I urge the removal of the…

I urge the removal of the bike lanes on Bloor Street in Toronto's West End. These lanes have eliminated an entire car lane, leading to longer commute times due to increased traffic congestion. Drivers are now forced to take longer detours, often through Dundas or Queensway, to avoid Bloor. In areas like Etobicoke, the bike lanes appear to be largely unused.

Ironically, the primary argument for bike lanes is to promote a more climate-friendly alternative to driving gas-powered vehicles. However, the increased congestion caused by these lanes may be having the opposite effect. As people spend more time in traffic, the overall environmental benefit is diminished. The congestion can feel like a punitive measure for drivers, prolonging travel times and creating economic ripple effects. For example, local businesses like barbershops may see fewer customers due to the difficulty of reaching their establishments.

Instead of focusing heavily on bike lanes, I believe Toronto should prioritize strengthening its economy, ensuring it has the resources to fund meaningful climate initiatives that have a broader impact. While bike lanes have their place, the current approach seems to be backfiring and negatively impacting the city.