Prabmeet Sarkaria Minister…

Prabmeet Sarkaria
Minister of Transportation
77 Wellesley St W

Minister Sarkaria,

I am writing to express my opposition to Bill 212, the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024, which includes provisions for the removal of bike lanes on major Toronto streets. As a downtown resident and driver who frequently commutes by car, public transit, cycling and walking, I believe Bill 212’s approach is extremely short-sighted and counterproductive. It risks creating more congestion rather than alleviating it, all while undermining public safety and sustainable, inclusive city planning.

Bike lanes are a valuable part of our city’s infrastructure, supporting a transportation system that accommodates all users—not just drivers. Having the choice to walk, cycle, drive, or take public transit provides me and many others with flexibility and efficiency in navigating our dense urban environment. Removing these lanes would hinder this flexibility and prioritize vehicles over more sustainable, healthier options.

As planners from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) have noted (pdf attached), bike lanes are integral to creating safer, healthier, and more connected communities. They support economic activity, improve air quality, mitigate climate change, and encourage active lifestyles, which are increasingly important in urban centres like Toronto. Furthermore, the proposed changes conflict with the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement, which prioritizes the development of accessible, multi-modal transportation networks.

While I recognize the need to reduce congestion, evidence from other cities shows that removing bike lanes does not alleviate traffic—it merely reduces safe travel options for cyclists and pedestrians and ultimately worsens congestion. Downtown Toronto’s roads are limited in space, and removing cycling infrastructure will not increase roadway capacity meaningfully; instead, it risks creating a more chaotic and unsafe environment for all road users.

I urge the Ministry to work with local planners, residents, and city stakeholders to find solutions that support our entire transportation network, rather than narrowing options. Ontario needs an approach that respects the needs of all its citizens, aligning with the Provincial Planning Statement’s goals for safe, efficient, and multi-modal transportation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Rod M.