I am reaching out as a…

I am reaching out as a concerned taxpayer regarding the new anti-bike lane provincial legislation.

All emprirical evidence suggests that a multi-modal transportation network, including bikes, is the only long term solution to improve safety for ALL road users!!

Bike lanes are ESSENTIAL transportation infrastructure which help reduce congestion, stimulate economic activity, increase public transit catchment area, and provide alternative mobility options for those who cannot or do not want to drive. Safe bike lanes also encourage people to get more exercise, which helps to reduce the demands on our healthcare system.

This bill will add unnecessary costs and red tape while burdening communities who are trying to respond to changing mobility patterns. As someone who drives, walks, and cycles around my community, these street improvements are welcome as they reduce conflicts and provide all road users their own space.

Decisions about local streets should NOT be made by Queen's Park. As we continue to grow and increase density in our cities, alternative transportation will be needed. Many Ontario neighbourhoods have cycling modal share of 10%-15%, and that’s only counting commuting patterns. These figures have continued to grow as more infrastructure has been built, proving the success of these facilities.

The proposed removal of Bloor and Yonge Streets and University Avenue in Toronto is not supported by the City's data, Toronto City Council, or the desires of local constituents.

On Bloor Street, the local BIA supports these lanes as spending has increased along the corridor. On University Avenue, the hospitals supported their staff biking to work, demanding wide cycle lanes for emergency vehicles. Finally, Yonge Street has seen a dramatic increase in both cycling and pedestrian volumes since implementing the bike lane

Thank you and I look forward to seeing more bike lanes, not fewer, being built in our beautiful province, helping to ensure the safety of ALL road users. Too many cyclists are being killed and injured because of lack of cycling infrastructure. This proposed legislation, which has been opposed by ALL delegations to the Infrastructure Committee, will only make matters worse. Please reconsider this legislation!!