I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024, which seeks to impose provincial approval for the construction of municipal bike lanes that involve the removal of vehicle lanes. This bill undermines local decision-making and disregards the proven benefits of cycling infrastructure in reducing congestion and promoting sustainable urban development.

The assumption that bike lanes cause traffic congestion is not supported by evidence. According to research, bike lanes can actually help ease traffic congestion. In New York City, for example, the installation of bike lanes on a major thoroughfare resulted in a 35% decrease in travel time for motorists. Similarly, cities like Paris have experienced a significant reduction in car use and a corresponding increase in cycling. These examples demonstrate that promoting cycling infrastructure does not hinder traffic flow but rather encourages more efficient transportation systems.

Furthermore, studies show that the concept of "induced demand" applies to car traffic: the more lanes you add, the more cars fill them, leading to increased congestion. In contrast, bike lanes offer an alternative that can help mitigate the volume of vehicles on the road. As David Simor, director of the Centre for Active Transportation, aptly put it, if bike lanes were the main cause of congestion, highways like the 401 and Gardiner Expressway would be clear, which they are not.

Bike lanes also contribute to overall public safety. Reducing vehicle speeds on roads with bike lanes can significantly lower the likelihood of traffic fatalities and injuries. As Dr. Ray Tomalty from McGill’s School of Urban Planning pointed out, slowing down traffic is not necessarily negative—it saves lives.

Additionally, promoting cycling infrastructure is crucial in the fight against climate change. With fewer cars on the road, emissions are reduced, contributing to Ontario’s environmental goals. The long-term benefits of supporting bike lanes, from improving public health to fostering safer streets, far outweigh the perceived short-term inconveniences to motorists.

Given these points, I urge the Ontario government to reconsider Bill 212 and allow municipalities to continue making decisions about bike lane construction based on local needs, safety, and sustainability. Centralizing this approval process at the provincial level only hinders progress and undermines efforts to create healthier, more efficient cities.