Sample Letter to a Politician

Better Bicycling Network
340 Harbord St.
Toronto, On M6G 1H4
 

August 21st, 1997
 

Re: Transportation Issues Meeting
 
 

Dear Councillor X,
 
 

Congratulations on your recent appointment to the Chair of the sub-committee on City Planning. The Better Bicycling Network is a non-profit coalition of over 55 groups and 650 members in the City of Toronto. The Network was established in 1990 to address cycling issues in Toronto.
 
 

We promote sustainable transportation planning and practices around issues such as:

	air and noise pollution
	cycling and traffic safety

Our Board of Directors would like to request a meeting with you to discuss transportation issues which we feel are critical to Toronto's future. The include:

1. Developing a network of bike lanes in Toronto.

Existing bike lanes have resulted in an increase of cycling traffic by 250% along these routes. By promoting cycling as a viable means of transportation, we reduce traffic congestion and air and noise pollution. Still, the lack of an extended network of lanes across Toronto continues to deter new cyclists, 95% of whom say the do not cycle because of safety concerns. Over 98% of cyclists say they feel safer when using a bicycle lane. We believe that the city needs to re-examine its current traffic planning policies and look at progressive, cost-effective and proven solutions for traffic planning in the downtown core. There are numerous possibilities for the City to provide an effective bike lane network despite current fiscal constraints.