To Whom It May Concern, I am…

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed changes regarding the removal or reduction of bike lanes in Ontario. As a citizen who both drives and bikes and is deeply concerned about traffic congestion and the economy, I urge you to reconsider this proposal and instead give the current bike lane infrastructure at least one more year to demonstrate its benefits. This investment is crucial for the safety of all Ontarians and aligns with the broader goals of promoting businesses and more efficient transportation.

1. **Support from Local Businesses:**

It’s important to recognize the positive impact that bike lanes can have on local businesses. On streets like Bloor, where bike lanes have already been implemented, there has been significant support from local businesses and the Bloor Business Improvement Area (BIA). Studies show that bike lanes increase foot traffic, which directly benefits retailers, restaurants, and service providers by bringing more customers into their stores. Cyclists are more likely to stop and shop along bike-friendly routes, contributing to the local economy. Local business owners and associations such as the Bloor BIA have expressed strong support for bike lanes, recognizing that they help create vibrant, accessible, and economically thriving streetscapes. Removing bike lanes now would disregard the clear economic benefits that bike lanes offer to the businesses that rely on foot traffic and accessibility.

2. **Cost of Removal and Financial Responsibility:**

Removing bike lanes that have only recently been installed represents a significant financial burden. The infrastructure and resources that have already been committed to creating these bike lanes – including planning, construction, and public outreach – would result in considerable costs if dismantled prematurely. Given the recent investments, it is both fiscally irresponsible and counterproductive to remove these lanes before they have had an opportunity to prove their worth. A more sensible approach would be to allow for at least one more year of operation to gather data, assess their impact, and make necessary adjustments based on feedback from the community. Bike lanes are a relatively new feature in many Ontario cities, and like any new infrastructure, they require time to adapt to evolving transportation patterns. It is essential that we allow these bike lanes a fair chance to succeed before making drastic changes.

3. **Traffic Congestion:**

While it is true that traffic congestion remains a significant issue in Ontario’s urban centers, the reality is that traffic exists regardless of the presence of bike lanes. The growing volume of vehicles on our roads, combined with limited space for new infrastructure, makes it increasingly difficult to address congestion through traditional means such as widening roads or adding new lanes. Bike lanes provide an effective alternative that helps reduce the number of short car trips, freeing up space on the roads for drivers and reducing overall congestion. Instead of eliminating bike lanes, we should be focusing on making our roads more efficient for all modes of transportation, allowing drivers, cyclists, and transit riders to share the roads more safely and effectively.

4. **Safety and Quality of Life:**
The primary concern when it comes to transportation policy should always be public safety. Bike lanes play an essential role in protecting cyclists from motor vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities. Ontario has seen a rise in cycling activity, particularly in urban areas, and providing dedicated lanes is critical to ensuring these cyclists can travel safely. Without bike lanes, cyclists are forced to share lanes with vehicles, leading to dangerous situations for everyone on the road. For all Ontarians – whether they are drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians – prioritizing safety is fundamental to improving quality of life, reducing injuries, and creating communities where people can feel secure in their daily activities.

In conclusion, removing or reducing bike lanes in Ontario would be a step backward in terms of traffic management, fiscal responsibility, and safety. I urge you to allow these bike lanes to remain in place for at least one more year, giving them a fair opportunity to demonstrate their value. This approach is in the best interest of public safety, local communities, and the long-term sustainability of Ontario's transportation infrastructure.

Thank you for your consideration.