I am writing to you as a…

I am writing to you as a concerned resident and cyclist of Toronto to express my strong opposition to Bill 212, which proposes the removal of bike lanes in our city. This bill not only undermines our community's progress towards sustainable transportation but also poses a direct threat to the safety of cyclists, including myself and my children.

Research consistently shows that bike lanes can actually help alleviate road congestion. Cities like New York and London have demonstrated that bike lanes can reduce car traffic in urban areas by providing a safe, alternative mode of transportation, thereby decreasing the overall number of vehicles on the road. Furthermore, a study from the University of Colorado Denver found that bike lanes can lead to a smoother flow of traffic, improving travel time reliability for all road users.

More critically, removing bike lanes will significantly increase the risk of accidents and fatalities among cyclists. Bike lanes provide a designated safe space for cyclists, reducing the likelihood of collisions with vehicles. Without these lanes, cyclists are forced to share the road with motor vehicles, greatly increasing the potential for serious accidents. The proposed removal of bike lanes by Bill 212 not only threatens the lives of cyclists but directly endangers the lives of families, including mine.

The implementation of Bill 212 would be a step backward in our city's commitment to safety, health, and environmental sustainability. I urge you to consider these points seriously and oppose Bill 212. We should be working to enhance and expand our bike lane infrastructure, not dismantle it.

Thank you for considering my concerns. I hope you will stand with us, the citizens who seek a safer and healthier Toronto, in opposing this harmful legislation.