This proposal poses a…

This proposal poses a significant threat to the development of sustainable transportation infrastructure and undermines local decision-making. Prioritizing vehicle traffic over bike lanes runs counter to long-term efforts to reduce congestion, promote environmental sustainability, and improve public health.

1. Inhibiting Active Transportation: Requiring municipalities to seek provincial approval for bike lanes—especially when removing vehicle lanes—is a step backwards in promoting cycling as a viable and sustainable mode of transport. Cycling reduces traffic congestion and pollution and should be encouraged, not hindered.
2. Local Autonomy at Risk: Municipalities are in the best position to understand local traffic needs and dynamics. By centralizing the approval process, the province risks imposing blanket policies that may not fit the diverse contexts of Ontario’s towns and cities. Local governments must retain the authority to implement transportation solutions tailored to their communities.
3. Environmental Impact: While the proposal mentions environmental implications, prioritizing vehicle traffic over bike lanes conflicts with Ontario’s climate goals. Encouraging car usage over cycling will likely result in increased carbon emissions and harm to urban air quality.
4. Public Health and Safety: Promoting cycling infrastructure has clear health benefits and can contribute to reducing healthcare costs. Expanding bike lanes should be viewed as an investment in public health and safety rather than a hindrance to traffic flow.

Instead of imposing additional barriers on municipalities, the province should be actively encouraging and supporting the expansion of bike lane infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to reduce gridlock, improve environmental outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for Ontarians.