I’m really concerned about…

I’m really concerned about the province’s plan to remove existing bike lines and set up the framework to interfere with building new ones. This does not respect the democratic self-governance of Toronto, is harmful to the environment and will lead to an increase in severe injuries and death. Why is the province trying to regress in this way? The government says it’s to reduce gridlock, but this cannot be true. Improving and enabling modes of transport that are not driving is what takes cars of the road and actually improves gridlock. The cars aren’t going anywhere if people don’t have good alternatives. Cycling is one of those. It’s great for the environment (unlike cars), space efficient (unlike cars), and accessible to young people (unlike cars). Without bike lanes, though, it’s not as safe an option. This matters immensely. My husband was just yesterday hit by a car while riding his bike. He’s lucky to be alive. The cars in this city are aggressive and bike lanes literally save lives. And as cycling becomes a safer option, more people use it! Everyone (including drivers) benefits from this due to how cycling reduces congestion, reduces pollution and expands mobility. Imagine if kids could safely ride their bikes around the city because of a great bike lane network? To remove bike lanes from such major streets in the city is so irresponsible. Not everyone can drive or afford a car and people will continue to bike with or without bikes lanes. Knowing this fact, the province is making the choice to let more people die by removing bike lanes and hindering building new ones. That brings me to another key point - Toronto voted for bike lanes. We live here, we want them, our mayor supports them. It is completely inappropriate and un democratic for the province to force its will, especially to remove something positive. Removing them will also cost the city over $40 million dollars. All to make cycling less safe and make no difference at all to congestion. This Bill is shameful, and dangerous. Do better for the people who live here.