Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock…

Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock, Saving you Time Act, 2024 - Framework for bike lanes that require removal of a traffic lane is a seriously disappointing and disgracefully short sighted proposal on behalf of the provincial government.

As such, I am writing to show my household’s strong support for bike lines (and serious disappointment in the recent announcements from the provincial government and the premier’s office relating to their removal or limitations on their construction).

We know from evidence that among many other benefits, bike lanes help to:

- reduce gridlock

- reduce greenhouse gases

- get people moving faster

Bike lanes are not just a matter of convenience; they are vital for many residents who rely on affordable transportation options. Many individuals who simply cannot afford vehicles due to the high cost of living, depend on both public transportation and bike lanes to move around the city. The rising cost of living has made car ownership unattainable for many, further highlighting the need for equitable, accessible alternatives like cycling infrastructure.

We must also recognize that traffic congestion is self-perpetuating. More cars on the road lead to more traffic. It’s a blatantly obvious cycle that anyone who takes a moment to reflect on the situation would easily understand. Expanding bike lanes offers an opportunity to break this cycle by encouraging more people to use alternative modes of transport, thereby reducing overall congestion and improving the flow of traffic for everyone.

Investing in safe, accessible bike infrastructure is essential for the health, safety, and well-being of our communities, as well as for addressing the city’s pressing environmental and transportation challenges. These actions are not only distractions from the real needs of our provincial capital and province but also betray a lack of vision and leadership when it comes to addressing urban challenges. Bike lanes are a practical, immediate step that can provide tangible benefits for Toronto and Ontario residents, but we need all levels of government working together, in good faith, to make them a reality.

We need a government that supports making decisions that are based in evidence.

I feel quite embarrassed and sad for the policy designers who have to write bad policy, based on emotion, hatred and jealousy - all in order to distract the voters from the real problems (i.e. the province‘s inability to actually get people moving by investing in regional transportation solutions, and failure to actually get a project completed in time or in budget).