Re: bill 212 - Reducing…

Re: bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 - Framework for bike lanes that require removal of a traffic lane.
This proposal is flawed and should not be enacted:
1. The proposal states the “Implications to the environment will be considered as the ministry identifies and develops the criteria for evaluating the proposed new and existing cycling lanes.” How will this been done there is no framework described?
2. The proposal lacks evidence based justification for removal of existing bike lanes. There are many reasons for traffic congestion and there is data available to consider but the Province has proceeded without consulting municipalities or even waiting to receive and analyze data.
3. There is nothing in bill 212 which suggests the Province has any framework to consult with municipalities or other stake holders. Where is the framework?
4. The removal of bike lanes without proper consultation will further the unfortunate reputation which the current government has for acting without consultation, ignoring evidence based decision making and overreaching it’s powers.
5. While there are many issues with existing bike lanes and the implementation of new bike lanes. The City of Toronto is working hard to resolve them in a fair and democratic process and inclusive manner. This process will be undermined by Provincial interference. Specifically the issues regarding the Bloor Street bike a lane is best resolved at the municipal level. Cities have been building bike lanes for many years they have a process in place for consultation and resolution of issues which best completed at the local level of government. Some routes where the evidence points to low usage or may be revised or rerouted or removed.
6. Before enacting legislation the province needs to determine what is causing traffic congestion and how to address it. There no evidence that this has been done. The proposal appears to be based on, at best, anecdotal evidence and arbitrary decision making.
7. This legislation is massive overreach of the Provincial Government into the municipal jurisdiction, with absolutely no justification.
8. Overturning the work of a local government comes at a tremendous cost. In the case of Toronto, if the province orders the removal of bike lanes, bill 212 must include compensation from the Province for the demolition of the lanes and construction cost to remediate the street, and also include the original construction cost of the lanes and all the associated planning costs.
9. The Province should concentrate on the many pressing provincial issues but if it insists on entering municipal jurisdictions it should at least work collaboratively with municipalities