I have been living in…

I have been living in Toronto for seven years. I am gainfully employed and pay my taxes, vote, and I am strongly against any bill that advocates for the closures and removal of bike lanes in Toronto and surrounding areas. As an avid cyclist I use bike lanes regularly, when available. I bike to work, and I use the bike lanes to get around town on a daily basis. I know that bike lanes save lives. They also help control and direct traffic flow, making it an easier commute for everyone. Bill 212 will create traffic congestion in the short term (while removing bike lanes) and put cyclists lives in increased danger. Forcing cyclists to bike on the shoulder or share lanes with traffic, and having to navigate parked cars that can open doors at any moment increases the likelihood of personal injury and property damage. The environmental impact of having more people turn to driving, and removing safe and viable options for people to make transportation decisions that are better for the planet is a further important reason to keep our bike lanes as is. The Provincial government has no right to change and make decisions about what has, and remains to be, something that is under municipal purview. Please listen to the voice of Torontonians, like myself, who actually depend on bike lanes to keep them safe, and stop the removal and limitation of bike lanes in the city.