I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal to remove recently installed bike lanes in Toronto. As a careful cyclist who has experienced close calls with vehicles, the presence of protected bike lanes has been crucial for my safety and well-being. These lanes have significantly reduced my anxiety about city cycling, encouraged me to ride more frequently, and positively impacted my physical health.

Beyond personal experience, evidence demonstrates that maintaining and expanding bike lanes is economically beneficial, environmentally responsible, and essential for the safety and prosperity of our community.

Economic Benefits

Streets with bike lanes have been shown to boost local businesses and stimulate economic activity:

Increased Retail Sales: A study evaluating the Bloor Street bike lanes found that businesses along the corridor experienced an increase in customer visits and sales after the installation of bike lanes. According to the City of Toronto, local merchants reported a 4.45% increase in customer spending and a 7.15% increase in the number of customers served after the bike lanes were installed1.

Cyclist Spending Habits: Research by the Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) indicates that cyclists and pedestrians tend to visit local businesses more frequently and spend more per month compared to drivers. TCAT's study found that cyclists spend 24% more per month than those who drive2. This consumer behaviour supports small businesses and contributes positively to the local economy.

Reduction in Traffic Congestion Costs

Enhancing cycling infrastructure encourages more residents to choose cycling over driving, reducing traffic congestion and associated economic costs:

Shift to Active Transportation: The City's ActiveTO initiative, launched in 2020, led to significant increases in cycling trips. The City of Toronto reported a 61% increase in weekday cycling volumes on corridors with new bike lanes3.

Healthcare Cost Savings

Promoting active transportation like cycling can significantly reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, leading to substantial healthcare savings:

Improved Public Health: According to Toronto Public Health, increasing cycling and physical activity helps reduce rates of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Physical inactivity costs Ontario's healthcare system approximately $3.4 billion annually4.

Environmental and Long-Term Economic Impact

Increased cycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, contributing to environmental sustainability and economic benefits:

Reduction in Emissions: The City's TransformTO Climate Action Strategy indicates that transportation accounts for about 38% of Toronto's greenhouse gas emissions. Expanding cycling infrastructure is key to achieving the goal of net-zero emissions by 20505.

Safety and Productivity

Protected bike lanes enhance safety for all road users and reduce economic losses due to accidents:

Reduction in Accidents: Studies have shown that the installation of protected bike lanes leads to a decrease in collisions involving cyclists. Research published in the American Journal of Public Health found that streets with protected bike lanes saw a 90% reduction in injury risk compared to streets without such infrastructure6.

Cycling as an Essential Part of the Transit System

Cycling is an essential part of Toronto’s transit system, particularly as a last-mile solution connecting users to major transit hubs. While recent investments in transit are commendable, they come late, and micro-mobility options like cycling remain critical to meeting demand. With Toronto’s population booming, more residents are cycling not just to commute but to access local businesses, visit family, and run daily errands. The oft-cited 1.2% cycling commuter rate from 2011 is outdated and fails to capture this broader use. In a dense, urban area like Toronto, where space is limited, cycling provides an efficient alternative to driving and takes up far less space, making it crucial as we face housing and infrastructure challenges. Expanding road space for cars is impractical in such an environment; supporting cycling is a more sustainable, effective solution.

Conclusion

The proposal to remove bike lanes is counterproductive to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public safety. Evidence demonstrates that bike lanes:

- Boost local economies by increasing retail sales and supporting small businesses.
- Reduce congestion costs by promoting a shift to active transportation.
- Save healthcare dollars by improving physical and mental health outcomes.
- Mitigate environmental impacts by helping to meet climate action targets.
- Enhance safety by reducing the economic and personal costs of accidents.

Given these significant benefits, I urge the Government of Ontario to reconsider the proposal and focus on expanding, rather than removing, cycling infrastructure. This approach supports the economy—which is a paramount concern—and ensures a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for Toronto.