I vehemently oppose the…

I vehemently oppose the proposed framework for bike lanes that require the removal of a traffic lane, and the proposed removal of cycling infrastructure on Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street.

The proposed policy will place lives in danger, go against the environmental and sustainability goals of the Province, cause significant interference in a municipal matter, and waste our tax dollars.

Multiple people have died this year on our streets including cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Common causes including high speeds, poor visibility, and aggressive driving. Cycling infrastructure on Bloor Street and Yonge Street have effectively reduced the risk of conflicts between cyclists and motorists, while also effectively lowering the speeds of traffic on our main streets. As a pedestrian, this traffic calming effect has made it safer for me and others who shop, dine, and use our main streets as something other than a high-speed thoroughfare for vehicles.

As our cities grow and more people cycle, walk, or take transit, our streets need to reflect the need of increasing demand for transportation methods other than the automobile. Many major residential and commercial development projects in the City of Toronto today have significant numbers of bike parking while reducing the number of automobile parking spots. We need to foster a culture where cycling is a viable method of transportation within our urban areas, and removing cycling infrastructure on Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street fails to do so.

Finally, removing cycling infrastructure is a poor use of our tax dollars and a major interference with a matter of municipal jurisdiction. As a resident of the City of Toronto, I elected my city councillor and mayor to make decisions pertaining to the road and cycling infrastructure within the city - I did not elect a Provincial government to make these decisions for me.