https://epub.wupperinst.org…

https://epub.wupperinst.org/frontdoor/deliver/index/docId/6597/file/659…

Please consider the data from the research and case studies in the link above. In particular take a look at the first case study, New York: New Bicycle Lanes, in which the data shows that adding bike lanes actually reduced car congestion.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/bike-lanes-impacts-1.7358319

For a compilation and analysis of data on bike lanes and their impacts, please check out this article linked above.

A quick summary of concerns:

- Induced demand – build more lanes of traffic and people who were using alternate modes of transportation will choose to drive. More cars on the road = more congestion and time spent in gridlock.
- Additionally, removing bicycle lanes is a huge safety concern. Separate lanes for separate modes of traffic results in less collisions. As noted in the proposal details, “The Government of Ontario recognizes that accidents and lane closures can worsen traffic congestion and impact the quality of life of Ontarians.” Removing bike lanes will result in more accidents (see first link) and thus will worsen traffic congestion.
- It is a misuse of money, time and resources to put in even more money, time and resources to remove bike lanes without substantial evidence of harm.

When it comes to environmental impact, we know that cars are a problem. They produce smog, carbon monoxide and other toxins that are harmful to the environment and to human beings as we breathe in these toxins. This policy is prioritizing cars over other methods of transportation.

There is no requirement for data to justify maintaining or adding car infrastructure, however, this proposal requires municipalities to submit information about existing bike lanes in order to protect them.

We need policies that encourage and support environmentally friendly modes of transportation such as cycling, not policies such as this.