I’m commenting on this bill…

I’m commenting on this bill as a driver, pedestrian and cyclist in Toronto, and the broader GTA. Please scrap this bill and it’s unnecessary meddling in municipal infrastructure.

Urban bikelanes on main streets are a valuable and needed corridor that supports the transition to eco-friendly transport, and an essential element of a more human scale GTA.

I live in Etobicoke, I drive a car on Bloor, I just biked on University Ave today. I support bike lanes on main streets, and the existent bike infrastructure in Toronto. As a long time cyclist I know these routes have made my rides noticeable safer. As a driver, they've increased my confidence knowing that cyclists will be in a dedicated lane, and not filtering in between car lanes.

Pushing these lanes to side streets is not even possible in some areas, plus it makes them an in-direct route and less appealing option for many cyclists. It will also divert local bike traffic away from main-street businesses. Data from comparable cities shows that bike corridors on commercial strips boost spending to local businesses, while also raising property values and more.

The recent statements and actions of the Ford Provincial government, and now this legislation represent attitudes that have already set the GTA back years in achieving the basic low-carbon transportation infrastructure of comparable cities. They also embolden violence from drivers who continue to act on the irrational belief that theirs are the only vehicles that deserve space on the road.

Please think of the sustainable future of our cities. How can we create a city that our grand children, and their children can traverse in an efficient, enjoyable and environmentally friendly way. Please respect the jurisdiction of municipal government and the data they share regarding urban transportation.
Please scrap this bill!