The Ontario Society of…

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) plays a vital role as the advocacy body and voice of the engineering profession in Ontario. Ontario is home to over 85,000 professional engineers, 250,000 engineering graduates, 6,600 engineering post-graduate students and 37,000 engineering undergraduate students, OSPE serves as a unifying force for the engineering community in the province

I am writing on behalf of OSPE to express our concern regarding the proposed legislation that may prohibit the installation of bike lanes when motor vehicle lanes are removed. We believe this policy is regressive, reinforces a car-centric approach, and undermines municipalities abilities to make choices that align with the needs of their communities

As engineers dedicated to fostering safe and efficient transportation systems, we recognize the persistent issues of gridlock and traffic congestion in Toronto and surrounding areas. However, limiting bike lane installation does not address these challenges and instead disregards the growing demand for sustainable and safe transportation options.

Many experts and politicians alike have spoken out about this proposed legislation, and we echo this sentiment and caution against reverting to a transportation model that prioritizes cars at the expense of cyclists and pedestrians. The safety implications are significant; with six cyclists tragically killed in Toronto this year alone, policies that do not protect vulnerable road users are unacceptable.

Different neighborhoods and municipalities require customized solutions based on population density and the community needs:

Higher density routes require mass transit Light Rail Trains (LRT) & Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with dedicated lanes, where it is economically feasible. 

Areas with more sparse public transit services, could have on demand transport (ODT). Many lessons can be learned from Edmonton who currently has the largest ODT network in Canada.

The downtown core could benefit from mobility as a service (MaaS), which is deemed the future of public transportation. MaaS integrates various forms of transport and transport related services in one comprehensive and on demand mobility service enabling users to plan, book and pay for multiple types of services all on one platform.

We urge the government to reconsider reevaluating the proposed legislation and empower municipalities to make decisions that reflect their communities' needs and invest in various public transportation initiatives to alleviate gridlock. A balanced transportation strategy must prioritize multi-modal solutions that support both cyclists and motorists, enhancing the safety and quality of life in our cities.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. We hope to see a commitment to forward-thinking transportation policies that prioritize safety, sustainability, and municipal autonomy.

Sincerely,