I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the further amendment to the proposed framework for bike lanes that require removal of a traffic lane, for the following reasons:

First, removing the bike lanes will not reduce congestion. As noted in by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute: "The proposed legislative changes will not reduce congestion, will increase risk to public safety, and move away from evidence-based practices. It is also counter to the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement, which includes several policies that support the use of bike lanes."

Second, removing the bike lanes will endanger public safety. As noted by the Ontario Traffic Council: "The proposed legislation will have a serious negative impact on road user safety in Ontario. There is a demonstrated link between adding cycling facilities and improving safety for all modes of travel; any impediment to building safer cycling infrastructure puts people at risk of collision, serious injuries, and death.

Third, removing the bike lanes will hurt small businesses. See, for example, the Bloor Business Improvement Area noting that the removal of bike lanes would be "disastrous".

Fourth, removing newly-installed infrastructure is a waste of taxpayer dollars and will create months of congestion (with all its associated economic harms).

The proposed legislation represents a profound failure of judgment and a dereliction of your duty to the public good.

You are callously putting lives and businesses at risk and I urge you to reconsider.