As a Peterborough resident,…

As a Peterborough resident, I am deeply concerned about the implications of Bill 212, particularly its potential to reverse the progress our city has made in creating safer and more inclusive streets. Initiatives like the Bethune Street project have introduced well-designed cycling infrastructure and pedestrian spaces, making Peterborough not only safer but also more vibrant and attractive to residents and visitors. Bill 212 threatens to derail this progress by centralizing decision-making at the provincial level, removing local autonomy, and prioritizing car traffic over all other road users.

The requirement for provincial approval for new bike lanes, coupled with the risk of removing existing infrastructure, would be a step backward for Peterborough. This city has worked hard to create streets that accommodate everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Projects like Bethune Street have demonstrated clear benefits: fewer accidents, more active transportation options, and a growing sense of community. Why jeopardize these successes?

Moreover, discouraging cycling infrastructure in a city like Peterborough ignores the clear economic and environmental advantages. Accessible bike lanes encourage people to spend time downtown, supporting local businesses. They also reduce traffic congestion and emissions, making the city cleaner and more pleasant for everyone—not just cyclists.

Some might argue that cyclists “don’t bike in the winter anyway,” but that’s a shortsighted view. With proper infrastructure and maintenance, cities worldwide—yes, even ones with winters more severe than ours—see year-round cycling as a viable and growing mode of transportation. Why should Peterborough, or any Ontario city, settle for less?

Bill 212 doesn’t just target bike lanes; it undermines the idea that streets should be safe for everyone, not just those in cars. In Peterborough, where active transportation projects are just starting to bear fruit, this legislation would send the wrong message: that the safety of cyclists and pedestrians is an afterthought, and that progress should be sacrificed to maintain the status quo.

I urge the provincial government to reconsider the sweeping implications of this bill. Local governments are in the best position to understand the needs of their communities. Provincial overreach will only make it harder for cities like Peterborough to build on the progress they’ve made. Let’s keep moving forward, not backward.