In 1977, the Barton-Aschman…

In 1977, the Barton-Aschman report to the City of Toronto's Bikeway Technical Advisory Committee recommended that Bloor St not be considered as a cycling corridor. This may have been acceptable policy 40 years ago, but the idea that major roadways should not accommodate all forms of transportation is antiquated thinking.

Stripping municipalities of the right to deliver what's best for city residents should not be in the interest of this government. Cycling infrastructure not only improves cyclist safety (for the most part, vehicle-users are still a threat), but improves pedestrian safety, limits damage to roadways from vehicles, and shows a commitment to accessibility by providing safe spaces for all road users. Cycling is a necessary form of transportation for youth and adults alike, as vehicle ownership and use is a privilege many cannot afford.

The negative framing of cycling as interrupting car road use is damaging to long-term place-making and city planning. Municipalities have continuously demonstrated a willingness to explore and implement ideas such as Vision Zero and walkable communities, however this cannot be accomplished without adequate cycling infrastructure. Municipal civil servants and councillors know their communities best and have a duty to provide for these communities. Bill 212 demonstrates a lack of critical thinking from the provincial government by taking more powers away from municipal government and wasting taxpayer dollars on the removal of bike lanes.