I oppose removing the bike…

I oppose removing the bike lanes for the following reasons:

1. The bike lanes have improved my beighbourhood. I live in Bloor West Village in Toronto. Since the bike lanes were installed, I have dined on the patio of various restaurants many times, something I never did before the bike lanes were installed. The bike lanes make the street feel less like a highway and much more pleasant to spend time along.

2. The bike lanes have made the street safer and quieter. Prior to the bike lanes, cars routinely sped along Bloor street, which was not only unsafe, but also loud and obnoxious. Since the bike lanes were put in, the street feels much more safe and consistent with a neighbourhood feel.

3. The bike lanes have reduced our car use and improved mobility. I have used the bike lanes to get downtown, and our daughter is now able to ride her bike to High Park or the Humber River, something we never would have done in the past. We walk and bike more and use our car less.

4. New condos with younger residents will need bike lanes (and good transit) to get around. Expecting to absorb more cars will only lead to more traffic.

5. The Province should respect local democracy and let city council decide on the best place for bike lanes. The Province should not undermine local democracy.

Ultimately, I am in strong support of leaving the bike lanes alone and out of the jurisdiction of the Province.