I’m submitting this comment…

I’m submitting this comment in strong opposition to this proposal. I’m appalled and shocked that the provincial government would propose legislation that so blatantly contradicts the strong body of urban planning and urban development research, which clearly demonstrates that reducing alternative means of transportation actually worsens road congestion.

I live in downtown Toronto and cycle almost daily. I cycle for at least ten months of the year, and more if the roads are dry, as was the case during the winter of 2024. Cycling is by far the most efficient way for me to get around my city, saving me countless hours per year that would otherwise be spent in a car or on public transportation. It has the added benefits of being highly cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and healthy. Incorporating cycling into my routine has transformed my financial, physical, and mental health. However, it is also accompanied by significant risks, due to the inconsistent biking infrastructure across the city. I attempt to avoid roads without bike lanes as much as possible because of the clear safety risks this poses, as exemplified by the multiple cyclists that have died in Toronto due to motor vehicle operations this year, as well as by my daily experiences of having near-misses with motor vehicles on roads that lack protected bike lanes. The well-designed bike lanes on major roads in Toronto such as Bloor Street, University Avenue and Yonge Street have directly benefitted my commuting experience within my city. They have also directly benefited non-cyclists, as evidenced by a research study which found that businesses along Bloor Street profited from the addition of the Bloor Street bike lanes. As major construction projects continue across the city, cars are being diverted onto side streets, and adding bikes into that traffic will further detract from the safety and quality of life of the residents of these areas.

In recent years, as biking infrastructure has improved, more and more Torontonians are choosing to cycle. This has eliminating thousands of car trips that would have otherwise taken place. Removing bike lanes within Toronto, in contrast, will force many Torontonians to abandon cycling, resulting in even worse car traffic within the city, and even more pressure on the TTC, which is already struggling to provide efficient and regular service to the city’s growing population. As the city continues to densify, with new condominium buildings being built on virtually every corner, it is becoming increasingly urgent to provide as many transportation options as possible. Furthermore, new condo buildings often replace surface-level parking lots, meaning that even if bike lanes are replaced with car lanes, there will be less spaces for drivers to park their cars, which will just result in even more traffic.

In recent years Ontarians across the province have been struggling to cope with inflation and reduced affordability. Many marginalized individuals cannot afford a car and/or cannot drive, and cannot afford to live in areas connected to public transportation. Cycling is an affordable and accessible way for such people to move around. By reducing safe biking infrastructure, the provincial government will continue to place these people, who are already experiencing threats to their health and safety due to wealth inequity, in even more risk.

The government claims that this proposed bill is meant to reduce traffic. However, the obvious negative consequences that this will have for Ontarios, as well as the body of professional research which proves that these measures will actually have the opposite effect, make it clear that this bill is actually a poorly thought out and irresponsible attempt to gain voting popularity, through means that will undoubtedly actually reduce the quality of life, health, and safety of Ontarians. It is shocking that this bill has even been proposed, and has confirmed that this government will never have my support or respect. I urge the provincial government to reject this proposal and to take obvious steps to do their job, that being to act in the good of the province.