This proposal favors motor…

This proposal favors motor vehicle users and downplays the significance of pedestrians and cyclists by presenting the need for enhanced provincial control over bicycle lane allocation and removal solely as a consequence of traffic lane reduction. Dedicated bike lane infrastructure encourages pedestrians and cyclists to decelerate and enter establishments, potentially enhancing the local economy through increased foot traffic. It also subtly encourages drivers to slow down due to the reduced number of lanes and their narrower appearance.

Removing existing bike lanes incurs additional financial burdens on taxpayers that should be redirected to projects aimed at reducing vehicle traffic, such as the actual arrival of the Eglinton LRT, Ontario Line, and the potential expansion of trains and transit options that encourage individuals from out of town to leave their vehicles in the suburbs. Constructing additional roads solely for vehicles only invites more vehicles, as evidenced in Texas, where adding more lanes exacerbated driving times for most drivers.

In my understanding of our three levels of government, all of them are subject to voting. Those who voted for the City of Toronto would expect the City of Toronto to make its own decisions regarding road design and lane prioritization. The system is designed to ensure that the residents of the City of Toronto have an opportunity to be heard and express their opinions through the council process. The council process should be respected and adhered to in order to make decisions on behalf of Toronto residents. Provincial members overriding this process instead of partnering under the leadership of the Toronto City Council would constitute a violation of the democratic process and systems. We are expected to work with local actors and civil society organizations to develop meaningful and diverse partnerships with state and non-state actors, including civil society organizations, academics, and the private sector. This framed approach does not seem to uphold this approach on the municipal level.

This bill needs to reframing to pivot the main audience of roads to serve in this ranked order pedestrians, cyclists, then motor vehicles.