As a downtown resident who…

As a downtown resident who both cycles regularly and drives, I believe the removal of bike lanes along Bloor, Yonge, and University streets would be devastating for our local community. Not only would it exponentially increase the already high risk of cycling downtown, I don't believe it would actually reduce or improve traffic, it would only encourage more cars. Having and maintaining the bike lanes encourages people to cycle which absolutely REDUCES traffic.

I know that I wouldn't frequent nearly the number of businesses along Bloor if I didn't feel safe cycling there. Because I can do so in a fraction of the time compared to driving. And it's also free. We shouldn't be accommodating the surrounding GTA when they're the not ones who live here day to day. We have alternative transit options with the GO train and TTC. Though I could also argue that removing parking along Bloor St could help with congestion more than removing the bike lane.

Please make the responsible decision for our downtown residents and our safety. Implementing more bike lanes will only increase our visibility, ultimately making it safer for us and encouraging safer driving practices. Hopefully at which point we can see an even greater increase in our local cycling community.

Thank you for your time!