The proposal compromises a…

The proposal compromises a crucial piece of safety infrastructure that benefits all road users. Studies consistently show that bike lanes enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers by organizing traffic flow, reducing collisions, and increasing predictability on the road. By clearly separating lanes, the risk of accidents caused by sudden maneuvers from drivers or cyclists is minimized. Without dedicated bike lanes, cyclists may be forced onto sidewalks, endangering pedestrian safety, particularly for individuals with disabilities, or onto busy roads, where they face increased risk and further congestion. Vision Zero data underscores the significance of bike lanes, as injuries and fatalities are most common on busy arterials lacking adequate active transportation infrastructure. Protecting and expanding bike lanes is key to building a safer, more sustainable transportation system in Toronto.

Furthermore, bike lanes help calm traffic by narrowing roads, which encourages slower, safer driving speeds. Alternatives like unprotected shared bike lanes, or "sharrows," fall short and are unsafe on busy streets, making the preservation of protected bike lanes critical for a safer, more efficient transportation network.