I walk, cycle, take transit,…

I walk, cycle, take transit, and drive in Toronto. I find this proposal deeply disappointing and frankly alarming. More than anything, it demonstrates that this government is willing to completely ignore its constituents, municipal government, research evidence, and common sense in favour of reactionary decision-making. I would be interested to know if it is part of a strategy to draw attention away from many other ill-thought-out and potentially dangerous actions, including changes to home care (Bill 135) and cuts to education.

The idea that removing existing bike lanes will reduce gridlock is absolutely laughable. It is unbelievable that anyone in government thinks this is logical. I must question the Premier's motives when such clear evidence exists that this proposal will not accomplish what he says it will. The way to reduce gridlock is to reduce the number of cars on the roads. It is truly that simple. You can do that by improving transit infrastructure and, yes, maintaining and expanding the city's network of bike lanes.

As a driver, I am grateful every time I am on a road with a protected bike lane, because they reduce my risk of accidentally killing someone. It is unconscionable that this government appears to accept more lost lives in order to show voters that it is addressing gridlock. Which, again, the proposed actions will not accomplish.

I cycle because it is usually the most efficient way to get where I need to go. It is also good for my health and for the environment. In this time of climate crisis, the Ontario government should be directing policy and funding towards initiatives that improve the health of Ontarians and of the planet. Instead it is proposing the opposite.

For a government that purports to care about saving Ontarians money, the costs associated with removing existing bike lanes is absurd. I am horrified that in a time when multiple sectors are in crisis (including developmental services, where I work), the idea that Premier Ford and this government would essentially pour millions down the drain to undo prior work in a move that not only will not reduce gridlock but will likely increase it while the roads are under construction.

It's not clear to me why Premier Ford has such contempt for Torontonians like myself who seem to have different values from his. But I also feel quite sure he is smart enough to know this proposal is terrible from every angle. I urge Premier Ford to reconsider this proposal in light of the physical, environmental, and financial harm it would cause.