I strongly oppose Bill 212 -…

I strongly oppose Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 - Framework for bike lanes that require removal of a traffic lane. We need more, not few bike lanes. A singular focus on “making life easier for drivers” will only make life harder for all road users. Yes, some people prefer or need to drive, but many people don't, and in any community at least 30% of people can't drive due to age, ability, or access, and they need real options too. What is proposed in not equitable transportation planning. It's taking us back 50 years. I'm a transportation engineer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. This legislation is contrary to the fundamental principles of efficient transportation.

It won't reduce gridlock or save you time. Simply put, motor vehicles cause congestion, not bikes. Despite unfounded claims to the contrary, the evidence shows that bike lanes do not create additional congestion, whereas people switching from bikes to cars does. Combined with proposals to build the new 413 highway and create a traffic tunnel under the 401, these plans further lock us into the car-centric planning decisions that lead to congestion in the first place

This move is also out of line with other provincial priorities, such as growth targets, efforts to boost transit, and the current e-scooter micromobility pilot program.

Bike lanes are an incredibly efficient way of moving people and are able to move many more people per hour than a lane focused primary on moving motor vehicles.

Bike lanes help to provide transportation choice, which helps to reduce the overall number of motor vehicles on the road. Just as highways result in more car trips, bike lanes increase cycling trips.

Bike lanes save lives, and help to make our roads safer for everyone, including people in motor vehicles. This is a provincial priority which the proposed bill does not align with. It will have a serious negative effect on the safety of our vulnerable road users. Any impediment to building safer cycling infrastructure puts people at risk of collision, serious injuries, and death.

Reallocating road space to transit and active transportation reduced traffic volumes and GHG emissions without substantially changing traffic speeds.

Cycling is an effective way to incorporate physical activity into daily life, reducing the risk of chronic disease, reducing stress, and improving mental health. We have a mental health crisis, and what is proposed will put more strain on our healthcare system by reducing opportunities for commuting by bike.

Stepping into municipal jurisdiction with this legislation will create a significant amount of bureaucratic red tape, resulting in thousands of municipal and ministry staff hours of additional workload at a significant cost to Ontarians. Please consider all 444 municipalities across the province and their residents that would be negatively impacted by this proposed legislation.