I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed amendments in Bill 60 that would prevent municipalities from reducing motor vehicle lanes to create or improve bike lanes, bus lanes, and other community street improvements.

This bill would strip cities and towns across Ontario of their ability to make locally informed, evidence-based decisions about their own streets. Local governments, planners, and residents are best positioned to determine how to allocate road space to meet their community’s needs. Removing that authority undermines local democracy and disregards the expertise of municipal staff and the lived experience of residents.

Contrary to the bill’s stated purpose, restricting bike lanes and other street improvements will not reduce gridlock. The government’s own transportation experts have confirmed that bike lanes are not a cause of traffic congestion. Instead, they provide safe, efficient options for people to travel—often replacing short car trips that contribute to congestion.

Bill 60 would also make our roads more dangerous. Protected bike lanes save lives by reducing serious injuries and collisions for all road users—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Blocking these safety improvements will lead to more preventable tragedies on Ontario’s roads.

In addition, this bill threatens other important uses of public space: bus priority lanes, patios, school streets, and safer pedestrian crossings. These are not luxuries; they are essential elements of vibrant, accessible, and resilient communities.

Finally, Bill 60 runs directly counter to Ontario’s climate and public health goals. Encouraging car dependency increases emissions, worsens air quality, and limits opportunities for active transportation.

I urge the Province to withdraw these harmful amendments and instead support evidence-based, community-driven approaches to transportation planning that prioritize safety, choice, and sustainability for all Ontarians.