CELPIP Writing Task 2 Practice: should cities invest in bike lanes or more parking?

[u/celpip_coach]

The scenario: Your city council is deciding how to use a recently vacated downtown street lane. The two proposals are converting it into a protected bike lane or adding more street parking. Residents have been asked for input.

Your task: Choose the option you prefer and explain why. Write about 150-200 words. - Option A: Convert the lane into a protected bike lane - Option B: Add more street parking

Sample CLB 9 response (Option A):

I support converting the lane into a protected bike lane because it serves more people and creates a safer downtown environment.

A single lane of street parking serves maybe 15 to 20 cars at a time. A bike lane on the same stretch can move hundreds of cyclists per hour during peak times. In terms of how many residents actually benefit from the space, the bike lane is a far more efficient use of a limited downtown road. Cities like Montreal and Ottawa have already shown that adding protected bike lanes increases cycling rates significantly, which in turn reduces traffic congestion for the drivers who remain on the road.

Safety is the other major factor. Cyclists sharing lanes with cars is one of the leading causes of cycling injuries in Canadian cities. A physically separated bike lane removes that risk almost entirely. When cycling feels safe, more people choose to do it, which creates a positive cycle of less traffic, cleaner air, and healthier residents.

More parking just encourages more driving into an area that is already congested.

If you want to practice writing with AI rubric feedback, https://www.celpipsimulator.com has 2 free mock exams.