I do not support the removal…

I do not support the removal of bike lanes. As someone who has lived in downtown Toronto for 14+ years, the additional installation of bike lanes, specifically on bloor and university has made my commute much easier and safer. It is a much more pleasant experience biking in bike lanes. I am less nervous about being stuck by cars. I am someone who has access to a car but prefers not to use it. Parking is expensive downtown, and often the amount of time that it takes to bike or drive is the same. Biking is often faster because I don't have to worry about parking.

When biking I connect with the world around me, I am more productive at work, I am less angry because of annoying drivers during my commute. I am more likely to spend money on my way home by popping into a store.

I have been in several bike / car altercations. I was hit by a driver crossing Richmond in the east end. At the time, there were no bike lanes, so drivers didn't seem to be aware of me. I was doored on Bathurst near front st. I was hit near trinity bellwoods. More cycling infrastructure everywhere sets a precedent for driver's awareness of cyclists on the road. Less bike lanes will take away that awareness which will only cause more danger.

I am also someone who has biked though many winters, bike lanes or no. The installation of new bike lanes has only made me desire to bike more.

Please reconsider this proposal to remove the bike lanes on bloor, university and yonge. Instead why don't you focus on improving our transit system like expediting the opening of the CrossTown LRT. Send the millions of dollars that you are planning to use to remove bike lanes to those projects. Please. There will be less cars on the road if people have other better options.

Thank you for reading. I'm furious about this decision.