Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock…

Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 is Bad Public Policy

My comments are restricted to the Bill 212 provisions to require provincial approval for bike lanes that remove a lane for car traffic, and the apparent (though yet to be published) regulation to remove bike lanes from specific Toronto roads, including Bloor, University, and Yonge. I also oppose Highway 413, which will simply add to Ontario's negative climate impacts, promote sprawl, and encourage more driving leading to more road traffic congestion.

Bill 212 --- and the regulation proposed by the Premier in his public comments --- is bad public policy. The bill, which is not based on any evidence or research (despite the resources accessible to the government from the Ministry of Transportation) is clearly designed to scapegoat one road user group and to create a wedge issue for the benefit of the Conservative Party in the upcoming provincial election. This type of bill diminishes respect for our elected leaders and democratic institutions.

I add the following comments:

1. The province should not micromanage or meddle in decisions that municipalities are best equipped to make. This bill imposes a new level of government in local decision-making, or what might be called more red tape. Premier Doug Ford promises less government, but is imposing more government on the residents of Ontario.

2. The bill does nothing to address the causes of traffic congestion, namely:
- urban sprawl;
- the subsidized cost of driving, including recent government actions to reduce gasoline taxes and vehicle registration fees; and
- the lack of good alternatives, including mass transit and active transportation.

3. The bill provides no meaningful solutions, such as:
- slowing and addressing urban sprawl;
- increasing investment in mass transit;
- promoting car pooling; and
- providing residents with safe, active transportation alternatives.

4. The bill is not based on any evidence. It is beyond curious that there is no research or study to back up this bill -- including the proposed (yet to be published) regulation to remove bike lanes from Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street.

5. By removing bike lanes from dangerous arterial roads --- as the Premier has proposed in his public statements, thereby contradicting his own Minister of Transportation --- this bill will lead to preventable deaths and serious injuries not only for cyclists but for pedestrians who have benefited from the extra safety buffer that a bike lane offers as part of a Complete Streets project.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the bill. I trust that these comments will be given serious consideration.