As a Toronto resident who…

As a Toronto resident who both drives and makes use of cycle lanes in Toronto, I am completely opposed to the removal of bike lane infrastructure in this city. The notion that gridlock will be reduced by removing bike lanes is misguided and dangerous. When I choose to cycle, I want to be able to do so safely and divided bike lanes on Bloor, University and parts of College/Gerrard are a critical part of my planning. Along the portions of College where there is no divided bike lane and I am forced to cycle in the inside lane, sharing that space with motorized vehicles, my very presence contributes to gridlock by slowing automobiles down to allow for my passage. However, I reduce gridlock by not being in yet another vehicle on that street. I do so, mind you, accompanied by significant danger as drivers are increasingly less tolerant of their fellow road users on bicycles. I have had drivers put me in jeopardy on a number of occasions and I have a personal connection to one cyclist who was killed in the last couple of years. On top of this is the massive waste of public funds that is being contemplated for the removal of existing bike lanes. So not only will I be less safe, I will be paying an absurd amount of tax revenue for my increased danger. I will add that, as a driver I feel safer when bikes are in a separated lane since their movements are far more predictable and contained. Bill 212 needs to be voted down in order to save money, protect lives and preserve the liveability of Toronto. Put the Ontario government's priorities where they are needed rather than interfering with the running of municipal politics. We voted in the city government to manage Toronto. That is not what the provincial government was put in place to do.