This legislation is…

This legislation is pointless, incredibly shortsighted and sacrifices long-term transportation progress provincewide for short-term political points.

I wish to vote PC, but I cannot with bills like this. This government already got their wish with restricting bike lanes last year with bill 212. Why do they need it this year. Here are seven conservative arguments I HOLD against this bill, particularly on its proposal to restrict municipal ability to build bike and bus lanes:

1. Fiscal Responsibility and Efficient Use of Infrastructure
Taxpayer investment has already been made in building these lanes. Removing them wastes money that’s already been spent and creates additional costs for demolition and repainting.
Maintaining existing infrastructure is cheaper than constant redesign. Conservatives often advocate for prudent budgeting — and removing functional lanes undermines that.
Bus and bike lanes reduce wear and tear on roads caused by heavy car traffic, saving maintenance costs long-term.
2. Traffic Efficiency and Reliability
Dedicated bus lanes improve traffic flow for thousands of commuters, including workers who rely on transit to get to their jobs — which means fewer cars on the road for everyone else.
When buses move faster, more people choose transit, which reduces congestion and saves time for drivers and businesses that depend on efficient delivery routes.
Bike lanes help separate modes of travel, preventing bottlenecks and collisions that slow everyone down.
3. Public Safety and Personal Responsibility
Clear infrastructure for bikes and buses reduces crashes and injuries — a key law-and-order concern. Fewer collisions mean less burden on emergency services and courts.
Well-designed bike lanes allow cyclists to follow predictable routes and keep them accountable for obeying traffic laws, rather than weaving unpredictably through car traffic.
4. Local Business and Property Value Protection
Streets that are calmer, safer, and more predictable attract more foot traffic and small-business customers. Walkable areas often outperform car-heavy ones in local retail spending.
Neighbourhoods with well-planned cycling and transit infrastructure see higher property values, as accessibility is a major factor in real estate markets.
Removing lanes sends a signal of instability in planning decisions, discouraging private investment.
5. Energy Independence and Resource Efficiency
Supporting bikes and buses helps reduce oil dependence, which aligns with the goal of strengthening national energy security.
A more efficient transportation mix ensures that fuel and road resources are used wisely, consistent with conservative stewardship values.
6. Freedom of Choice and Fairness
Removing lanes restricts options for citizens who choose not to drive — a form of overreach that limits mobility freedom.
A transportation system that serves all modes (car, bus, bike, walk) gives individuals the freedom to choose what works best for them without government bias toward car ownership.
7. Predictability, Order, and Long-Term Stability
Constantly changing road layouts erodes public trust and creates uncertainty. Conservatives typically favour stable, long-term planning and predictable governance.
Keeping existing lanes respects prior community consultations and planning processes — a principled respect for institutional continuity.

Furthermore, the reason I am furious with this legislation is that toronto is in the process of building two dedicated transit lane projects on Bathurst & Dufferin streets. These projects are for two of the busiest, most vital, yet slowest routes in the entire TTC. This bill, if passed, would all but halt those projects, which, need I remind this province, are vital for ensuring better transportation to the FIFA world cup; thereby almost destroying whatever chance we have at being somewhat prepared for it.

Lastly, if you’re concerned about drivers; dedicate some roads for “relief roads” (roads primarily meant for cars) and let the city do their thing—as is the case in tel aviv. Furthermore, reach out to the mayor before passing this legislation to come up with a deal.

This legislation will effectively halt, in many aspects, our progress towards turning away from dependence on the automobile, which we now need more than ever. Furthermore, it creates a useless and pointless culture war, as it uselessly polarizes people on this “issue” for high-ranking officials short-term political gain. As a guy who wants to vote PC, bills like this are the reason why I don’t. I rest my case