To Whom it May Concern, I…

To Whom it May Concern,

I use the Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue bike lanes all the time. I've been biking (as a form of work commuting) for almost 20 years. When I first moved to the city, there was no bike lane infrastructure and the city was a very dangerous place to cycle, also there were only a hand full of biking commuters then. Now there are so many bikers within Toronto, bikes lanes seem essential. For me, these bike lanes provide a safety and security while I'm commuting. They are an essential part of why I love living in this city.

Bikers have just as much right to road safety as drivers. Also, I do not believe that bike lanes are causing congestion in the city, I think and the data supports it, that bike lanes take drivers off the road. What will happen to the 8000 bikers daily that use the Bloor bike lanes? Likely a portion of them will revert back to driving causing more congestion. We need a different solution to congestion, possibly a congestion tax for non residents.

I do not believe the Province has provided sufficient evidence for bike lane removal. Feels like an emotional decision. Torontonians know our city better than the province and we want these bikes lanes. Stay out of municipal decision making.

Thank you.