Comment
I oppose this proposal on multiple grounds.
Firstly, it is a gross overreach for the Premier to micromanage municipal affairs when there is no critical issue that the municipality is not able to address.
Secondly, and more importantly, it is a deeply irrational proposal which flies in the face of empirical evidence. Studies conducted both in the GTA and globally repeatedly show the positive impacts of expanded bike infrastructure. Common fallacies touted by anti-cycling commentators regarding the impact of bike lanes on transit times, access or emergency response times are just not supported by facts. I'm reminded of studies carried out in Etobicoke showing that emergency response times improved after the introduction of bike lanes.
Fundamentally, the GTA cannot grow without substituting personal vehicle trips for more rational, efficient transportation options. Personal automobiles suffer from fundamental inefficiencies which render them ineffective for an urban environment: They consume an incredible amount space relative to the number of people they move.
The global cities that Toronto aspires to compare itself to have already learned these lessons. I hope that someday we have a provincial government that makes decisions based on reason and empirical evidence. Until then, it seems we are stuck with one that engages in petty culture war politics at the expense of our shared prosperity
Submitted October 23, 2024 3:13 PM
Comment on
Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 - Framework for bike lanes that require removal of a traffic lane.
ERO number
019-9266
Comment ID
103146
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Comment status