Dear Members of the…

Dear Members of the Legislative Assembly,

I am writing to express my opposition to Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024. This legislation not only removes decision-making authority from municipalities—who are best positioned to understand the needs of their communities—but also threatens vital infrastructure like bike lanes, which are crucial for public safety and reducing congestion.

Municipal governments know their residents’ needs and should retain the authority to plan infrastructure accordingly. Instead of provincial interference, funding should be allocated to support public safety and transit infrastructure. Such investments enhance everyone’s quality of life, allowing people to travel safely and efficiently without the constant stress of driving. Even drivers benefit from reduced traffic when strong public transit and cycling networks are in place.

The bike lanes specifically targeted by the premier are among the most heavily used in Toronto. Their removal would disproportionately harm the people of Toronto, who are already contending with extensive construction disruptions caused by the long-overdue expansion of public transit. Taking away these lanes during a time of upheaval risks alienating the very community that will be most affected. The bike lanes on Adelaide and Richmond, for example, enable an additional 400 people to commute during rush hour—far more than the 80 or so people that a car lane could accommodate, given the bottlenecks at exit ramps. Beyond serving cyclists, these lanes also provide vital support for emergency services, allowing ambulances and other vehicles to bypass traffic during critical moments. Removing this infrastructure would not only hinder mobility but also jeopardize lives by delaying emergency response times. Fire engines may be unnecessarily deployed to incidents that could be managed by smaller, faster vehicles if these lanes remain available.

In addition, the legislation’s focus on removing bike lanes and easing car travel risks increasing congestion through induced demand. Making driving more convenient often results in more people choosing to drive, which has historically erased any benefits from highway expansions in Ontario within 13 to 18 months. Simply put, removing bike lanes or expanding roads will not solve gridlock; it will exacerbate it.

Rather than doubling down on outdated solutions, Ontario should focus on well-designed transit projects. Such transit systems would also alleviate the need for expensive highway expansions by offering convenient and attractive alternatives to driving. High-speed rail, operating with local, express, and local-express modes on coordinated schedules, would allow people to commute comfortably, reducing the pressure on roadways.

Bill 212, in its current form, guarantees only more gridlock and diminished mobility. It risks creating urban enclaves where people are effectively trapped in their neighborhoods, with fewer options for safe and efficient travel. Toronto, like all cities, needs infrastructure that reflects the realities of modern urban life—not provincial directives that dismantle critical bike lanes and push residents toward more car dependency.

I urge the government to reconsider this legislation and engage meaningfully with municipalities and residents to develop solutions that enhance mobility for all. A forward-thinking approach, focusing on transit and public safety infrastructure, will foster a healthier, more livable Ontario for everyone.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
a concerned practicing civil engineer