To Whom it may concern, The…

To Whom it may concern,
The following comment is in response to the proposed Bill 212.
This is the first time I have ever commented on a proposed Bill.
This Bill will have a serious impact on my family, so I have been compelled comment.
I am a consistently regular voter and a home owner/tax payer in the City of Toronto.
I have been driving and cycling all across the City of Toronto for over 20 years.

"The Government of Ontario Recognizes that accidents and lane closures can worsen traffic congestion and impact the quality of life of Ontarians."

My question is: WHY are they planning on closing bicycle lanes? Bicycle lanes are legitimate lanes too! They keep the flow cycling traffic moving so that cyclist can stay away from cars, thus improving traffic congestion. The closure of bicycle lanes WILL cause MORE accidents! When bicycles are required to share the road with cars, without a dedicated lanes for bikes, often times this can be very unsafe for cyclists. Many drivers speed above the limit, as well as keep their eyes on their cell phones while driving; making sharing the road space with cyclists more dangerous and more likely to be involved in collisions/accidents. Certainly the more accidents we have, the more traffic congestion will worsen.
This entire Bill seems to be focused only on the benefit of car drivers. What the Government is forgetting is that NOT all Ontarians drive cars. Many of us find it difficult afford the high cost of living in Toronto, as a result, many of us ride bicycles to go to work, shopping, appointments etc. If bike lanes are removed on Yonge St, Bloor St, and University Avenue, This will NOT "Save you time". In fact the removal of these lanes will directly affect many bike commuters, because we will be forced to take side streets which will make their journey much LONGER! They will have no choice but to try and share the roadway and "fight" for space with drivers, thus slowing down the flow of car traffic.
My child commutes by bike to high school 4.9km per direction. Luckily, he has the benefit of using bike lanes for 80% of his commute. If the Bloor St bike lane is removed, his safety on his bike will be in jeopardy. I'm very concerned for the safety of all of the cyclist who will be affected by the removal of any of the well-used and well-loved bike lanes in Toronto.
What a complete WASTE of money and time it will be to take out bike lanes that have already been researched, funded, and installed!
In closing, I wanted to make you aware that removing bike lanes will have a direct effect on pedestrians. Often times, when cyclists feel unsafe or when there is no space on the road, they will choose to ride on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, closing bike lanes will decrease the safety of pedestrians, including Seniors, parents with baby strollers, and people of all ages. Including the people who drive, because we are all pedestrians.

Thank you for reading my comment.