I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Ontario government's recent proposal to remove sections of bike lanes on major Toronto streets and revert them to vehicle traffic lanes. This initiative is misguided for several reasons that deeply concern residents who value safety, sustainable commuting, and local governance.

1. Safety Concerns for Cyclists
The City of Toronto has recently seen a troubling rise in cyclist deaths, highlighting the importance of dedicated bike lanes as a fundamental measure for protecting cyclists. Removing these lanes from key roads such as Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue would expose cyclists to increased danger, putting lives at risk. The presence of protected bike lanes provides necessary space between cyclists and vehicle traffic, reducing the frequency and severity of collisions.

2. Increased Traffic Congestion
Contrary to the belief that removing bike lanes will ease traffic, it is the very presence of cyclists commuting to work that helps reduce gridlock. Every cyclist represents one less car contributing to traffic congestion. By dismantling bike lanes, the government risks pushing more individuals back into vehicles, worsening congestion and contradicting the proposal's stated goal of fighting gridlock.

3. Provincial Overreach
This proposal also represents an alarming overreach of provincial authority, undermining the "strong mayor" system intended to empower municipalities to make decisions tailored to their unique needs. The City of Toronto should retain the autonomy to manage its infrastructure based on expert local assessments. The province's intervention sets a dangerous precedent, weakening local governance and stifling the city’s ability to respond effectively to its transportation challenges.

4. Environmental Implications
The potential environmental consequences of this proposal cannot be ignored. Bike lanes support climate action by encouraging sustainable transportation and reducing vehicle emissions. Reverting these lanes to car traffic not only threatens air quality but contradicts Toronto's climate goals. Moreover, the proposed exemption from the Environmental Assessment Act eliminates crucial oversight, allowing changes that could negatively impact urban sustainability.

In summary, this proposal endangers cyclists at a time when safety improvements are needed most, risks exacerbating traffic issues by discouraging cycling, undermines the principles of municipal self-governance, and carries significant environmental repercussions.