After years and years of…

After years and years of advocacy, Toronto is finally building some decent infrastructure for bicycles and it’s long overdue; I believe that restricting the growth of infrastructure for active transportation is a mistake. Why? It's the economy silly! electric cargo bikes deliver goods and services in Toronto 60% faster than a van or car, cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90%, provide income for the riders, and ensure businesses get their product delivered quickly. Studies have found that up to 51% of all freight journeys in urban centres could be replaced by cargo bikes - just think of that number and what it does for gridlock. Following me so far? How about safety, convenience as well as the economy? Toronto’s Bike Share program currently boasts 9,000 bikes at 700 bike stations across the city and it is adapting quickly to allow all types of people to use it’s service, from low-income to high usage riders to holiday-makers. It is equitable and flexible but only thrives because of the city’s push to install more and better protected bike lanes. The month of May alone saw 682,000 trips taken with Bike Share bikes. Just think what our roads would be like if all those travellers used a car! Car ownership in Toronto is declining because people simply can't afford to buy and run one, so many people have chosen to be multi-modal - that is, use transit (such as it is), walk and ride a bike. Removing and restricting bike infrastructure will impact most on the poor and those who are unable to drive a car. It boggles my mind that you believe bikes cause gridlock and when you really think about, it makes no sense at all. Restricting bike lanes will almost certainly make gridlock worse, leave cyclists very vulnerable, remove mobility choices for everyone, and remove important eyes from our streets. So Ontario Government, get your hands off our bike lanes!