To the Government of Ontario and Concerned Citizens,
We, the undersigned, representing Cycle Hamilton, Daily School Route, Environment Hamilton, Bike for Mike, and Hamilton 350 stand united in opposition to the recent proposal that would bar the installation of new bike lanes where car lanes would be removed. This proposal, if enacted, would be a step backward in Ontario’s efforts to build a sustainable, safe, and accessible transportation system for all.
Cycling infrastructure is not only an essential tool in combating the climate crisis but is also a vital component in creating equitable, healthy, and livable cities. As organizations deeply committed to the wellbeing of our communities and our environment, we find the notion of halting or limiting the development of bike lanes deeply concerning.
The Importance of Bike Lanes for Safety and Mobility Bike lanes provide a safer means for cyclists to navigate urban spaces, reducing the risk of collisions and promoting a culture of active transportation. Cutting the creation of new lanes would force more cyclists onto dangerous roadways, where they must compete with vehicles for space. This proposal, therefore, would endanger vulnerable road users, including children, the elderly, and those who cannot afford cars. Bike lanes reduce crashes and fatalities for all road users and make the roadway more comfortable for both motor vehicle drivers and people riding bicycles (https://www.cazbike.org/bike-lanes-make-roads-safer-for-all-road-users/) Encourage bicycle riders to stay off the sidewalk.
Bike Lanes as a Critical Solution to Climate Change With climate change accelerating, there has never been a more critical time to support sustainable transportation. Cycling is a zero-emission mode of transport that helps reduce traffic congestion, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and improves air quality. As governments and citizens worldwide are working toward ambitious climate goals, Ontario should be doing the same by promoting more—not fewer—safe options for cycling.
Bike Lanes Improve the Flow of Traffic Cyclists are legally permitted to occupy a vehicle lane, which can slow down traffic. However, when dedicated bike lanes are available, cyclists are separated from motor vehicles, allowing for a smoother and more efficient flow of traffic. Moreover, more people on bikes and fewer in single-occupancy cars means that bike lanes can carry significantly more people than traditional car lanes. By reducing the number of cars on the road, bike lanes are an essential component of any strategy to improve traffic flow and create a more efficient, less congested transportation system. Studies found that both motor vehicle drivers and bicyclists prefer separated bike lanes.
A Livable Future Depends on Reducing Car Dependency Cities around the world are prioritizing active transportation, reducing reliance on private cars, and making streets safer and more welcoming for cyclists and pedestrians. To propose that car lanes should be preserved at the expense of bike lanes is to ignore the progress being made toward healthier, more vibrant, and economically resilient urban centers. Reducing car dependency is not just an environmental imperative but a public health one as well.
Equity for All Road Users A transportation system that works for everyone must provide safe, affordable, and accessible options for all. Marginalized communities, including lower-income individuals, disproportionately rely on active transportation modes such as cycling. Bike lanes increase mobility for all citizens, and dismantling the progress made to expand this network would exacerbate inequities in our cities.
In closing, we strongly urge the Ontario government to reconsider this regressive proposal. By prioritizing cycling infrastructure, we can build safer, more sustainable, and more inclusive communities that benefit everyone. The future of our cities, our health, and our environment depends on it.
Sincerely,
Cycle Hamilton
Bike for Mike
Environment Hamilton
Daily School Route
Hamilton 350
