The proposed policy, as…

The proposed policy, as written, would be ineffective, regressive, and dangerous to the thousands of cyclists who choose to bicycle on municipal streets. The idea that cyclists can simply use 'side streets' to get to their destination is misguided. In areas where side streets connect with major routes, such as Shaw or Palmerston in Toronto's west end, and prioritize cycling through the use of one-way roads, side streets can be a boon. However, in the case of Bloor street there are no side street alternatives allowing cyclists to traverse east or west across Toronto. There are limited crossings for cyclists along the Humber River, save for Bloor, Old Mill, and Dundas (2 of which being major streets, 1 involving multiple hills and connecting with another major route at the end); furthermore, without traffic calming or the development of one-ways to build out bikeways, these side streets would not be attractive cycling routes. Finally, the removal of bike lanes and resurfacing of the streets would be a tremendous amount of wasted taxpayer money and would contribute to worsening traffic during this period.