As a Torontonian who sold…

As a Torontonian who sold their car just this year and now bikes, walks or uses TTC to commute, I find this proposal not only irresponsible, but dangerous. Also, a complete overreach of the provincial government's authority. Municipalities know what is best for the people who live in their cities. I’ve used the Bloor bikes lanes quite a bit over the last few years and three of my heath care specialists are located along University. It finally feels safe to ride my bike to get to my doctors appointments since the University bike lanes were installed/expanded. I also rode the Yonge bike lanes this month for the first time to run an errand, something I would NEVER have even thought of doing before the lanes existed. I will definitely use them again if they’re left in place.

I truly can’t believe that the people of Ontario would prioritize a 1-3 minute reduction in drive time (what’s been reported as the impact on Bloor since the bike lanes were expanded) over the safety - and in some cases lives - of their neighbours. This government is ignoring studies done all over the world that show adding more lanes just leads to more traffic, and that adding bike lanes, when implemented well, can actually lead to a reduction in traffic.

Please do not remove existing bike lanes or prevent new ones from being added in our cities! Some of us need to commute by bike. Not all of us can afford to own a car anymore, and I think my life, my husband’s life, and the lives or my friends who ride are worth more than a couple of minutes saved in travel time for drivers. It’s heartbreaking to see that Premier Ford doesn’t feel that way. I want to make it home alive when I need to ride my bike. My loved ones count on that. This bill should not pass! And the Premier should stop treating those of us outside of cars like second class citizens.