Cycling is part of the…

Cycling is part of the culture of a developed municipality where citizens of all ages can have the freedom of mobility, especially for short range commutes. It is essential to support the continuously growing network in an ever expanding metropolitan area to promote dense living.
The Bloor, Yonge, University arterial roads carry a huge number of cyclists each day bringing them into the core to engage in business and pleasure. Without major arterial bike lanes, cyclists, many of whom do not own cars, are left with the following choices
1) Take an entire car lane, holding up traffic - Essentially, car traffic does not benefit, and traffic flow remains the same. Bicycles share roads with motor vehicles, and increase the danger of collision and safety is greatly reduced. Car traffic does NOT increase, only the perception of it. Cycling on car lanes is not for the faint of heart, for instance, youth and seniors would definitely not feel safe.
2) Take alternate cycling routes - This is not possible in many scenarios. This increases frustration in cyclists if there are not roads where cyclists feel welcome. It gives priority to motor vehicles to roads, which have been designed for ALL commuters into the city. No roads have been proposed as relief routes to take in the reduced traffic.
3) Abandon cycling, and use alternate means. The TTC network has already been proven to not be able to provide a reliable commuting service. The King street car pilot showed that extensive traffic controls are necessary in order for street cars to pass through the downtown core. Metrolinx projects are currently under construction for several more years but until then we need to wait.

Like it or not, cycling is here to stay. The province MUST work together with the cities to manage how bikes, pedestrians, transit and drivers ALL can coexist. Whether it is by dedicating entire roads to separate, or split lanes, Ontario cannot become a world-class province without creating a common solution for all its people.