I live 2 blocks south of…

I live 2 blocks south of Bloor near Montgomery. The bike lane changes have been poorly implemented, created many safety issues and from my daily visits to Bloor street there is limited usage of these lanes despite the significant disruption they have caused. Even on beautiful days it is rare to see more than a bike or two making use of the lanes.

I have personally witnessed many situations where ambulances and fire trucks need come to a full stop as there is no where for cars to pull over and the traffic is very heavy due to their being only one lane. This was not the case before the bike lanes.

I have felt unsafe parking in the Royal York and Bloor area and in Bloor west village due to how close to the moving car lanes the parking is located. When you open your door you are basically stepping into traffic. I know many people who now avoid the shops on Bloor because of this dangerous situation. I attend a foot clinic on Bloor (Bioped) and when i had surgery on my foot I was unable to park outside of the office because of the bike lanes. Many people with disabilities are being challenged getting into medical offices due to the bike lanes.

I was taking my granddaughter to a program at the Runnymede library and have needed to stop attending due to the heavy traffic crossing the Humber bridge and approaching South Kingsway. What should be a 10 minute trip for us has turned into a 30 minute drive. This happens each and every week so has become the norm not the exception. Seems a shame that for poorly used bike lanes we are limited in the programs we now can attend.

The traffic congestion on Bloor is like never before and according to many of the small businesses along Bloor has significantly impacted their bottom line and viability.

The local councillor has not been receptive to any feedback from local residents, simply responding "change is hard." Based on this response I believe it is essential for the Province to wade into this critical and unsafe situation. I believe our local representative and the Mayor lack any objectivity on this important subject as they themselves appear to be bike lane advocates. This action by the Province would not be necessary if city representatives were in any way receptive to feedback and the use of common sense.

Also, if safety is the issue i finding it interesting that it is rare to see any bikers on Bloor street wearing helmets.