I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212, specifically the framework that requires municipalities to seek provincial approval for new bike lanes that remove existing traffic lanes. This legislation is misguided from a safety, environmental, and traffic congestion perspective.

The proposed changes outlined in Bill 212 prioritize the movement of cars over the safety of cyclists. Removing existing bike lanes to add more lanes for cars will make cycling more dangerous. It will discourage people from choosing to cycle, leading to a decrease in cycling and an increase in driving.

Bill 212 is counterproductive to the government’s stated environmental goals. The preamble to the bill states a commitment to "speeding up the delivery of broadband projects that will connect people in all parts of Ontario, including rural areas, with reliable internet access". Increasing broadband access, however, will do little to reduce our province’s greenhouse gas emissions if paired with legislation that discourages active transportation. Furthermore, research shows that adding more lanes for vehicle traffic can actually increase traffic congestion due to a phenomenon known as induced demand; so not only does this bill increase the risk to cyclists, it doesn't accomplish its goal of reducing congestion.

Independent research indicates that bike lanes do not contribute to traffic congestion, and may, in fact, ease it. The addition of bike lanes has been shown to reduce travel times for cars in some cases, such as a study in New York City cited by the CBC which showed that after the installation of bike lanes on a major midtown thoroughfare, average travel time for cars decreased by 35%. Copenhagen, a city known for its extensive cycling infrastructure, also reports that the high volume of bike traffic actually eases congestion for other vehicles like buses and delivery trucks. These findings suggest that the Ontario government’s claims about reducing congestion by removing bike lanes and adding more lanes for cars are inaccurate.

I urge the Ontario government to reconsider this harmful legislation. Instead of making it harder for municipalities to implement safe and sustainable transportation options, the province should collaborate with municipalities to expand active transportation infrastructure. This includes investing in a network of protected bike lanes that will make cycling a safe and appealing option for people of all ages and abilities. This shift towards sustainable transportation is essential to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and meet our province’s environmental goals.