I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to the…

I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to the removal/reduction of cycling infrastructure in the city of Toronto. As we continue to evolve to meet the challenges of a growing population with an increased carbon footprint, it is ever more important to encourage a mix of transportation options. A healthy city is one that supports a mix of pedestrian and cycling traffic along with ample, efficient public transit. While cars and other motor vehicles are a necessary part of urban traffic, the longterm goal should be the reduction of private passenger vehicles in the downtown core while improving other means of access.
Our cycling infrastructure has been growing over the past few years, with many more people now electing to use it for commuting and exercise. Removing parts of the established network would not only lead to additional costs and increased short-term disruption, but it would also result in a decrease in safety for the thousands of cyclists on Toronto's roads. It is challenging for cyclists and cars to safely share lanes on our roadways, and removing the dedicated cycling lanes will not remove the cyclists. They will still be there, competing for space with other, larger vehicles in the lanes of live traffic. Every year, cyclists are killed in traffic, but the existence of separated bike lanes dramatically reduces the risk. If this proposal goes forward, the rate of vehicle/cyclist collisions will see a dramatic increase, along with the injuries and deaths that result.
As a resident of the city of Toronto, I implore you not to roll back the gains we've achieved in making cycling safe and accessible in our city. These lanes were approved and installed under the municipal council we elected, who represent us and our priorities for the city we live in. Please allow them to continue improving our infrastructure in fulfillment of the contract we made with them when we cast our votes.