I am writing to comment…

I am writing to comment specifically on section 195.2, regarding the construction of bicycle lanes in municipalities. As a Toronto resident who uses a bicycle as a mode of transportation, and in the past has used it as a primary mode, I believe the bicycle lanes that have been constructed in the city have made the streets safer and more organised for both motorists and cyclists. As for their impact on traffic, in many areas of Yonge, Bloor and University, a lane of traffic was not removed in order to accommodate them; space previously used for on-street parking was adjusted to make room for them. Thus, removing the bike lane would not restore a driving lane as promised. In other areas, bike lanes have required the removal of turning lanes; are there not alternatives to compensating for such changes?

Section 195.2 specifically mentions “highways,” which from what I understand is what allows the Ministry to regulate Yonge, Bloor and University streets. The rationale stated elsewhere is these are arterial roads, and traffic should flow freely on them. If so, why is on-street parking allowed on these streets? Prior to the construction of the Bloor bike lanes, I frequently observed slowed motorist traffic during rush hour due to parked or stopped vehicles. If the goal of the Bill is to reduce motorist gridlock, why does it not address this? Furthermore, as a resident of an uptown neighbourhood, Yonge and Avenue Road are my only convenient links north and south; there are no alternative routes. This is the very nature of arterial roads, for cyclists as well as drivers.

This brings to my final point, is that these proposed changes will not remove cyclists from these roads. I can speak to first-hand experience that the Bloor Street bike lanes were built in response to the number of cyclists using that route. Removing the bike lanes will return everyone to the time of mixed traffic, which I do not believe will result in the benefit that is being sought.

Please reconsider these changes. Thank you.