Cohn assures us that he will support his article with “facts and stats.” Then he uses a single figure for citywide bicycle commuting that neither segregates out winter cycling nor distinguishes between roads with and without bike lanes. How many people risk cycling on arterials such as Bathurst Street, Lawrence Avenue or Islington Avenue in the absence of bike lanes?

He also tells us — without data — that it’s mostly food couriers using bike lanes in the winter, as if this were a compelling argument against them. If bike lanes didn’t exist, we’d still have bike couriers, but they would be deprived of their safety. As to why many couriers are on heavy e-bikes, ask Premier Doug Ford: he’s the one who’s dropped the ball on proper regulation. And if Cohn is truly concerned about the exploitation of food couriers, he should push the Ford government to deem these vulnerable workers employees instead of independent contractors without rights.

Cycling is less popular in Toronto during the winter than in other seasons, though there’s still substantial participation where good infrastructure exists. As I write this letter, the temperature outside is -7 C, yet the Bloor Street bike lane is well-used by commuters.

Perhaps if Cohn is concerned about funding for city programs, he might ask how many millions of dollars are spent and thousands of tonnes of toxic salt spread on city roads each year to clear the way for motorists in single-occupant cars. This would be more productive than challenging small investments in bike lanes that allow thousands of Torontonians to get around our city in an affordable, safe and healthy way — and many others to remain in the warmth of their homes waiting for a courier to deliver hot food.

Albert Koehl, Toronto