The proposal to remove bike…

The proposal to remove bike lanes on Yonge Street and University Avenue is a regressive step that undermines Toronto’s progress toward a more equitable, sustainable, and accessible urban environment. This decision, if implemented, will exacerbate transit, environmental, and urban injustices for the residents of our city, compromising the well-being of all who live, work, and travel in Toronto.

1. Transit Injustice
Removing bike lanes deprives cyclists—a vital and growing segment of Toronto’s commuters—of safe, reliable infrastructure. These lanes are not a luxury; they are an essential part of a balanced, multi-modal transit network. Without them, cyclists will be forced into unsafe traffic conditions, increasing the risk of accidents and deterring many from cycling altogether. This will push more commuters toward cars, further congesting Toronto's already overburdened roadways and public transit systems, ultimately making travel slower and less efficient for everyone.

Bike lanes empower residents to choose sustainable, cost-effective transportation options. Their removal disproportionately affects low-income individuals, students, and other marginalized groups who depend on affordable cycling infrastructure to navigate the city.

2. Environmental Injustice
Toronto is already grappling with the climate crisis, and removing bike lanes directly contradicts the city’s climate action goals. Encouraging cycling is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, a major contributor to urban pollution. The removal of bike lanes will discourage cycling, increase car dependency, and amplify vehicle emissions, worsening air quality and public health outcomes. Vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and those living with respiratory conditions, will bear the brunt of these adverse effects.

3. Urban Injustice
Bike lanes are not just functional infrastructure; they are a statement about the kind of city Toronto aspires to be—one that prioritizes people over cars, community over congestion, and accessibility over exclusivity. Removing these bike lanes signals a retreat from that vision, favoring short-term political interests over long-term urban vitality.

The Yonge Street and University Avenue bike lanes are emblematic of a more inclusive Toronto. They provide a safer environment for people of all ages and abilities to move through the city, whether they are commuting, running errands, or simply enjoying their neighborhoods. Their removal erodes public space, limiting accessibility and mobility, especially for those who rely on non-motorized transportation.