I moved to Toronto from…

I moved to Toronto from Calgary about 1.5 years ago, and I've noticed a significant difference in the cycling infrastructure. In Calgary, there are great paths along the river and through parks, but they don’t connect well to places where people work or do business. In contrast, Toronto’s bike lanes on major streets like Yonge and Bloor connects cyclists directly to work, restaurants, and other key destinations, making cycling a more practical choice for daily commutes. This direct connectivity can significantly reduce the number of car trips, easing congestion and contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

I work on Yonge Street and use both the Bloor and Yonge bike lanes daily. These lanes are essential routes for my commute and keep me safe. Without them, I would feel much less secure biking on those streets and would have to take a much longer, more complicated route to work. When bike lanes are integrated into the existing urban fabric, they encourage more people to ride, knowing they have safe and efficient routes. This not only enhances safety but also creates a more vibrant city atmosphere, as people feel more comfortable biking.

Additionally, the presence of bike lanes on busy streets can influence traffic behavior, often leading to more cautious driving around cyclists. Overall, bike infrastructure plays a vital role in reshaping urban mobility, promoting active transportation, and enhancing the quality of life in cities.

Furthermore, the science and data are clear: Bike lanes reduce traffic and congestion.

The impact of bike lanes on traffic and congestion can be broken down into several key areas:

1) Increased Cycling Rates: When cities invest in bike lanes, more people are likely to choose cycling as a mode of transportation. Research has shown that the presence of dedicated bike lanes significantly boosts cycling rates. More cyclists mean fewer cars on the road, which helps reduce congestion.

2) Safety Improvements: Bike lanes provide a safer environment for cyclists and other vulnerable road users, reducing the risk of accidents. This safety encourages more people to ride bikes and other alternative forms of transportation like scooters, contributing to a cycle of increased cycling and reduced vehicle traffic. Safer streets benefit everyone, including pedestrians and drivers.

3) Traffic Flow: With fewer cars on the road, overall traffic flow improves. Studies have indicated that bike lanes can help reduce the number of short car trips, which are often the most problematic for congestion. When people choose bikes for short distances, it can ease pressure on roadways.

4) Environmental Benefits: Reduced car usage leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality. This is particularly important in urban areas, where pollution can have significant health impacts. Promoting cycling as an alternative transportation option aligns with sustainability goals.

5) Economic Impact: Cities that invest in bike infrastructure often see economic benefits as well. Cyclists tend to spend more at local businesses compared to motorists, who may drive past without stopping. You can fit 8-12 parked bikes in the space of a single parked car. Bike-friendly environments can boost local economies and in turn increase municipal and provincial tax revenue.

6) Land Use and Urban Design: Bike lanes can influence how cities are designed, promoting more compact, walkable neighbourhoods. This can lead to better land use, with less reliance on cars and more emphasis on public transit, walking, and cycling. Again, this increases tax revenue.

7) Health Benefits: Cycling and other active transportation modalities promote physical health, reducing healthcare costs over time by encouraging active lifestyles. Healthier citizens reduce healthcare costs and extend their productivity, which increases the tax revenue over their lifespan.

Overall, bike lanes are an essential component of modern urban transportation strategies, contributing to healthier, safer, and more sustainable cities.

I strongly believe that the government should not proceed with building Highway 413. Instead, those funds would be better spent on expanding public transit and bike lane projects that promote sustainable transportation options. Investing in these alternatives not only helps reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances accessibility for all residents. Additionally, implementing tolls on existing highways could help manage traffic demand and generate revenue that could be reinvested into public transit and active transportation infrastructure. This approach would create a more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system, ultimately benefiting our communities and the planet.

I would be happy to discuss my experience further.