Creating a process to review…

Creating a process to review bike lane infrastructure in municipalities is unacceptable. It interferes with municipalities who are committed to growing accessible, active transportation that is climate friendly and affordable. The removal existing bike lines along sections of Bloor, Yonge, and University in Toronto (and potentially in other municipalities as per the proposed process) is an gross misuse of taxpayer dollars. It will not reduce gridlock. It creates more gaps in cycling infrastructure and will force cyclists to ride in the street. This increases the risk of collision and injury requiring police and ambulance- overburdening emergency response systems. Not to mention additional demand to our struggling health care system to treat serious injuries that could have been avoided. This proposal does not make streets safer, it makes them more dangerous for cyclists and motorists. Accidents, the opposite of reducing gridlock, will happen. If the Government of Ontario truly "recognizes that accidents and lane closures can worsen traffic congestion and impact the quality of life of Ontarians," then invest in safe cycling infrastructure that gives people an alternative to travelling by vehicle. At the very minimum, do not make current cycling infrastructure worse; leave the bike lanes alone. I cannot stress enough that the "return" of bike lanes to traffic is fiscally irresponsible.