**Opposition to the Removal…

**Opposition to the Removal of Bike Lanes under Bill 212**

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed removal of bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue as outlined in Bill 212. These bike lanes are vital infrastructure that benefit all road users and play a critical role in making Toronto’s streets safer, more accessible, and more sustainable.

Firstly, bike lanes save lives. Dedicated cycling infrastructure reduces collisions and fatalities by separating cyclists from motor vehicles. Toronto has seen too many tragic accidents, and removing these lanes would put more lives at risk. According to the City of Toronto’s own reports, streets with bike lanes experience significantly fewer serious injuries and deaths.

In addition to safety, bike lanes support local businesses. Studies conducted along the Bloor Street bike lane show that retail sales increased after the lanes were installed. Cyclists are more likely to stop and shop at local businesses compared to drivers, and removing these lanes will hurt the economic vitality of these neighbourhoods.

Furthermore, bike lanes are an essential tool in reducing traffic congestion. One less car on the road reduces gridlock for everyone. Encouraging active transportation through safe cycling infrastructure is a proven way to ease congestion and promote more efficient use of road space. Removing bike lanes will only increase car dependency and worsen gridlock, contradicting the bill’s stated goal of improving mobility.

Lastly, bike lanes provide an affordable, accessible transportation option for those who cannot afford the high costs of vehicle ownership. By removing this infrastructure, the government is limiting equitable access to transportation and disproportionately harming low-income individuals who rely on cycling as a primary means of travel.

I urge you to reconsider this damaging proposal. Removing bike lanes is not just a step backward for Toronto but a move that undermines the safety, economy, and livability of our city. Ontario should be expanding its cycling infrastructure, not dismantling it.

Sincerely,
Toronto St. Paul’s resident