As someone who lived in the…

As someone who lived in the GTA suburbs for half their life and the city of Toronto for the other half, I can't figure out how this legislation appeals to anyone in Ontario or those travelling within / through Toronto.

If I'm driving a car I want bike lanes so cyclists aren't in front of the car slowing down traffic or swished into the side of the lane making them hard to see or easy to accidently crash into. Bike lanes and proper barriers help drivers predict where cyclists will be located to assist in avoiding unnecessary collisions. I don't want to kill or injure someone while driving. I do want to get someplace in a timely manner too. Please make it easy for me to succeed by dividing the lanes.

If I'm cycling I want to know I have the least chance of being hit by a car possible, am easy for cars to see, and want to get someplace in a timely manner. A bike lane is ideal as it helps keep me separated from cars that can injure me accidentally (or purposely run me off a road)! A bike lane helps me keep moving quickly to where I want to go so I won't hold up car traffic or be held up by the gridlock car traffic causes in roads.

I'm not sure what I'm missing here, but bike lanes seem pretty essential to me whether I choose to drive or cycle... in with case I want to travel safely, get there in a timely manner, avoid pissing other travelers off. Cars and bikes both need space on main roads like Bloor/Danforth, Yonge and University because those are main arteries in Toronto that can actually get you someplace you want to go. I can't use side roads in my car or on my bike to get someplace I want to go in Toronto because the city's roads aren't built that way. You have to use main roads to get to office buildings, stores, school, etc. when in Toronto.

I'm urging you don't remove existing bike lanes, please let municipal governments decide what's best for their areas. Let them build more bike lanes without unnecessary provincial red tape. Don't pass Bill 212. It isn't safe. Studies show lack of bike lanes decreases safety and increases traffic.

Sincerely,

A concerned Ontarian