This bill is an overreach…

This bill is an overreach into local governance and risks undermining efforts to make streets safer and more efficient. In an increasingly dense city like Toronto, biking is not only essential for transportation but also beneficial for the environment and public safety. Cyclists should have the right to access major streets without risk of cycling-related injuries and deaths, which occur when bikelanes are not present.

Toronto's Bikeshare usage has skyrocketed from 665,000 trips in 2019 to 5.7 million in 2023—a growth of over 750%. That represents 5.7 million fewer cars on the road. Without safe infrastructure like bike lanes, people will be deterred from cycling and instead turn to driving, which will only add more congestion to already crowded streets.

Well-designed bike lanes can ease congestion by offering safe, sustainable alternatives to driving. Municipal governments, being closest to their communities, are in the best position to assess local needs and should retain the authority to implement infrastructure that serves their residents.