Let's talk about why keeping…

Let's talk about why keeping Toronto's bike lanes is essential for the well-being and growth of our city.
Removing them, as proposed by Doug Ford, risks unraveling years of progress toward a healthier, more connected, and more vibrant Toronto. Here’s why keeping these lanes matters:

1. Bike Lanes Make Our Streets Safer for Everyone
Bike lanes make roads safer, not just for cyclists, but for everyone- drivers, pedestrians, and transit riders. According to multiple studies, protected bike lanes can significantly reduce traffic-related injuries. In Toronto, where streets are bustling with diverse road users, dedicated bike lanes help keep everyone moving safely, reducing dangerous encounters between cars, bikes, and pedestrians. Removing these lanes exposes cyclists to higher risks, increases the likelihood of accidents, and makes our city less accessible for those who rely on cycling as their primary mode of transportation.

2. Economic Benefits Are Significant
Research shows that bike lanes are good for business. A study conducted in Bloor West Village found that areas with bike lanes see increased retail foot traffic. People on bikes are more likely to stop and shop, visiting local businesses multiple times compared to car users who might pass by without stopping. Removing bike lanes could hurt local businesses in areas where cycling infrastructure has already made a positive economic impact, slowing down revenue growth and reducing the attractiveness of local storefronts.

3. Environmental Benefits We Cannot Afford to Lose
Toronto, like cities worldwide, is grappling with the urgent need to combat climate change. Transportation accounts for 35% of our city’s greenhouse gas emissions. Bike lanes are a cost-effective, proven way to reduce car dependency, reduce emissions, and improve air quality. Removing them contradicts Toronto’s commitment to sustainability and sends a signal that short-term inconvenience is being prioritized over long-term environmental resilience.

4. Public Health Benefits We Shouldn’t Overlook
Bike lanes are not just a way to get from A to B; they contribute directly to public health. Studies from cities around the world show that bike lanes encourage people to adopt a more active lifestyle, resulting in improved cardiovascular health, lower obesity rates, and reduced mental health issues. As we emerge from a pandemic that underscored the importance of public health, we need to keep and expand infrastructure that makes physical activity easy, accessible, and safe.

5. Equity and Accessibility for All Torontonians
Biking is one of the most affordable forms of transportation. For many Torontonians, particularly those who can’t afford a car or live far from major transit hubs, bike lanes are a lifeline that connects them to work, school, and community resources. Removing bike lanes disregards the needs of lower-income residents who rely on affordable transportation options. Doug Ford’s proposal risks creating a city that prioritizes car owners over everyone else, effectively making Toronto less equitable and inclusive.

6. Traffic Flow and Congestion Reduction
Counter to some beliefs, studies show that bike lanes can actually improve traffic flow by reducing the number of cars on the road. Cities like New York and Amsterdam have demonstrated that when cycling infrastructure is robust, car congestion decreases. Toronto is no different; well-designed bike lanes encourage more people to bike, taking cars off the streets and easing congestion, especially during peak hours.

7. Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Community Life
Bike lanes don’t just move people; they transform neighborhoods. Streets with bike lanes are more likely to have public spaces that feel lively, safe, and inviting, fostering a greater sense of community. Toronto’s bike lanes have already spurred community engagement, connecting neighborhoods and creating more vibrant streetscapes where people want to walk, gather, and spend time. Removing these lanes would be a step backward in our city’s cultural and social development.

In Conclusion: Toronto Deserves a Sustainable, Equitable Future
In a time when cities worldwide are doubling down on bike infrastructure as a critical solution to modern urban challenges, it would be both short-sighted and harmful for Toronto to backtrack. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to protect and expand our bike lanes, securing a Toronto that’s safe, sustainable, and connected.

I urge Doug Ford and those considering this decision to think beyond cars and congestion in the short term, especially when relying on exaggerated, limited, and obsolete data. Bike lanes are part of Toronto’s identity, our health, our environment, our economy, and our community well-being.