Dear Decision-Makers in the…

Dear Decision-Makers in the Ontario Legislature,

I am distressed regarding the implementation of Bill 212 whose principles are contrary to the promise to improve affordability and the cost of living of Ontarians. An evidence-based approach demonstrates that plans to remove several existing bike lanes and increase red tape in adding new ones will DECREASE AFFORDABILITY, INCREASE TRAFFIC and REDUCE ROAD SAFETY IN ONTARIO.

My opposition to this bill is specifically because it will:

1) REDUCE AFFORDABILITY as travel costs are frequently the most impactful on individuals and families after shelter costs. Car ownership is the most expensive form of movement and negatively impacts those in lower income groups disproportionately. According to studies by Allen & Farber (2021) & Allen et. al. (2023), low-income populations in the GTA are facing increasing barriers and costs to daily travel and activity participation leading to a risk of social exclusion. Offering multiple modes of transit provides transportation equity and reduces transportation poverty.

2) REDUCE ROAD SAFETY as all road users (pedestrians, cyclists, car users and public transit users) are safer when roads are fairly divided and dedicated sections are provided for different types of road users. In this way, cyclists do not drift into roadways meant for cars or pedestrians and vice versa leading to fewer accidents. An academic study by Rothman et al. (2021) conducted in Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton found that "traffic injury is a leading and preventable cause of child death and disability, with child pedestrians and cyclists particularly vulnerable".

3) INCREASE CONGESTION/TRAFFIC as studies show that the only effective means of reducing traffic is to provide alternate modes of travel (CBC, 2024). The more individuals are forced into car use due to non-existent or unsafe cycling conditions, the more existing car users will see the increased traffic on their routes.

4) REDUCE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING as transportation is one of the highest source of emissions in Canada. Domestic transport-related greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 15% over the past decade (2009 to 2018) (Transport Canada, 2020). The higher emissions generated by personal vehicles contribute to climate change adding to a slew of issues ranging from health (e.g. poor air quality impacts physical and mental health to infrastructure (flood damage in Toronto was ~1 billion to date in 2024). Providing access to alternate low-emissions transit modes such as cycling is imperative.

Thank you for your review of my feedback.