For the record, I am both a…

For the record, I am both a motorist and a cyclist. The proposed removal of bike lanes in downtown Toronto is one of the most backward looking, anti-evidence, wasteful, and small minded policies I have ever seen. I have been supportive of how Premier Ford has managed a number of tough issues, but if this policy proceeds I cannot in good conscious continue to support his government or vote for it in future elections.

The bike lanes make the road safer for all road users and reduce the opportunity for potentially tragic car-bike-pedestrian interactions. Premier Ford used to support this perspective when he was part of city council. What changed? Evidence from around the world is clear: bike lanes help reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions, provide valuable low cost transportation alternatives, increases healthy behaviours like cycling, and save lives.

My tax dollars have paid for the expansion of the cycling infrastructure, and right as we are finally able to enjoy the fruits of this endeavor, the province is planning to waste my tax dollars to remove them, creating further construction delays in areas of the city that have been plagued by projects over the past decade.

The rhetoric on this issue is also causing real harm to people on the street. Some motorists have taken this anti bike lane sentiment to signal open season on dangerous driving around the bike lanes or aggressive behaviour towards cyclists. It is not hyperbole to say that lives are at stake here. This has to stop.

Finally, when the proposal was updated recently I had been under the impression that the rules required that the ERO posting window would be extended. However, I see that it has not. While potentially appearing insignificant, this is an abuse of process which gives me great concern. Instead of providing the proper opportunity to consult with those impacted the province seems set on this destructive course no matter what it hears. For shame.