The proposal to remove bike…

The proposal to remove bike lanes in our city is not just shortsighted—it’s outright dangerous, wasteful, and counterproductive to solving the broader challenges we face as a growing urban center. This decision ignores the increased risk to cyclists, squanders taxpayer dollars, and does nothing to address the fundamental issue of traffic congestion.

First and foremost, removing bike lanes forces cyclists back into traffic, endangering lives. Bike lanes provide a dedicated space for cyclists, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Without them, cyclists are left vulnerable to cars in a city already plagued by unsafe road conditions. Encouraging active transportation, like cycling, should be a priority—not penalized.

From a fiscal perspective, the removal of bike lanes is a monumental waste of taxpayer money. These lanes were installed at significant cost, and tearing them out will only burden taxpayers further. This money could be better spent improving public transit or expanding bike lane infrastructure, both of which are critical to alleviating congestion.

Finally, traffic is and will remain a reality in a city that has failed to invest adequately in public transit, even as it welcomes unprecedented population growth. Removing bike lanes won’t magically solve traffic woes—it will make them worse by pushing more people into cars and discouraging alternative modes of transportation.

Removing bike lanes represents a regressive, costly, and dangerous decision. Our city deserves leadership that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and solutions—not quick fixes that move us backward.