This proposed legislation is…

This proposed legislation is a deeply regressive measure that will restrict municipal autonomy and discourage safe, sustainable urban planning. Requiring provincial approval for bike lanes on streets where car lanes would be removed ignores the reality of urban transportation: bike lanes are vital for reducing congestion, promoting environmentally friendly travel, and providing safe alternatives to car-dependent commutes. Cities like Toronto have invested in bike infrastructure not to hinder traffic but to create a balanced transportation network that serves everyone.

The argument that bike lanes have a "negative impact on vehicle traffic" overlooks data showing that cities with comprehensive bike networks experience decreased traffic congestion over time. Instead of stripping local governments of their decision-making power on transportation matters, the province should be supporting local plans to diversify commuting options and reduce car reliance.

Using isolated concerns, such as slower traffic on specific streets, to justify an overarching ban on bike lanes prioritizes convenience for drivers over the safety and sustainability of our cities. The government’s approach to data collection, dismissing usage during winter or on rainy days, is clearly aimed at minimizing the value of bike lanes instead of offering a holistic view of their benefits. The time and money should instead go toward expanding transit and cycling infrastructure and addressing actual transit issues like the delayed opening of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.

Ontario should focus on solutions that truly tackle gridlock through multimodal transportation, not by stifling progress on safer, more sustainable streets.