Unlike construction…

Unlike construction obstruction and reckless drivers, bike lanes do not cause gridlock. To the contrary, every cyclist might be considered as one car less on the road. If the City implemented real gridlock-alleviating measures, like dedicated public transport lanes and more bicycle lanes, more motorists would have viable alternatives to driving. Unlike cars, bicycles are non-polluting [emissions and noise] and have a light footprint on the road surfacing. Bicycles are also more affordable.

The removal of bike lanes would have a devastating effect on my life and independence, as I am a senior who bikes and walks everywhere daily. I bicycle for the physical and mental health benefits, the independence and convenience it gives me, for its ecological and financial benefits. Bike lanes ensure my relative safety on the road. Without a dedicated bike lane, I would have to either choose merging with motorized traffic - a very stressful and unsafe alternative that would incidentally also slow down car traffic - or simply give up bicycling, and therefore my independence and connections to community, health services, church and shops I visit weekly on Bloor, Yonge and University. This would seriously impact my health and quality of life, and add a crushing financial burden in seeking alternatives.

Please do not remove any bike lanes!