I work downtown and cycle to…

I work downtown and cycle to work as often as the weather allows (with the advent of climate change it is becoming more and more often although that's another even more important matter which is nevertheless related to removal of bicycle lanes which will contribute to this problem). The fastest route is along the Bloor Street bicycle lane from High Park Avenue to St. George Street and then along the St. George Street bicycle lane south until I finally reach my destination at Queen Street West and University Avenue. I would take the University Avenue bike lane which would have me avoiding riding in traffic along Dundas Street but they have been closed due to construction. If the Bloor Street bicycle lane is removed it will take me longer to get to work and home, thus spending less time with my family. Many if not most of the side streets are not direct routes due to a lack of city planning two centuries ago which is the reason for longer travel times on this route.

Studies have shown that the contribution of bicycle lanes to automobile congestion is negligible. If the lanes are removed, there will be the same congestion, just with more cars.

Instead of removing bicycle lanes, the province should focus on encouraging more people to commute to work by promoting public transit and cycling, not going back to the idea that the city is made for cars at the expense of pedestrians and bicycles with little thought for health and safety.