In response to the Ontario…

In response to the Ontario government’s proposal to remove bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue in Toronto and potentially mandate reviews of other existing bike lanes, I’d like to raise a strong opposition, especially given my perspective as a cyclist, driver, and community member in Etobicoke.

Cycling infrastructure, such as the bike lanes on Bloor Street, plays an essential role in ensuring the safety of residents who rely on cycling for daily commutes. This stretch, including the critical area from Mill Road to Six Points, already lacks sufficient bike lane protections, creating dangerous conditions for cyclists. Removing bike lanes would exacerbate these safety risks, particularly for families and individuals who depend on these routes for school, work, and essential commuting.

Prioritizing motor vehicle traffic over cycling infrastructure not only endangers lives but also undercuts the progress Toronto has made in building sustainable and safe commuting alternatives. Bike lanes contribute to lowering emissions, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting a more balanced, multimodal transportation network that can grow with Ontario’s population. Eliminating these lanes, particularly without a full environmental assessment, disregards the environmental and social value they provide.

Cycling infrastructure should not only be preserved but also expanded and improved upon, especially in high-traffic areas with inadequate bike lanes, like parts of Bloor in Etobicoke. Rather than rolling back progress on active transportation, Ontario should invest in strengthening these networks, which benefit a broad range of community members while supporting environmental and health objectives.

Additionally, I urge the Ontario government to consider the value of creating a more interconnected cycling network between Toronto and neighboring municipalities, particularly Mississauga. Improved connectivity between Toronto and Mississauga would provide cyclists with safer, more accessible routes that support cross-city commuting, which is increasingly necessary for the area’s growing population and workforce.

An integrated cycling network connecting Toronto and Mississauga would promote safer, sustainable transportation options for residents and foster a more inclusive, regional approach to urban mobility. Such a network not only aligns with provincial goals of reducing gridlock and supporting economic growth but also addresses the evolving needs of our communities for safe, environmentally friendly commuting alternatives.