The proposal to remove bike…

The proposal to remove bike lanes from busy roads to improve traffic flow may seem like a straightforward solution to congestion, but it overlooks the critical benefits that bike lanes bring to cities, commuters, and the environment. Removing bike lanes is not the right approach; instead, we should be expanding and improving them for several reasons.

1. Safety and Accessibility: Bike lanes are essential for protecting cyclists. Removing them would force cyclists to share the road with vehicles, putting them at a much greater risk of accidents. Studies have consistently shown that dedicated bike lanes significantly reduce the risk of collisions and create safer environments not only for cyclists but also for drivers and pedestrians. Accessible bike lanes make it possible for people of all ages and abilities to feel safe commuting by bike. Here's a great link to Toronto's data that supports this: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000145751930658X

2. Alleviating Traffic, Not Adding to It: The idea that bike lanes increase traffic is a misconception. In fact, promoting cycling as an alternative mode of transportation reduces the number of cars on the road, leading to less congestion overall. When cities invest in infrastructure that encourages cycling, they typically see fewer cars during peak hours, which alleviates gridlock. More bikes and fewer cars equal better traffic flow, not worse. See https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/bike-lanes-impacts-1.7358319 for more information.

3. Environmental Benefits: Encouraging cycling by maintaining and expanding bike lanes is a key part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. As governments around the world work toward more sustainable urban planning, removing bike lanes would be a step backward. Fewer bike lanes mean fewer cyclists, leading to higher emissions from increased car use. In the face of climate change, it is vital to prioritize low-carbon transportation options like cycling.

4. Economic and Health Benefits Cycling offers economic advantages for both individuals and cities. It is a cost-effective means of transportation that reduces fuel consumption and wear and tear on roads. Additionally, cycling promotes physical health, reducing healthcare costs over time. Cities with robust cycling infrastructure see economic benefits through reduced congestion, improved public health, and increased local business activity as cyclists tend to support businesses in their neighbourhoods.

5. A Vision for Future Cities: Forward-thinking cities around the world are investing in cycling infrastructure as a solution to urban mobility challenges. From Copenhagen to Vancouver, city planners are seeing the long-term benefits of designing cities where bikes, cars, and pedestrians can coexist. Removing bike lanes is a short-term fix to a much larger problem and does nothing to advance the vision of a sustainable, modern city.

Instead of removing bike lanes, we should focus on better integrating them into city planning. Enhancing the infrastructure for cyclists, improving public transportation, and creating more walkable urban spaces are all strategies that reduce congestion without sacrificing safety, sustainability, or quality of life