As a year-round cyclist in…

As a year-round cyclist in Toronto, I rely on bike lanes every day—even at -25°C. Too often, I am forced to the side of the road by passing cars when I lack the protection of a dedicated lane. This is not just uncomfortable; it is dangerous. The provincial government’s recent restrictions on municipal authority to expand bike infrastructure are a step backward for safety, sustainability, and local democracy.

This policy strips cities of local authority and decision-making, even when projects are supported by evidence and local residents. Toronto should have the freedom to design streets that prioritize the safety and needs of its residents, not just serve as a thoroughfare for commuters from outside the city.

The claim that bike lanes worsen traffic congestion is contradicted by the government’s own experts, who have repeatedly stated that protected bike lanes do not cause gridlock. In fact, they make roads safer for everyone—whether biking, walking, or driving—by reducing the risk of serious injuries and fatalities.

By limiting bike infrastructure, this policy also threatens other vital uses of road space: transit priority, safe crossings, patios, curbside access, and school streets. These are the elements that make neighborhoods livable and communities thriving.

Most importantly, this approach undermines our climate goals and public health. Locking cities into car-dependent street designs contradicts our commitments to reduce emissions and promote active transportation. Toronto deserves the autonomy to build a transportation network that reflects the needs and values of its people.

I urge the provincial government to trust municipalities to make evidence-based decisions for their communities. Let Toronto lead the way in creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable streets for all.