Doctors warn Doug Ford of the dangers of removing bike lanes

In Toronto, Ontario, there has been an ongoing controversy over Premier Doug Ford's decision to remove several bike lanes from the city’s streets, including Yonge Street, Bloor Street, and University Avenue. Doctors specializing in trauma care, like Christopher Yarnell, have voiced their concerns regarding this decision, emphasizing the significant risk it poses to public safety. They highlight that bike lanes have been proven to reduce collisions between vehicles and cyclists, making the streets safer for everyone. Unfortunately, many people end up severely injured or even killed in road accidents every year, with the current data from Toronto Police revealing 39 fatal collisions so far this year. In 2022, Canada overall recorded nearly 2,000 fatalities and over 8,800 serious injuries due to road accidents. Experts argue that road trauma is largely preventable, yet Doug Ford’s government appears to prioritize traffic flow and economic considerations over the potential for increased road injuries and fatalities. The economic costs associated with road trauma encompass emergency responses, hospitalizations, rehabilitative care, and the long-term hardships faced by victims and their families due to loss of income or productivity. The decision to remove bike lanes has raised ethical questions as it may offer little benefit while increasing risks for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. In light of these potential impacts, doctors urge the government to reconsider their approach to street planning to prevent unnecessary injuries and fatalities.