I am strongly opposed to…

I am strongly opposed to Bill 212, as it threatens to reverse the progress made in creating safer and more accessible cycling infrastructure in Ontario municipalities, including Newmarket and Toronto, where I live and study. As a parent, I am deeply concerned that this bill would limit local governments' ability to make decisions about infrastructure that directly affects the safety and well-being of our children. Safe cycling infrastructure is essential for encouraging healthy habits, reducing traffic congestion, and providing safe routes for families to integrate cycling into their daily routines, such as commuting to school, work, or running errands.

The bill also contradicts well-established research showing that bike lanes do not cause traffic congestion. In fact, cycling infrastructure helps reduce gridlock by encouraging more sustainable transportation options, such as cycling, which in turn eases pressure on roads and improves overall traffic flow. Removing cycling lanes will not reduce gridlock or help people reach their destinations faster—it will only limit safe options for active transportation, which are needed for our communities to thrive.

Municipalities like Toronto and Newmarket should be empowered to make decisions that reflect the unique needs of their residents, rather than having these decisions dictated at the provincial level. I urge you to reconsider this bill and allow municipalities to maintain control over the development of cycling infrastructure. It is vital for the safety, health, and future of our communities.