I am incredibly frustrated…

I am incredibly frustrated by this proposal which will not only introduce more red tape to city management from the province, but is completely counter to evidence and the well being of city residents.

It is a huge waste of tax-payer money to remove bike lanes that were just put in, and to create a process for the province to review every instance of municipalities wanting bike lanes. I would prefer that the province spend their time and resources on things that actually matter at the provincial level, like healthcare and increasing housing. City planning should be left to the city.

Removing bike lanes creates a less safe environment for cyclists who would then have to bike on the street and be closer and less visible to cars. I'm also less comfortable driving when there is no dedicated bike lane.

Additionally encouraging people to use other forms of transportation besides driving is not only good for the environment, but also reduces vehicle traffic on the road as people are diverted away from using cars. If the province actually wants to reduce traffic, they should invest more in public transit and alternate routes of transportation which are much more efficient at moving people than single-person vehicles.

Research has also shown that adding additional lanes does not improve traffic in the long run, as people will just change their behaviours to take that route and use their personal vehicle when they otherwise wouldn't. Additionally, the outermost lane of traffic downtown is often blocked by one or two parked cars anyways, so removing a bike lane wouldn't even open up that route.

I'm also incredibly frustrated at the mentions of removing bike lanes specifically on Bloor, Yonge and University, as it sounds like the premier's personal vendetta against bike lanes on his route to work rather than an actual justifiable reason for removing these.

Overall, PLEASE make this decision based on actual evidence so you don't waste time and money on making our cities objectively worse and less safe.