I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the Province’s proposal to remove bike lanes on Yonge Street, Bloor Street, and University Avenue under the Bill 212 Act. As a UHN employee and avid cyclist, I have commuted over 14,197 miles by bike since 2020. This mode of transport not only saves me 15–20 minutes per commute but also supports my physical and mental health, reduces transportation costs, and minimizes my environmental footprint by significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Before the implementation of the Bloor Street bike lanes, I experienced firsthand the dangers of cycling on unprotected streets when I was hit by a driver. This incident underscored the critical importance of protected bike lanes in ensuring the safety and survival of vulnerable road users. These lanes are essential for me and the many UHN employees who rely on cycling as a daily means of transportation.
The proposed removal of these essential bike lanes would not only endanger lives but also undermine efforts to promote sustainable, healthy, and environmentally friendly transportation systems.

In addition to safety concerns, it is worth noting that traffic congestion in Toronto is not solely caused by bike lanes. Many congested areas without bike lanes suffer from issues such as two-way streets, extensive on-street parking, poorly coordinated traffic lights, and complex intersections, which create delays and confusion for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Studies from cities like New York have demonstrated that implementing protected bike lanes alongside a one-way street system can improve traffic flow, boost local business, and enhance safety for all road users. For example, New York City’s report on bicycle path data illustrates the positive effects of protected bike lanes on urban mobility and commerce (NYC Bicycle Path Data Analysis).

I strongly advocate for safer streets by supporting the retention of these bike lanes. By doing so, we can protect infrastructure that ensures safety, accessibility, and sustainability for our community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.