Submission: The Importance…

Submission: The Importance of Bike Lanes and the Misguided Legislation Against Them

Bike lanes are vital to creating sustainable, healthy, and safe communities. They not only support green transportation options but also contribute to reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and promoting healthier lifestyles. Unfortunately, recent legislation targeting bike lanes—particularly those that utilize lanes previously designated for vehicular traffic—undermines these benefits and reflects a failure to consider the broader impacts on public welfare, the environment, and urban planning.

1. Safety for All Road Users

Bike lanes provide a dedicated space for cyclists, reducing the risk of collisions with cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Studies consistently show that cities with protected bike lanes see a decrease in accidents and fatalities for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Removing bike lanes forces cyclists into mixed traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents, particularly in busy, high-speed zones. Safety should be a paramount consideration, and eliminating bike lanes ignores the well-documented safety improvements they provide for all road users.

2. Environmental Impact

Bike lanes are a key component in promoting environmentally friendly modes of transportation. By facilitating cycling as an alternative to driving, cities can reduce their carbon footprint and make meaningful progress toward environmental goals. Removing bike lanes and prioritizing vehicle lanes exacerbates traffic congestion and increases emissions, setting back climate goals and creating a dirtier, more polluted urban environment.

3. Public Health and Community Well-being

Cycling is an accessible, affordable form of exercise with clear health benefits. Cities with robust cycling infrastructure encourage physical activity, which reduces rates of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other lifestyle-related health issues. In turn, this reduces strain on public health systems and enhances overall community well-being. Cutting bike lanes diminishes these health benefits, effectively discouraging active lifestyles and contradicting public health objectives.

4. Economic and Accessibility Benefits

Cycling is an affordable transportation option for residents across income levels. For many, especially those who cannot afford a car, bike lanes offer a safe and practical alternative. Moreover, local businesses benefit from bike lanes, as studies show that cyclists are more likely to shop locally and more frequently. Removing bike lanes ignores these economic and accessibility benefits and fails to recognize the diverse needs of all community members.

5. Global and Local Precedents for Success

Cities around the world are embracing cycling infrastructure as a smart urban solution. Cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam have demonstrated that prioritizing bike lanes creates more livable cities, reducing congestion and enhancing quality of life. Domestically, Canadian cities like Montreal have invested heavily in bike infrastructure with significant success. The legislation to remove bike lanes not only disregards the success of these models but also risks positioning our communities as regressive in comparison to progressive, cyclist-friendly cities worldwide.

Conclusion: A Step in the Wrong Direction

The decision to remove bike lanes is a short-sighted one that overlooks the far-reaching benefits they provide. Rather than eliminating bike lanes, the government should be focused on expanding them, creating protected, integrated systems that allow for safe and efficient movement of cyclists and vehicles alike. A commitment to sustainable, inclusive urban planning requires understanding the true value of bike lanes. This misguided legislation must be reconsidered in light of the evidence showing that bike lanes are indispensable for modern, sustainable cities.