Vibrant world class cities…

Vibrant world class cities like New York, Montreal, Paris, Barcelona, Bogota, Vienna, Taipei etc., have one prominent thing in common. In each of these cities, cycling infrastructure has been wisely planned and implemented so that cyclists are safe to ride and as a result fewer fossil fuel burning vehicles are on the roads. The obvious benefit to the planet should be something all responsible humans see as necessary at this stage of the climate crisis, but there are less obvious and no less important benefits as well. Neighbourhoods with many lanes of car traffic are more hazardous to pedestrians and they feel like simply places to pass through. Neighbourhoods with bike lanes foster vibrant street culture which has positive economic implications for small businesses. (This is the case on Bloor Street where the premiere is threatening to remove bike lanes.) Large streets with commuter bike lanes create conduits for cyclists to connect with public transit which in turn keeps more cars off the roads lessening congestion. (This is the case on University Ave where the premiere is threatening to remove bike lanes.) The irresponsibility of spending millions to undo the well studied progress that has been made in the city of Toronto is absurd. This would never happen in Paris! This would never be conceivable in New York! Cyclists do not deserve to die because they chose a responsible, ethical, necessary way to move themselves in our city. Removing these lanes will not solve the painfully obvious problem of too many commuters driving cars into the city, congestion on the 401 or QEW or Allen Expressway will not be changed by 3 fewer bike lanes.