As a motorist, I can…

As a motorist, I can empathize with the desire and need to find a solution to the gridlock in big cities like Toronto, but removing existing bike lanes and discouraging the installation of new ones is nearsighted and ignorant at best. One of the best comments against using one's vehicle to get around Toronto is expressed in signs above the Allen, thanks to the TTC: "You're not stuck in traffic: you *are* traffic."
As a cyclist, I am so dismayed by the entertainment of the idea to remove existing bike lines and discouraging the installation of new ones. I work at a university where the parking fees are exorbitant—as fees are around the city—and despite it being faster to drive than to cycle and take the subway, I opt for the latter options, as it provides a meaningful opportunity to move my body, to control my departure and arrival time, and to reduce pollution in our city.
Removing bike lanes needlessly puts cyclists, who may or may not have the option to drive, in danger, as this will force us to once again share the road with motorists. More important than removing bike lanes is educating all Ontarians about the different options available to us all to get around, and making bike lanes usable and safe year-round is a fantastic option, in addition to improving access to transit and increasing availability of bus routes.
As motorist, cyclist, pedestrian, human, I STRONGLY oppose the removal of bike lanes and any plan that discourages the installation of bike lanes. Cycling makes for a healthier community; cars are not the best way to get around! Let's work together for better solutions.