Studies from around the…

Studies from around the world show bike lanes ease congestion, reduce emissions and are a boon to businesses and help fight climate change by eliminating greenhouse gases. Having dedicated lanes creates a safe pathway for cyclists. Removing them will result in more serious collisions with cars and trucks. The bike lanes on Bloor are ideal because they are protected by parked cars. In 2017 Doug Ford said "You're nervous when there's no bike lanes. At least I was. We have to do everything we can to make sure there's never a death in the city. One death is way too many when it comes to bicycle riders." We have seen many cyclist deaths in 2024 due to bike lanes being blocked. Many major cities like Montreal, Vancouver and Edmonton are expanding bike lanes. It is very backward to remove them and there is no evidence that traffic flow will improve. It has been proven that the more you expand roadways the more cars will come. In recent years the 401 was widened in Mississauga and initially, people reported that congestion was reduced, but within a short time, the highway was completely clogged again. Many of cyclists choose to use their bikes if it is safe, so eliminating the dedicated space will force them to get back into their cars and further clog up the roads. Stores in the Annex say the Bloor bike lanes have been a big boost to business and the neighborhood's BIA wants the province to back off its new bill that could see the lanes removed. The bottom line is removing bike lanes from major streets in Toronto is completely irresponsible and shortsighted.