I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212, which proposes the removal of bike lanes from Bloor, University, and Yonge. This bill is misguided for several reasons:

Reduction in Congestion: Numerous studies have shown that bike lanes can actually reduce traffic congestion. For instance, data from Eco-Counter shows that building more roads with more lanes for cars does not reduce congestion due to induced demand. Conversely, dedicated bike lanes encourage more people to cycle, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road and easing congestion.

Misleading Data: The data used to justify this bill is misleading because it is not localized to areas with high bike usage. It fails to account for the specific needs and behaviors of cyclists in these dense urban areas. Using generalized data to make decisions about specific locations is not only inaccurate but also irresponsible.

Circular Reasoning: The argument that there is low ridership because of a lack of bike infrastructure is a classic example of circular reasoning. Without proper infrastructure, people are less likely to cycle due to safety concerns. Removing bike lanes will only exacerbate this issue, leading to even lower ridership and further justifying the removal of bike lanes. This creates a vicious cycle that undermines efforts to promote sustainable and healthy transportation options.

In conclusion, removing bike lanes from Bloor, University, and Yonge would be a step backward for our city. It would increase congestion, rely on misleading data, and perpetuate a cycle of low ridership due to inadequate infrastructure. I urge you to reconsider this bill and instead focus on enhancing our bike lane network to create a safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation system for all.