this proposal.

Like any modern global city, our solutions to the traffic problem must include a long-term plan focussing on developing viable alternatives to travelling by private vehicle. I urge the government to think of the families of those cyclists killed on the roads this year and eagerly await their evidence-based response to my comment.