I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed removal of bike lanes in our community. This decision is not only an egregious waste of public funds but also a significant threat to public safety and the well-being of our city’s residents. The removal of bike lanes would directly impact my willingness to support or vote for any elected officials involved in approving this project.

Bike lanes save lives, and this cannot be overstated. They provide a critical buffer between cyclists and motor vehicle traffic, reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities. In addition to enhancing safety, bike lanes promote healthier, more sustainable transportation options, and encourage a more active lifestyle among residents. At a time when we are facing escalating healthcare costs due to sedentary lifestyles, encouraging cycling through safe infrastructure is a proactive approach to improving public health outcomes.

Furthermore, bike lanes are crucial for the success of Just-In-Time (JIT) courier services, which are becoming increasingly vital to our local economy. With the rise of e-commerce, food delivery services, and other on-demand industries, bicycles are an efficient and environmentally friendly means of delivering goods, especially in congested downtown areas. Allowing cyclists to navigate safely in dedicated lanes makes economic sense. Forcing these couriers to ride in the same lanes as motor vehicles not only endangers their lives but also slows down delivery times, negatively impacting local businesses and the overall economy in ways that are difficult to measure.

The idea of removing bike lanes, particularly in urban areas where traffic congestion is a growing concern, is counterproductive. Cities around the world are embracing cycling infrastructure to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the quality of urban life. Why should Ontario move backward? Investing in bike lanes is an investment in a safer, cleaner, and more efficient future for our cities.

Additionally, removing bike lanes may discourage many individuals who rely on cycling as an affordable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. For many, especially lower-income individuals, cycling is a necessity, not a choice. Taking away safe cycling infrastructure risks marginalizing these people further by making their commutes dangerous and impractical. If we are truly committed to making our communities more inclusive and accessible, we must maintain, and indeed expand, our cycling infrastructure.

I urge you to reconsider this decision and prioritize the long-term benefits of safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options. Bike lanes are not a luxury; they are a necessity for a modern, efficient, and inclusive city. Removing them will have serious consequences, not just for the safety of our residents, but for our economy and the environment as well.

Thank you for your consideration. I hope to see a commitment to preserving and enhancing our bike lane infrastructure for the benefit of all Ontarians.