I am sharing the contents of…

I am sharing the contents of my letter I have written and shared with Premier Ford, Prabmeet Sarkaria (Ontario Minister of Transportation), my local MPP and Toronto City Councillor:

I am writing to express my deep concern and heartfelt plea against the proposed removal of bike lanes in Toronto. As a proud Torontonian and recent first-time homeowner, I rely on biking as my primary mode of transportation. Like many in our city, I cannot afford a car, especially in the current housing crisis. The bike lanes are not just infrastructure; they are lifelines that allow me to navigate the city efficiently, safely, and sanely amidst the challenges of public transit construction and congestion.

By removing bike lanes, I fear we are incentivizing more cars on the road—a move that many residents, including myself, cannot support due to financial, environmental, and logistical barriers. Bike lanes provide a safe space for active transportation, which is critical for both physical and mental well-being. Without them, cyclists like me are forced to ride alongside vehicles on major roads, an option that feels unsafe and impractical.

During my recent work that involved being at the Paris 2024 Olympics, I experienced firsthand how thoughtfully implemented bike infrastructure transforms urban life. In Paris, cycling is embraced as an accessible, vibrant, and sustainable way to move through the city. E-bikes are abundant and convenient, allowing everyone, regardless of fitness level, to participate in active transportation. I can't help but wish for similar opportunities here in Toronto. Expanding options like e-bikes and modernizing our bike-sharing system could encourage more people to embrace cycling and reduce the reliance on cars.

I understand there are figures that might downplay the impact of bike lanes, but I urge the provincial government to consider the full picture. Removing this essential infrastructure would not only discourage cycling but also undermine efforts to promote healthy, active lifestyles. Instead, I ask the provincial government to explore ways to further invest in cycling infrastructure and encourage its use through innovative solutions, like e-bike programs and expanded bike lanes.

As someone who has dedicated their life to community-building through sport and physical activity, this issue is deeply personal to me. I served as a Canadian Army reservist and contributed to projects such as the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, and the Canadian Olympic Committee. My mission has always been to make our city, province, and country a better place. Removing bike lanes runs counter to this mission and risks making our city less inclusive, healthy, and livable.

Biking is one of the few joys that provides me with relief from the stresses of life in Toronto. It allows me to connect with my community, get to work, run errands, and visit friends and family. I implore the provincial government to recognize the value of bike lanes for countless residents who depend on them.

Thank you for your time, understanding, and compassion. I hope the provincial government will consider this perspective and stand with us in protecting Toronto’s bike lanes.