I wanted to add my voice…

I wanted to add my voice against Premier Ford's recent decision to ban the installation of new bike lanes. As a relatively recent arrival to Toronto (I moved here a little over a year ago from Ottawa), I was initially drawn to the city due to its walkable streets and commitment/openness to build safe infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and those who use cars. I actually never biked before I moved here (due to Ottawa having largely non-existent bike infrastructure) but was encouraged to do so by my partner and the protected bike lanes on Bloor and Harbord streets.

Premier Ford meddling in Toronto municipal decisions is not only unproductive and divisive, it's also dangerous. 6 people have been killed biking this year and that is 6 too many. I strongly believe that true urban centres should be designed with safety in mind and not just be car sewers for people to drive through (at often reckless speeds).

Removing bike lanes does nothing to reduce congestion. More cars on the road are and will continue to be the primary cause of gridlock in Toronto. Creating alternatives to driving, such as public transit is the only way to effectively move cars off the road and decrease congestion for road users.