Removing bike lanes and…

Removing bike lanes and replacing them with car lanes does not always improve traffic flow and can often lead to unintended consequences. Here are some key points to consider:

Induced Demand: Expanding road capacity often leads to more drivers using the road, a phenomenon known as induced demand, which can negate the initial improvements in traffic flow.
Safety Concerns: Removing bike lanes forces cyclists to share lanes with cars, increasing the risk of accidents and potentially discouraging cycling.
Reduced Transportation Options: Eliminating bike lanes might push commuters who would have cycled back into cars, exacerbating traffic congestion.
Environmental Impacts: Encouraging car use increases emissions and reduces the shift toward sustainable modes of transportation like cycling.
Case Studies & Evidence
Cities that prioritize bike lanes often experience reduced overall traffic congestion because bikes take up less road space than cars, and their use can reduce the total number of vehicles on the road.
Research in cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam shows that dedicated bike infrastructure encourages more people to cycle, thereby reducing car dependency and improving traffic flow.
When bike lanes were removed in Toronto (Jarvis Street), it led to public backlash, as congestion worsened for all road users, and the decision was later reversed.