To the City of Toronto, I…

To the City of Toronto,

I would strongly encourage reconsideration of any proposal aimed at removing bike lanes on key streets like Bloor, Yonge, and University. Preserving and even expanding our bike infrastructure is essential for easing traffic in Toronto—not only now, but for the future. Bike lanes provide a crucial alternative to car travel, allowing more people to get around safely and efficiently without adding to the volume on our roads. Removing these lanes would only shift more people to car usage, compounding congestion and taking us further from sustainable transportation goals.

Additionally, we should consider the broader context. The Gardiner Expressway, as we’ve all seen, has increasingly shown its limitations in supporting our city’s traffic load. Reducing bike infrastructure will not alleviate pressure on the Gardiner or our main roads. Instead, it will lead to more cars on the road and exacerbate the existing bottlenecks.

We know that prioritizing bike lanes can reduce vehicle congestion by encouraging alternative commuting options. Cities around the world have proven that a robust cycling network helps decrease traffic and carbon emissions while improving overall livability. By making it safer and more convenient for people to choose cycling over driving, Toronto can lead the way in sustainable urban planning and build a more resilient, accessible city for all.

Let’s look toward a future where sustainable commuting options are prioritized over outdated car-centric planning.