I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong support for bike lanes as part of Toronto’s transportation infrastructure. Evidence consistently shows that bike lanes contribute to:

- Reduced traffic congestion: By encouraging more residents to adopt cycling, we can alleviate gridlock and improve the overall flow of traffic.
- Environmental benefits: Bike lanes help lower greenhouse gas emissions, supporting provincial goals for a sustainable and healthy environment.
- Efficient mobility: Bike lanes help people move faster through urban spaces, especially during peak hours.

Beyond convenience, bike lanes are essential for many residents who rely on affordable and accessible transportation options. Delivery drivers, including those in food and courier services, and individuals who cannot afford vehicles due to high living costs, depend on public transportation and bike lanes to navigate the city. With the rising cost of living, car ownership has become unattainable for many, underscoring the need for equitable, accessible alternatives like cycling infrastructure.

Traffic congestion also tends to be self-reinforcing—more cars lead to more traffic. By expanding bike lanes, we create an opportunity to break this cycle, encouraging people to choose alternative modes of transport that reduce congestion and improve travel for everyone.

Investing in safe, accessible bike infrastructure is crucial not only for the health, safety, and well-being of our communities but also for addressing pressing environmental and urban transportation challenges. Neglecting these needs reflects a lack of vision and leadership in meeting Toronto’s evolving needs. Bike lanes represent a practical, evidence-based solution that can provide tangible benefits for Toronto residents, and we need governments at all levels working in concert to make them a reality.

I urge the policymakers involved in this bill to prioritize decisions grounded in evidence and the broader public interest. This province needs policies driven by data and community needs—not by emotion or political gamesmanship.