Subject: Strong Opposition…

Subject: Strong Opposition to the Removal of Cycling Infrastructure and Prevention of Future Lanes on Major Roads

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed bill that seeks to dismantle existing bike lanes and prevent the creation of new ones on major roads in Ontario. This proposal threatens the significant progress made in urban transportation over the past decade and undermines public safety, economic efficiency, and environmental goals.

**Impact on Safety and Accessibility:** The cycling lanes on Bloor, University, and Yonge Streets are among the busiest and most utilized in Toronto. These lanes provide a safe, separated space for thousands of cyclists daily, promoting safer streets for all road users. Removing these lanes would significantly increase the risk for cyclists, and without nearby alternatives, the safety benefits achieved through years of careful planning and investment would be lost overnight.

**Return on Investment:** The city and provincial governments have invested millions in upgrading cycling infrastructure to internationally recognized standards. The recent AAA (All Ages and Abilities) upgrades were designed to bring intersections and lane separations up to Dutch-style standards, promoting the safe coexistence of all road users. Dismantling these bike lanes would squander this investment and the public funds already spent to enhance them.

**Economic and Environmental Benefits:** A robust cycling infrastructure supports economic vitality by increasing foot traffic to local businesses. Eliminating these bike lanes would likely discourage cycling, leading to greater reliance on motor vehicles, increased emissions, and worsened traffic congestion. This move contradicts Ontario’s sustainability goals and the global imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

**Global Leadership and Local Needs:** Ontario has an opportunity to lead in sustainable, accessible urban planning by modelling the benefits of a balanced, multimodal transportation network. Removing high-utilization bike lanes that meet international standards not only undermines this leadership but also ignores the needs and preferences of a significant portion of Toronto's population.

**Consultation and Community Input:** The lack of meaningful consultation with the communities who use, benefit from, and rely on these bike lanes is concerning. I urge the government to engage with community stakeholders, including residents, cycling advocates, local businesses, and environmental groups, to explore solutions that enhance safety and mobility without sacrificing hard-won gains in sustainable infrastructure.

For the reasons stated above, I respectfully request that the government reconsider this legislation and retain the existing bike lanes on major roads. These bike lanes are critical to ensuring a safe, healthy, and prosperous future for Ontario.

Thank you for considering my input on this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Concerned Ontarian