I would like to register…

I would like to register strong concerns regarding the bike lane-related provisions in Bill 212. I am a resident of Toronto and travel frequently by bicycle and car on Bloor, Yonge and University (especially Bloor from Royal York to Jarvis). I cycle year round for transport in the city and use my car less frequently for larger grocery runs and to transport hockey equipment.

I have attended three “ghost bike” rides so far this year. I have spoken directly to loved ones of cyclists killed on Toronto roads. I have heard first hand the sorrow and pain caused by these senseless and preventable tragedies.

Toronto’s population and the volume of housing (particularly on Bloor West) is growing rapidly. The number of people needing to move along these important corridors will be far greater in years to come. Nonetheless, the vast majority of cars that I see (again, on Bloor, Yonge and University) have only a single occupant. I am very concerned that too many people are using cars instead the TTC or bicycles — and that too few people share their car rides when they must use a car.

I am also concerned because data shows that when you build safe cycling infrastructure it encourages more people to travel by bike. Taking these lanes out will discourage people from biking. Every person on a bike is a potential person in a car. Removing the bike lanes will most certainly increase the volume of cars on the road. The solution to gridlock is FEWER cars on the road, not more cars.

Unless there are safe, convenient lanes for cyclists, the volume of those riding will not increase to the level needed to meet Toronto’s rapid growth. Countless other cities, including those with harsh winters, have proven that safe, convenient bike lanes are necessary to relieve the gridlock caused by excess car use.

I expect the Provincial Government to provide appropriate leadership — leadership that makes evidence-based decisions. And the evidence is clear, bike lanes are safe, move more peope with greater safety than automobile only, and are necessary for a vibrant growing province.

Please do the right thing and support the Municipality in this important work, including by withdrawing or substantially amending Bill 212. Existing bike lanes must be preserved and the overall bike lane network expanded and improved.