I oppose Ontario Bill 212 …

I oppose Ontario Bill 212 (Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024) for several critical reasons. Removing bike lanes won’t reduce traffic congestion; studies and historical data have shown that taking away bike infrastructure actually slows traffic and increases gridlock. This move will not only worsen traffic flow in Toronto but also likely lead to injuries and potential fatalities.

The history of Toronto underscores this problem: when bike lanes were removed from Jarvis Street in 2011, city data showed that travel times increased, directly contradicting the goal of easing congestion. Removing bike lanes endangers cyclists, discourages sustainable transportation, and leads to even more cars on the road, compounding gridlock and pollution.

Rather than enacting policies that compromise safety and degrade urban infrastructure, the province should focus on initiatives that truly benefit residents, like improving healthcare and education. This kind of investment would serve Ontarians far better than dismantling bike lanes to appease drivers and suburban commuters.

In short, Bill 212 represents a step backward for Toronto and the province, sacrificing smart urban planning in favor of culture war rhetoric rather than sound political policy. The government should prioritize a livable, accessible city for everyone by supporting multimodal transportation that ensures safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility—not just catering to those driving into the city for work.