I am writing to express…

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the Ontario government's proposal to remove sections of the Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue bike lanes in Toronto, and to require provincial approval for new bike lanes that eliminate existing lanes of motor vehicle traffic. This proposal appears to be a regressive policy that is not grounded in empirical evidence and overlooks the extensive benefits of cycling infrastructure documented in numerous studies.

1. Negative Impact on Road Safety

Removing bike lanes can compromise the safety of all road users:

Cyclist Safety: Dedicated bike lanes significantly reduce the risk of accidents involving cyclists. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that streets with separated bike lanes saw a 90% reduction in cycling injuries compared to streets without such infrastructure (Teschke et al., 2012).

Overall Traffic Safety: Bike lanes enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians by clearly delineating spaces for different types of road users, reducing conflicts and accidents (Reynolds et al., 2009).

2. Contrary to Environmental Sustainability Goals

Eliminating bike lanes undermines efforts to promote environmentally friendly transportation:

Reduction in Emissions: Cycling is a zero-emission mode of transport. The European Cyclists' Federation reported that cycling emits ten times less CO₂ per passenger-kilometer than cars (Blondel et al., 2011).

Climate Commitments: Canada's federal and provincial governments have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Encouraging cycling through infrastructure is essential to meet these targets (Government of Canada, 2020).

3. Ineffective Solution for Traffic Congestion

The assumption that removing bike lanes will alleviate traffic congestion is not supported by research:

Traffic Flow: Studies have shown that bike lanes can improve traffic flow by reducing conflicts between cyclists and motorists. The New York City Department of Transportation found that streets with bike lanes saw improvements in traffic speeds and reliability (NYC DOT, 2014).

Modal Shift: Providing safe cycling infrastructure encourages people to shift from driving to cycling, which can reduce the number of cars on the road and alleviate congestion (Pucher & Buehler, 2012).

4. Adverse Effects on Public Health

Reducing cycling infrastructure can have negative public health implications:

Physical Activity: Cycling promotes physical fitness and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of active transportation in combating sedentary lifestyles (WHO, 2018).

Healthcare Costs: Increased physical activity from cycling can lead to significant savings in healthcare costs due to reduced incidence of diseases associated with inactivity (Mueller et al., 2015).

5. Economic Disadvantages

Bike lanes can have positive economic impacts that may be lost if they are removed:

Local Businesses: Cyclists tend to make frequent visits to local businesses. A Toronto study found that cyclists and pedestrians spent more money per month than drivers in local shopping areas (Sztabinski, 2009).

Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in cycling infrastructure is cost-effective compared to road expansions for cars, offering high returns on investment through health benefits and reduced congestion (Fishman et al., 2015).

6. Lack of Evidence-Based Justification

The proposal does not appear to be supported by studies demonstrating that bike lanes negatively impact traffic congestion or economic vitality:

Insufficient Research: There is a lack of empirical evidence indicating that the removal of bike lanes will improve traffic conditions. In fact, research often shows the opposite effect.

Best Practices Ignored: Urban planning best practices worldwide advocate for the expansion of cycling infrastructure to create sustainable and livable cities (Gehl, 2010).

Conclusion

The proposed policy to remove existing bike lanes and impose stricter approval processes for new ones is regressive and not supported by current research. It disregards the multifaceted benefits of cycling infrastructure, including safety, environmental sustainability, public health, and economic vitality.

Recommendations

Reconsider the Proposal: Align transportation policies with evidence-based research that supports the expansion of cycling infrastructure.

Engage Stakeholders: Consult with municipalities, urban planners, public health experts, and community members to develop a holistic approach to transportation planning.

Promote Sustainable Transportation: Invest in multi-modal transportation networks that encourage cycling, walking, and public transit alongside motor vehicle use.

Conduct Impact Assessments: Undertake comprehensive studies to evaluate the long-term impacts of removing bike lanes on traffic congestion, safety, environment, and economy.

By considering the substantial evidence supporting the benefits of bike lanes, I urge the government to reassess this proposal in favour of policies that promote safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation for all residents of Ontario.

References

Blondel, B., Mispelon, C., & Ferguson, J. (2011). Cycle More Often 2 Cool Down the Planet! Quantifying CO₂ Savings of Cycling. European Cyclists' Federation.

Fishman, E., Schepers, P., & Phillips, R. O. (2015). Safety and convenience of bicycle infrastructure: A review. Transport Reviews, 35(1), 64-88.

Gehl, J. (2010). Cities for People. Island Press.

Government of Canada. (2020). A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy.

Mueller, N., Rojas-Rueda, D., Cole-Hunter, T., de Nazelle, A., Dons, E., Gerike, R., ... & Nieuwenhuijsen, M. (2015). Health impact assessment of active transportation: A systematic review. Preventive Medicine, 76, 103-114.

New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT). (2014). Protected Bicycle Lanes in NYC.

Pucher, J., & Buehler, R. (Eds.). (2012). City Cycling. MIT Press.

Reynolds, C. C., Harris, M. A., Teschke, K., Cripton, P. A., & Winters, M. (2009). The impact of transportation infrastructure on bicycling injuries and crashes: A review of the literature. Environmental Health, 8(1), 47.

Sztabinski, F. (2009). Bike Lanes, On-Street Parking and Business. Clean Air Partnership.

Teschke, K., Harris, M. A., Reynolds, C. C., Winters, M., Babul, S., Chipman, M., ... & Monro, M. (2012). Route infrastructure and the risk of injuries to bicyclists: A case-crossover study. American Journal of Public Health, 102(12), 2336-2343.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030: More Active People for a Healthier World.