I write this as a Ford…

I write this as a Ford supporter and a concerned mother. While I myself predominantly commute by car, both of my sons use the Bloor bike lanes in their daily commute to school, and I am deeply concerned about the potential impact of Bill 212.

First and foremost, my concern is for the safety of cyclists. The existing bike lanes provide an essential buffer between cyclists and the heavy traffic that we know can be dangerous. For many cyclists, especially children and teenagers, these protected lanes are not just a convenience but a vital safety feature. Without these lanes, they will be forced to share narrow roads with speeding cars, trucks, and buses, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries. I don't want my sons to become another grim statistic.

I am also concerned about the costs of removing already-established bike infrastructure. The resources invested in creating these bike lanes, both financially and in terms of urban planning, would be wasted if they are dismantled. More importantly, there is the cost of reversing progress — removing bike lanes would not only disrupt commuting patterns for many residents but also discourage future investments in alternative transportation options. In a city as congested as Toronto, it is counterproductive to dismantle infrastructure that encourages sustainable mobility.

While I support many aspects of the government's policies, this particular move seems to ignore the long-term benefits of cycling infrastructure, both in terms of safety and environmental impact. I urge the decision-makers to reconsider this plan, as it risks compromising both the safety of cyclists and the city's progress toward more sustainable, livable streets.