I fully support the proposed…

I fully support the proposed legislation.

Bicycle lanes have, and will continue to have, an important role in the transportation mix of the City.

However, they must be installed in places and in ways that make common sense. In other words, given that bike lanes materially increase automobile congestion and commute times, impose material psychological and economic costs, they should only be installed where: (a) they are not likely to impede emergency vehicles; (b) they are not likely to cause material irreparable harm to small businesses; (c) there is convenient alternative public transportation; and, most importantly (d) there is strong bicycle use currently and even stronger future demand (so that the legitimate safety interests of an extremely small minority do not impose unacceptably high costs upon the vast majority).

In the case of the bike lanes along Bloor Street in Etobicoke, it is only necessary to consider biking demand. I drive along Bloor Street every morning and evening, and for much of that ride there is a virtual absence of cyclists. Moreover, the bike lanes have been in place for over a year, and I don't see any material increase in the number of cyclists (as few as they are).

The decision to install bike lanes along Bloor Street in Etobicoke was not based on objective evidence or community consultation. More importantly, they have not produced any noticeable increase in bicycle use. It makes no sense to maintain them for now.

For this reason, it is completely appropriate, and much appreciated, for the provincial government to step in with this legislation.