Why I Oppose Bill 212 and…

Why I Oppose Bill 212 and the Push for Highway 413: A Case for Sustainable Infrastructure

As an regular cyclist and a resident of Scarborough, I have experienced firsthand the challenges posed by inadequate cycling infrastructure. My father, who recently began using an e-bike for shopping and errands, shares these concerns. Bill 212, which seeks to restrict the installation of bike lanes, and the proposed Highway 413 project, threaten to exacerbate these issues, undermining Ontario's environmental, economic, and social well-being.

The Case for Bike Lanes

Bike lanes are more than just pathways for cyclists; they are vital components of a safe and connected community. Bill 212's restrictions on bike lanes overlook the clear benefits these structures provide. Research indicates that protected bike lanes can reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by up to 50% (sciencedaily.com). They safeguard cyclists, encourage active transportation, and improve safety for all road users.

In Scarborough, the lack of cycling infrastructure is particularly pronounced. Many bike lanes have been removed before they could form a cohesive network, leaving cyclists like my father and me to navigate busy streets without adequate protection (cycleto.ca). This absence not only discourages cycling but also poses significant safety risks.

Moreover, bike lanes contribute to local economies. In Toronto, the Bloor Street bike lanes led to a 49% increase in cycling, making it the second-highest bicycle facility by volume in the city (torontomu.ca). Cities that embrace cycling infrastructure have demonstrated that these investments lead to thriving, walkable communities. Removing bike lanes, as proposed under Bill 212, would dismantle these gains and impose substantial costs—up to $48 million in Toronto alone—for benefits that are, at best, uncertain (toronto.ca).

Local communities and businesses have expressed concerns about the removal of bike lanes. The Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area (BIA) in Toronto stated that removing bike lanes would be "disastrous to the neighbourhood," highlighting the role of bike lanes in promoting local commerce and community well-being.(toronto.citynews.ca)

Encouraging cycling through dedicated infrastructure contributes to environmental sustainability and public health. A study published in BMJ Public Health reported that cycling commuters had a 47% lower risk of early death and a 10% lower risk of hospitalization compared to those who drive or take the train. (nypost.com) Bike lanes also play a critical role in combating climate change. Encouraging cycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions, eases traffic congestion, and lessens our dependence on fossil fuels. To strip communities of this vital infrastructure is not only shortsighted but also counterproductive to Ontario’s environmental goals.

Highway 413: A Step in the Wrong Direction

The push for Highway 413 epitomizes outdated thinking that prioritizes cars over communities. This proposed 52-kilometre highway would destroy 2,000 acres of productive farmland, pave over critical wildlife habitats, and disrupt the watersheds of the Humber and Credit Rivers (environmentaldefence.ca). It’s a textbook example of how not to build for the future.

Highway 413’s environmental toll is staggering. By 2050, it’s estimated to generate 17.4 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions, undermining our commitments to combat climate change (environmentaldefence.ca). While proponents argue that the highway will reduce congestion, decades of research on induced demand show that building more roads simply encourages more driving, perpetuating the cycle of gridlock.

From an economic perspective, Highway 413 is equally flawed. At a projected cost of $10 billion, the highway represents a massive public expenditure with questionable returns. Instead of building new highways, why not optimize existing infrastructure? Highway 407, for example, remains underutilized. Subsidizing truck tolls on this route could alleviate congestion without the environmental and financial costs of a new highway (environmentaldefence.ca).

A Better Path Forward

Ontario doesn’t need more highways or fewer bike lanes. What we need is investment in sustainable, inclusive infrastructure. Public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly streets offer far greater returns, fostering vibrant communities while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and urban sprawl.

If we are serious about building a livable future, we must reject Bill 212 and resist projects like Highway 413. These proposals cater to outdated, car-centric paradigms that have proven to be both costly and unsustainable. Instead, let’s champion solutions that prioritize people, planet, and prosperity.

Together, we can build a better Ontario—one that values innovation, community well-being, and environmental stewardship. It starts by saying no to Bill 212 and yes to the infrastructure that will truly move us forward.