Cycling News

A small group of Toronto protesters blocked cyclists from riding in bike lanes

Protesters blocking bike lanes

On Thursday, a group of protesters decided to block cyclists from using bike lanes. The five or six people held signs and stood in the middle of the lane, creating a stupid and dangerous situation for riders as they commuted home or to errands.

This isn’t the first time that some residents have been angry about bike lanes. Since 2020, the city has added many new cycle tracks to make it safer for cyclists to traverse the city. One of the more popular routes was the Midtown Yonge Complete Street. A pro-car lobbyist group has been against them from the start, and even tried to have them removed. City council ultimately held a vote on it and made them permanent.

Alternate modes of travel are better for everyone

The same group would often misquote data as a reason for the removal.

Cycling advocate, Robin Richardson the founder of Happy Fiets, a company that rents out electric and cargo bikes, and a spokesperson of Yonge4All, says the changes are better for everyone.

These Toronto residents are purposefully blocking bike lanes

“Toronto has spent decades prioritizing motor vehicle travel, and as a result most people think of driving as the default and believe ‘roads should be for cars.’ But as the city grows, with more people living close to downtown, many residents do not own cars—choosing instead to walk, cycle or take transit to get where they need to go. These modes of travel are gentler on the environment, healthier for the users and beneficial for our communities,” she said.”Studies have shown that people walking and biking visit local shops more often and spend more money while they are there. Yet many people are reluctant to try these options because there is a lack of safe, dependable ways for them to do so. That’s why complete streets are so important; they leave room for people who choose to drive, while also giving space for people to walk, cycle and take transit safely. Those opposed to the Midtown Yonge Complete Street disregard the data that show that bike lanes and other complete street elements benefit local businesses, keep everyone safer—even drivers!—and do not hinder emergency services from responding to calls in a timely manner.”

Facts over feelings when it comes to bike lanes

One of the protesters, Rob Davis is one of 102 mayoral candidates. Although not a front runner, he made the ridiculous claim that the risk of cyclists riding in traffic is exaggerated and bike lanes are not necessary. As any cyclist knows,…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…