I believe that limiting the…

I believe that limiting the expansion of bike lanes—and potentially reducing existing ones—would be a beneficial and safety-focused approach for everyone navigating busy urban areas like Toronto.

As someone who once avoided driving in the city due to its intensity, I’ve experienced the benefits of having a car, which has allowed me to broaden my work opportunities and accomplish more. Relying on public transit alone simply isn’t as productive for those with complex schedules.

In my experience, I’ve observed an ongoing tension between drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, which is affecting our ability to make sensible adjustments suited to city life. While bike lanes along high-traffic streets like Queen Street may serve some cyclists, they often compromise safety. I have personally witnessed cyclists adopting the behaviors of both vehicles and pedestrians, whichever suits them at the moment. This unpredictability endangers pedestrians crossing the street and drivers making turns. Cyclists often fail to dismount at crosswalks, which would increase their visibility and promote safer interactions. Unfortunately, this can escalate into confrontations, adding to an already tense atmosphere on the roads.

Although significant investments have already been made to incorporate bike lanes on major streets, I believe it's not too late to consider safer, alternative routes. Rerouting some bike lanes through parallel residential streets would offer cyclists a safer path and reduce conflicts on the busiest roadways. This is a solution that could address safety concerns more effectively while remaining considerate of all users of our streets.

Additionally, I strongly support the idea of requiring cyclists to complete a knowledge or practical module to obtain a license for using bike lanes on city streets. Many smaller countries have similar sensible systems, and they have proven effective in promoting road safety for all.

Thank you for your dedication to creating a more efficient, safe, and balanced city.