I am a family doctor living…

I am a family doctor living in Toronto. There are so many reasons why bill 212 is foolish and ill-advised:

1. Decreased Physical Inactivity and Its Health Implications
Cycling provides accessible, low-impact exercise that many people incorporate into their daily routines. For some, biking to work or school is their primary way to stay active. Removing bike lanes makes it less safe and accessible, discouraging this habit. Without safe cycling routes, fewer people will choose to bike, leading to worse health outcomes across the population and higher healthcare costs. Further, active transportation, like biking, has been linked to improved mental health outcomes by reducing stress and anxiety. Families, children, and individuals with mental health challenges are particularly impacted by the removal of a peaceful biking alternative.

2. Pollution from Increased Car Traffic:
Fewer bike lanes results in more car traffic (this is well studied and documented), leading to higher levels of air pollution. This could aggravate respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. Patients who are especially sensitive to air quality, including children and older adults, will face worsened symptoms.

3. Exacerbation of Climate-Related Health Issues:
More car usage contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, worsening climate change. With extreme weather events on the rise, people are experiencing heat stress, and air pollution issues that aggravate health conditions, particularly in urban settings.

4. Higher Risk of Traffic-Related Injuries:
With fewer designated bike lanes, cyclists are forced to share lanes with cars, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. As a family doctor, I see the real effects of these injuries—sometimes leading to lifelong complications or fatalities. Promoting safe, active transportation like biking reduces reliance on vehicles, which in turn lowers accident rates for motorist, cyclists, and pedestrians.

5. Accessibility and Equity
Biking is an accessible and low-cost form of transportation, crucial for low-income families who cannot afford a car. By making cycling less safe, the city will alienate these community members and increase reliance on public transit, which can add to their financial burdens.

6. Well-Documented Link to Congestion:
Finally - research consistently shows that removing alternatives to cars, such as bike lanes, increases road congestion. When people lose safe, viable options for active transportation, more individuals turn to cars, adding strain to already busy streets. This congestion leads to longer commutes, increased emissions, and more idling cars.