I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed Ontario provincial legislation that aims to remove bicycle lanes from our city. As a dedicated bicycle commuter for the past 20 years, I rely on these lanes for safe travel to work and to contribute to reducing automobile traffic.

Firstly, I believe the decision to remove bicycle lanes could inadvertently worsen traffic congestion, contrary to its intended goals. The current statistics cited to support this change seem to under-represent the growing number of cycling commuters and over-represent the number of drivers. It's important to consider that the trend of cycling is increasing, and supporting this mode of transport can be a valuable tool in reducing car volumes on the road.

Furthermore, I've observed the increasing adoption of City Bikes among downtown commuters, particularly young professionals who live and work in the core. These individuals rely heavily on central downtown bike lanes, and removing them could force many back to an already crowded and costly public transportation system or into cars, further adding to congestion.

Another point of concern is the involvement of the Ontario government in municipal infrastructure decisions. It seems more appropriate for these decisions to be made at the municipal level, respecting local needs and preferences.

Lastly, I feel that this policy could unintentionally marginalize the contributions of cyclists like myself who help reduce traffic volumes by choosing bicycles over cars. Without safe cycling alternatives, many cyclists may have no choice but to switch to driving, counteracting efforts to alleviate traffic issues.

I hope you will consider these points and the potential long-term impacts on our community. There are myriad reasons for Toronto's traffic challenges - including long-standing structural challenges, Uber and DoorDash drivers, and the increased density in the core - these are hard problems to deal with to be sure. Vilifying cyclists however is not the way to improve the situation for the long term, and definitely not in the short term.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to the concerns of your constituents.