I am strongly opposed to…

I am strongly opposed to Bill 212.

Please consider the fact that better bike infrastructure is good for everyone, including people who drive in the city. The fact that I bike almost everywhere in Ottawa means that I am one less car contributing to traffic congestion and parking shortages — that’s a good thing for people driving cars!

Bill 212 is NOT a serious approach to tackling traffic congestion — making it harder for cities to expand bike lanes will deter people who might be persuaded to ditch their cars in favour of sustainable alternatives like transit, biking or other micro-mobility devices. By contrast, more traffic lanes and more highways might slightly improve congestion in the short term but will inevitably encourage continued reliance on car travel and make the problem much worse in the medium to long term.

Bill 212 would increase the already unacceptable risks that face cyclists and people with disabilities who rely on safe separated bike lanes.

Finally, I am very concerned that Bill 212 seems geared towards stoking a senseless culture war between drivers and cyclists. The tone is needlessly divisive and will increase tensions that are already running high on Ontario’s streets. This is totally irresponsible and I hope that the Government of Ontario will reconsider adopt a more civil and inclusive tone and approach.

Thank you.