Please reverse Bill 212 as…

Please reverse Bill 212 as it is not based on valid data for informed decision making that prioritizes the health, safety, sustainability, and economic prosperity of Ontario residents and businesses. Consider this analysis and the objections pasted below from experts, BIAs, and advocacy groups:

It won't reduce gridlock or save time. Motor vehicles and infrastructure that prioritizes them cause congestion, not bikes. Despite unfounded claims to the contrary, the evidence shows that bike lanes do not create additional congestion, whereas people switching from bikes to cars does. Combined with proposals to build the new 413 highway and create a traffic tunnel under the 401, these plans further lock us into the car-centric planning decisions that lead to congestion in the first place (read: induced demand).

At present, municipalities have the authority to design and install bicycle lanes on roads under their jurisdiction based on their own priorities and transportation context. This bill is provincial overreach into municipal decision-making.

Removing bike lanes can be considerably more costly than installation. Municipalities have not budgeted for this, and even if the province picks up the tab, ripping out functional transportation infrastructure is not fiscally responsible.

A singular focus on “making life easier for drivers” will only make life harder for all road users. Yes, some people prefer or need to drive, but many people don't, and in any community at least 30% of people can't drive due to age, ability, or access, and they need real options too.

This move is out of line with other provincial priorities, such as growth targets, efforts to boost transit, and the current e-scooter micromobility pilot program.

Why we need more (not fewer) bike lanes:
A few key reasons why municipalities across Ontario have committed to building bike lanes, which are likely familiar to you:

Bike lanes are an incredibly efficient way of moving people and are able to move many more people per hour than a lane focused primary on moving motor vehicles.

Bike lanes help to provide transportation choice, which helps to reduce the overall number of motor vehicles on the road. Just as highways result in more car trips, bike lanes increase cycling trips.

Bike lanes save lives, and help to make our roads safer for everyone, including people in motor vehicles.

Reallocating road space to transit and active transportation reduced traffic volumes and GHG emissions without substantially changing traffic speeds.

Cycling is an effective way to incorporate physical activity into daily life, reducing the risk of chronic disease, reducing stress, and improving mental health.

There is a wealth of evidence in support of building bike lanes.

Statements from expert groups, associations of businesses, and community groups:

Bloor-Annex BIA: https://x.com/dmrider/status/1849123389937508607

“Premier Ford has asked for the installation of bike lanes to be evidence-driven. Well, all of the evidence we’re seeing tells a very compelling story - bike lanes are good for business, they improve safety for all road users, and reduce congestion. Bloor Street in the Annex is a thriving main street and the bike lanes are an essential part of what makes that possible.”
— Brian Burchell, general manager of the Bloor Annex BIA
Association of Municipalities of Ontario: https://www.amo.on.ca/policy/finance-infrastructure-and-economy/provinc…

“Requiring provincial approval [of bicycle lanes] would be a significant overreach into municipal jurisdiction. (...) AMO is not aware of any consultation with municipalities regarding bicycle lanes or of the evidence the province considered in its decision.”
— AMO Statement
Ontario Traffic Council: https://mcusercontent.com/32994e1c21f524f82af8b2563/files/e87f5879-20f6…

“The OTC would urge you to reconsider the legislation, which will create bureaucratic barriers, endanger Ontario’s, and ultimately lead to increased congestion.”
— OTC Statement
Ontario Professional Planners Institute: https://ontarioplanners.ca/OPPIAssets/Documents/Policy-Papers/OPPI-Stat…

“The proposed legislative changes will not reduce congestion, will increase risk to public safety, and move away from evidence-based practices. It is also counter to the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement, which includes several policies that support the use of bike lanes.”
— OPPI Statement
120 physicians and researchers from the University of Toronto: https://healthydebate.ca/2024/10/topic/legislation-road-design-safety-t…

“The Ministry of Transportation is responsible for serving the people of Ontario, not its motor vehicles. We must address the root causes of traffic congestion and provide options for solutions, such as improved transit connectivity and reliability, incentives for choosing alternatives to motor vehicle travel, and support for complete streets that offer safe and efficient transportation options for all people.”
— Physicians & researchers statement
Women in Urbanism Canada: https://www.womeninurbanism.ca/words/open-letter-stop-bill-212

“If the bill slows down, stops, or even goes as far as reversing the implementation of cycling infrastructure, this would cause significant harm to people of all ages. races, and genders, and would be most harmful to those who already face transportation barriers.”
— Women in Urbanism Canada statement
Green Communities Canada and 12 member organizations: https://greencommunitiescanada.org/letter-to-ontario-minister-of-transp…

“High quality networks of protected bike lanes on main streets are critical to providing safe routes to school and supporting higher rates of physical activity. By design, Ontario communities do not generally have side streets that run parallel to main streets for long distances.”
— Jared Kolb, Green Communities Canada