As a frequent traveller to…

Over the past 30 years, I have witnessed Montreal’s remarkable transformation from having no bike lanes to an extensive network of them. As bike lanes have proliferated, car traffic has noticeably decreased. It’s incredible to see so many people using bikes not just for fitness but as a primary mode of transportation. As biking has surged, car congestion in Montreal has significantly declined. The demand for bike rentals has grown so much that the city has had to expand its rental network to keep up.

What’s particularly noteworthy is that despite Montreal’s colder winters and heavier snowfall compared to Toronto, winter biking remains robust, with traffic levels at about 80% of summer usage.

Toronto’s bike lane network is still in its infancy, and current underutilization should not be seen as a reason to halt progress. Montreal’s experience shows that as bike infrastructure improves and biking becomes easier, usage grows, car congestion decreases, and commute times improve for everyone.

I urge the provincial government to adopt a long-term vision rather than the short-sighted approach that will do little to address Toronto’s severe traffic congestion. Investing in an expanded bike network will not only ease traffic but also boost our economy by enabling smarter commuting options and freeing up roads for those who cannot bike.

Let’s ensure Toronto develops a world-class bike network that benefits all.