The only method which has…

The only method which has been shown to be effective at reducing traffic congestion is by taking cars off the road. The most effective way to do so is by providing viable alternatives to driving cars. When we consider the past, present, and expected future rate of Toronto's population growth, there is no number of additional lanes which can reduce congestion, further emphasizing the need for viable alternatives to driving cars. Toronto has been doing a good job of investing in the TTC, making public transportation an increasingly viable option, especially once the Eglinton crosstown and Ontario line services open. I applaud the current Ontario government on its work in these projects, despite the delays.

I do agree that the bike lanes are under-utilized, but this is because many of them remain unfinished and leave cyclist unprotected from dangerous car traffic. For bike lanes to be effective congestion-reduction measures, cyclists need to want to use them--that is, people need to feel comfortable and safe riding on them. Right now people do not feel safe on bike lanes and more cyclists are dying on Toronto roads than ever before. The city of Toronto has been making investments towards better and safer bike lanes by installing dutch-style bike lanes where cyclists are protected by parked cars and permanent barriers. The effectiveness of these changes can be seen in increasing use of the Toronto bike share.

The removal of the bike lanes that are only starting to show their value is a waste of taxpayer money, and only works to increase car traffic. This increase in traffic will due to the necessary construction for the removal of bike lanes and the demand induced by a lack of viable alternatives to driving. These problems are exacerbated by population growth.

If the province is concerned with car traffic in downtown Toronto, they should continue investing in viable alternatives to driving--including bike lanes.