To whom it may concern, I am…

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the removal of existing bike lanes. Removing infrastructure that has already been installed is a considerable waste of taxpayer money and undermines progress toward a safer and more sustainable transit system. This proposal represents a shift toward prioritizing car traffic over active transportation, which may be at odds with modern urban planning practices that emphasize multimodal transit, environmental health, and climate resilience.

I understand there is an ongoing tension between dedicated cyclists and drivers, yet removing a bike lane that’s already in place would only intensify these frustrations. Without designated lanes, cyclists will still need to navigate these roads, but with less space, potentially taking up entire car lanes and further slowing down traffic. Bike lanes provide safety not only for cyclists but also for pedestrians on sidewalks and drivers themselves, as everyone has clearer boundaries.

Bike lanes are a forward-thinking investment. Cars take up significantly more space per person than bikes, and adding lanes for cars often simply fills them back up with more traffic, making the change ineffective. In contrast, bike lanes require less space and can move more people efficiently, which ultimately reduces congestion. While bike lanes may not immediately benefit every business or commuter, they are critical for public health, safety, and environmental sustainability in the long term.

Urban planning in North America has historically prioritized cars, but as we aim for a future that values balanced transit options, bike lanes will be essential in reducing car dependency. The quicker we recognize that biking is a fast, healthy, and effective way to reduce strain on both our roads and the TTC, the quicker bike lanes will reach their full potential.

As a frequent user of the Bloor bike lane, I can personally attest to the safety and comfort it provides. I rely on this bike lane every weekday during the summer, and I feel far safer with it in place. By preserving bike lanes, we encourage healthier, safer, and more environmentally conscious travel options that benefit all residents.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please don’t get rid of bike lanes—especially those that are already implemented. If anything, find a compromise, perhaps by slowing the addition of new lanes rather than removing existing ones. It simply does not make sense to me to spend more money to undo progress that’s already been made. When I return from school, I look forward to using these bike lanes to commute to work, as biking is far more cost-effective than owning a car and more reliable than public transit. I love biking, and I love our bike lanes.

Thank you for considering the lasting benefits of bike infrastructure over short-term pressures to reduce traffic lanes.