Bill 212 ignores evidence of…

Bill 212 ignores evidence of the demand and benefits of cycling. It illustrates the government's short-term-ism and lack of vision. There is no business case to support vehicles over pedestrians and cycling.

It is irrefutable that cycling on safe bike lanes is a superior transit form. Studies show it is better for human fitness, reducing emissions, social connection, reducing noise, promoting tourism, reducing energy and maintenance costs, saving space and stimulating local business. Evidence is abundant. No debate. (see references below)

However, the Premier proposes a solution that eliminates the best solution! It's not only fiscally irresponsible, but morally reckless. The cost exceeds the benefit of tearing them down. It's similar to Premier Harris' filling-in the dug tunnels of the Eglinton subway, only to dig them up again at a higher cost.

Why are cities like Paris, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Montreal, Stockholm so far ahead of Ontario in cycling networks? Good policy. They are dominating for a reason: They discourage the use of vehicles.

The Premier's personal bias against cycling is another example of unsupportable decisions, or worse, deliberate misrepresentation of facts. The government is losing trust and its ideas belong to the 1950's. The world has progressed.

Sources:

https://www.govtech.com/fs/study-more-bike-lanes-needed-to-reduce-traff…

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140523000877

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/municipalities-transit-and-infrastructu…

https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/04/12/cycling-is-now-more-popular-t…

https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/bike-lanes-impacts-1.7358319

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/be01e203-e60d-…

https://www.fundersnetwork.org/a-broader-vision-of-biking-lessons-from-…

https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/9682-Road-to-Health_I…

https://www.wri.org/insights/invest-walking-cycling-sustainable-safe-ci…