Feedback on Bill 212 –…

Feedback on Bill 212 – Alternatives to Support Ontario’s Economic and Environmental Goals

Dear Ministry of Transportation,

I am writing in response to the proposed Bill 212, the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024. While I understand the intention to reduce congestion and improve transportation efficiency, I believe that removing bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue could ultimately hinder these goals. Instead, alternatives that promote cost-effective infrastructure, reduce long-term congestion, and support environmental priorities would offer more sustainable solutions.

1. Increased Safety Risks for Cyclists and Drivers

Removing bike lanes would significantly increase the risk of accidents and endanger both cyclists and drivers. Bike lanes provide a safe, designated space for cyclists, reducing the likelihood of collisions. Without dedicated bike lanes, cyclists are forced to share lanes with motor vehicles, leading to more unpredictable interactions and higher accident rates. Studies show that streets with protected bike lanes see a reduction in cyclist injuries by as much as 90% (City of Toronto, 2023). By keeping bike lanes in place, we can maintain a safer environment for all road users, reducing accident-related costs and ensuring that both cyclists and drivers feel safe and secure on our roads.

2. Long-Term Congestion Management and the Issue of Induced Demand

Research consistently shows that adding capacity for motor vehicles—whether through road expansion or lane reallocation—often leads to a phenomenon known as "induced demand." When more lanes are made available for cars, additional drivers are attracted to those routes, causing traffic to eventually return to previous levels or even worsen. A study by the Transportation Research Board found that expanding road capacity typically reduces congestion only temporarily, with traffic levels returning to the same or higher volumes within a few years (Transportation Research Board, 2019). By reallocating bike lanes for cars, the congestion problem is likely to persist as more vehicles fill the available space.

Conversely, studies indicate that cities with robust cycling and public transit infrastructure experience more sustainable congestion relief. By maintaining bike lanes and encouraging their use, Toronto can gradually reduce car dependency, thus addressing the root causes of congestion rather than merely offering short-term relief. This approach not only benefits drivers by reducing road demand but also supports Ontario’s goals for economic and environmental sustainability.

3. Economic Savings from Bike Lane Maintenance

From a fiscal perspective, maintaining bike lanes is significantly more cost-effective than maintaining roads designed for motor vehicles. Car lanes require frequent repairs and resurfacing, largely due to the wear and tear caused by heavier vehicles. In contrast, bike lanes incur only a fraction of these costs, as bicycles impose far less stress on road surfaces. The City of Portland, for example, found that its bike infrastructure required substantially less maintenance and, over time, saved millions in road repair costs (City of Portland, 2018). Investing in bike lanes, therefore, represents a long-term financial savings opportunity, allowing taxpayer funds to be allocated to other essential services.

Furthermore, the savings from reduced road maintenance costs can be reinvested into Ontario’s infrastructure. These funds could help support initiatives like road safety improvements, public transit enhancements, and other infrastructure projects that drive economic growth and improve public services.

4. Supporting Economic Growth with Efficient and Sustainable Transportation

Improving traffic flow supports Ontario’s economy, as it enhances the movement of goods and people. However, by focusing only on car infrastructure, we may limit the economic potential that diverse transportation modes provide. Dedicated bike lanes reduce congestion by creating a predictable and organized flow of traffic, which benefits drivers, cyclists, and public transit users alike. Cities that invest in cycling infrastructure often see more economic activity and greater ease of access to local businesses, creating a positive environment for small businesses and increasing consumer traffic.

Research from Copenhagen shows how a comprehensive cycling network can contribute up to $1 billion annually to the economy by reducing congestion, improving commute times, and attracting new business investment (Buehler & Dill, 2021). In the same way, Ontario’s economy could see similar benefits if efforts are focused on promoting cycling and multi-modal transport as cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to expanding car lanes.

5. Reducing Healthcare Costs by Supporting Active Transportation

In addition to reduced infrastructure maintenance costs, bike lanes contribute to public health goals. By encouraging active commuting through safe bike lanes, Ontario can achieve substantial healthcare savings. A study by Toronto Public Health estimated that a 10% increase in cycling could save millions in health costs each year. With fewer traffic-related injuries and increased physical activity, public health improves, translating into economic savings that benefit all residents.

6. Aligning with Ontario’s Environmental Goals and Reducing Emissions

Ontario’s environmental plan highlights the importance of lowering greenhouse gas emissions while promoting economic growth. Supporting cycling infrastructure aligns directly with this objective. By reducing car dependency, particularly for short trips, Ontario can decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and contribute to lower urban emissions. The World Health Organization estimates that a 10% shift from car to bicycle commuting could reduce urban CO₂ emissions by up to 10% (WHO, 2022), helping Ontario meet its climate targets without compromising economic activity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while reallocating bike lanes to car lanes may seem a quick solution to reduce congestion, it poses significant drawbacks in terms of long-term traffic management, public safety, and infrastructure costs. Prioritizing sustainable transportation infrastructure, such as bike lanes, aligns with Ontario’s economic and environmental goals by reducing long-term costs, improving road safety, and supporting a vibrant, efficient economy. I urge the Ministry of Transportation to consider these alternative perspectives and to continue building on Ontario’s progress toward a balanced and sustainable transportation system that meets the needs of all residents.

Thank you for considering these points.

Sincerely,

Sources

Buehler, R., & Dill, J. (2021). Cycling for Sustainable Cities. MIT Press.

City of Portland. (2018). Maintenance costs of bike lanes vs. car lanes. Retrieved from https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/

City of Toronto. (2023). Cycling safety and infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation…

Pucher, J., & Buehler, R. (2017). Cycling and sustainable cities. Urban Studies Journal, 54(4), 785-807.

Toronto Public Health. (2022). Benefits of increased cycling on public health and environmental quality. Retrieved from https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation…

Transportation Research Board. (2019). The effects of induced demand on road expansions and congestion. Transportation Research Record, 2673(5), 234-246. doi:10.1177/0361198119839989

World Health Organization. (2022). Cycling as a sustainable urban transport solution. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications