I'm a driver and a cyclist…

I'm a driver and a cyclist. In most cases I prefer to cycle than drive because it's more time efficient in the city, I get exercise and fresh air, plus I feel more of a connection to the world around me. We are a cycling family, me, my husband, and 2 kids - 10 and 14 years old. The bike paths have made our bike travels more frequent and safer. I feel protected when I ride on them. We travel with our children all over the city by bike. To the dentist, the doctor, the swimming pool at Christie Pits, to my son's soccer games at Central Tech Dome, Ontario Place (before it closed!), High Park, The lakeshore. All along the Bloor and College street bike lanes. We need more bike lanes. Not removal of them. When I drive I don't mind it taking a bit longer. Or I leave my car at home and bike or take the transit. People's mind sets have got to change. We don't need more cars in the city. People should leave their cars at home like I do. Much faster to ride, walk or take transit. All the cosmopolitan cities know that already. We should be taking note.

If the bike lanes are gone I can guarantee you most people like us won't feel safe riding in the city with our kids anymore. Do we need more pollution and grid lock with cars? I say no. Put more bike lanes in and you will see in a few years there will be more cyclists, less pollution, and a healthier population.