I want to address why…

I want to address why refusing to build safe bicycle lanes is not simply a policy choice — it raises real legal, safety, and equity concerns for our city.

First, this city has a duty of care under the Municipal Act to keep roads reasonably safe for all users. That includes cyclists and pedestrians. When we know certain corridors are dangerous and we refuse to use proven safety measures like protected bike lanes, we expose residents to foreseeable harm and expose the city to avoidable liability.

Second, blocking cycling infrastructure conflicts with the Provincial Policy Statement, which requires municipalities to support active transportation and safe, multimodal travel. It also contradicts our own Official Plan commitments to Complete Streets and climate action. Ignoring these obligations is not just unwise — it is potentially unlawful.

Third, the safety evidence is overwhelming. Across Ontario, most serious cyclist injuries happen on roads without bike lanes. Protected lanes reduce injury risk by up to 60 percent. Every delay keeps people — especially children, seniors, and newcomers — on roads where we already know they are at higher risk.

Fourth, refusing bike lanes harms equity and accessibility. Many residents cannot drive or cannot afford to drive. Safe cycling is essential for them to access work, school, and daily life. Creating barriers for these groups conflicts with the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA.

Finally, we cannot meet our environmental and clean-air responsibilities if short trips continue to default to cars. Cycling infrastructure is one of the most effective tools we have to cut emissions and congestion.

In short: refusing bicycle lanes puts residents at risk, contradicts provincial and municipal obligations, and undermines our long-term health and sustainability goals.

I urge council to move forward with safe, protected cycling infrastructure — not later, but now.
Lives depend on it.

Thank you.