As the rest of the world…

As the rest of the world commits to enhancing multi-modal transportation solutions, Ontario appears to be actively driving backwards, literally and figuratively. The mere suggestion of legislation of this nature leads me to believe the Province lacks an understanding of how to move people from Point A to Point B safely, efficiently, and effectively.

I take issue with this legislation for a number of reasons. After reading the legislation I’m left with numerous questions that I think the Province should be prepared to answer.

Why is the Province looking to limit and restrict safe transportation options for all road users?
Why would the government want to have less options available for people to safely get around their communities? Would this not increase congestion and traffic?

Why is the Province looking to prioritise the time of motorists rather than create equitable solutions for all road users?
Based on comments from the Minister of Transportation and the Premiere in the media, the time and safety of motorists seems to be of greater importance than that of other road users, cyclists and pedestrians included. Could you please articulate why this is the case?

This legislation demonstrates a lack of understanding behind the reasons for traffic and congestion
Research has demonstrated that bike lanes help reduce congestion because they create a modal shift away from driving, which allows existing vehicle traffic to move more efficiently. Please see link to research below. Could the Province please demonstrate how removing bike lanes would allow all roads users to get to their destinations safely and efficiently?

Has the Province considered road safety, especially that of vulnerable road users?
Roads in Ontario are dangerous; I read about people being seriously injured or killed by motorists weekly in this province. Bike lanes make using the roads safer for thousands of people daily in Toronto. Why is the government supporting policy that could so clearly impact the health and safety of individual road users, and by extension the broader community by increasing pollution and emissions in local communities? Can the Province explain the steps it has taken to mitigate the impact on vulnerable road users, namely children and the elderly who use bike lanes?

Has the Province considered the equity and affordability impacts of this legislation?
The province is dealing with an affordability crisis. Not everyone can afford a car to get around. Bike lanes provide a safe way for non-motorists to navigate our communities. Has the Province considered the broad range of road users that use bike lanes, from students to delivery drivers?

Why is the Province creating legislation that increases red tape and costs?
Why is the Province proposing to rip-out millions of dollars in new infrastructure and cause further delays and congestion for all road users and in the process limit the safe options road users will have available to navigate their communities. The thought of ripping out millions of dollars of infrastructure when schools have leaking roofs, and our emergency rooms are at the breaking point is infuriating.

Has the Province honestly considered where thousands of cyclists are going to go if the bike lanes are removed?
What happens if those road users no longer feel safe cycling, what happens if they choose to use a car to drive (if they have one/can afford one), where are they going to go? More cars on the road will lead to greater congestion, that’s just a reality. How does the government propose to address that issue. Perhaps, bike tunnels?

What happens to the cyclists who still choose to cycle on less safe streets? The have the right to take the lane to get to their destination, however, some cyclists, including those with children might not feel safe and may use the sidewalk, which is also not ideal.

When legislation is this poorly thought out, I can only predict it will be poorly implemented.

I would like the Provincial government to focus on its supposed priorities, namely rectifying the dismal state of our healthcare and education system, both of which are struggling significantly. Moreover, I’d appreciate the Province focus on getting transit built, namely the Eglinton Crosstown which is years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget.

On a very personal note, I have three young children. I am honestly more afraid of them being killed by a motorist on road in Ontario than most other potential threats. The network of bikelanes where we live in Toronto is finally getting to a standard where I feel safer on the roads. We do not have a vehicle. We use bikes, specifically a cargo bike, the TTC and a car-share to get around. Removing bike lanes makes my family less safe. This legislation makes me less safe. I ask the Province to explain how legislation designed to make people less safe is good for anyone.

I encourage the Province to review the work of the Centre for Active Transportation and collection of research on the positive economic impacts of bikes, the positive health and safety benefits of bikelanes, as well as research outlining how bike lanes do not increase congestion.

Infrastructure can always be tweaked and improved, but ripping it out of the ground makes no sense. If you want me to believe this Government is actually serious, then come forward with serious policy and solutions for improving road safety and making sure all road users can get where they are going. Can the Province point to any jurisdiction where prioritising motor vehicle traffic has improved the transportation for all road users?

I always appreciate it when members of the government work to really understand an issue. I would like to encourage the Minister to do as his boss did and actually get on a bicycle and try to navigate his local constituency or my neighbourhood. I would like to understand how he felt using roads with and without bicycling infrastructure.

To quote the Premiere, "We have to do everything we can to make sure there’s never a death in the city. One death is way too many when it comes to bicycle riders. We have to make sure that they’re safe.” and “You’re nervous when there’s no bike lanes. At least I was."