I am a lifelong Toronto…

I am a lifelong Toronto resident and commuter cyclist. I cycle daily to work, to social gatherings, and to run errands like groceries. My livelihood and wellbeing, in no exaggeration, functions entirely on my ability to cycle safely within the cycling infrastructure that exists in the city. Just today I cycled the bike ways of Poplar Plains Rd, Kay Gardner Beltline Park, and Russel Hill Rd. On other days I use Bloor St, Shaw St, the Waterfront Trail, Spadina Ave, Sherbourne St, Dundas St. E, Danforth Ave, the Don Valley network, to name just some. I have used Ontario's extensive network of bike ways on multi-day cycling trips out of province. I am so grateful that these bike ways exist and for the mindful awareness of drivers with whom I share the road. Cycling is not only a means of transportation for me. It's way to feel connected to the city, to the land, feel connected with my body, and live autonomously.

I ask the province to cease this bad-faith, fiscally irresponsible, and oppressive campaign against expanding road safety and enjoyment for cyclists and pedestrians. I drive too, and I love seeing other cyclists use the road. "Drivers" are not a monolith that cannot see this government's attack on evidence-based decision making.