I live near Bloor St and…

I live near Bloor St and Jane and do not find the bike lanes contribute to gridlock. There are certainly traffic frustrations but it seems largely attributed to construction in the area with large condos going in and lane restrictions there and increasing traffic coming down Jane to get to the highway from the north end. The bike lanes provide safe transit options for the area and given the influx of condos along this route - are a viable option for those living and working in the city. High park is also trying to increase the walkability of the park and so the bike lanes allow for another mode of access to the park. These bike lanes, in addition to a viable transit option, provide safety for cyclists and reassurance for those of us driving that there is less likelihood that we may hit, “door” or injure a cyclist.

The plans noted here indicate the solution lies in adding more highways. This will increase travel through the city arteries as folks try to get to the highways (see studies quoted in attached article). A viable future forward vision to reduce congestion, rather than redirect and increase volume, would be to provide more regular and reliable transit options and alternates such as cycling in the city. Increasing rail options and schedules on GO, VIA rail and UPS would provide direct routes to the city for those in suburbs and areas outside the GTA area - making it more convenient and economical than driving - people need incentive, convenience and viable alternatives to driving into the city. Studies show that if travel is convenient and reliable - people will use it. Simply increasing roads and reasons to drive will increase drivers, cars, congestion and pollution. Transit and greater commuter options would make travel to and within the city more affordable to the people of Ontario and reduce pollution. More roads = more cars. We need to stop doing the same old thing (more lanes more highways) as the congestion has only gotten worse.

Redirecting the cost of removing these lanes to an investment in provincial commuter services would be a much more valuable long term investment in our future. If trains to Hamilton, Niagara, Brampton, KW increased in offerings and were direct routes regularly - more people would use them regularly as it would be the most affordable and viable option.