Government policy must be…

Government policy must be based on evidence.

There is plenty of evidence of gridlock in Toronto where I live. Taking away bike lines will not reduce gridlock.

There is evidence that bike lanes in cities and towns reduce the risk of accidents, injury and death. Removing bike lanes, particularly on busy streets, will put lives at risk.

There is evidence that making cities and towns more walkable, and encouraging cycling and use of public transit, can increase the health and well being of people in towns as well as cities. Removing bike lanes and not encouraging and financing accessible public transportation infrastructure will not contribute to the health of our communities.

As for the health of businesses, I do not know whether there is evidence that bike lanes have had an adverse affect on business, but from my own experience I am much more likely to shop locally if I can walk, ride, or take public transit to those businesses. I do have a car, but I rarely use it for shopping in businesses that are close to home, because of gridlock. As for shopping locally using my bike, I do not do so unless I can access a safe bike lane.

I strongly oppose the new provincial bill that would allow for removal of bike lanes!