I am writing to express…

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding Bill 212, which seeks to grant the provincial government the authority to approve or remove bike lanes on municipal roads where they require the removal of a traffic lane. Specifically, this Bill would authorize the dismantling of existing bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue in Toronto and reallocate these lanes to vehicular traffic. I strongly urge the government not to proceed with this legislation, as it undermines municipal authority, as well as the environmental, social, and economic objectives that bike lanes help to achieve in our urban areas.

Bike lanes play a critical role in supporting environmental sustainability. By providing dedicated space for cyclists, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality by encouraging residents to opt for bicycles over cars. Removing bike lanes would discourage cycling, pushing more individuals to rely on personal vehicles, thus increasing traffic congestion and emissions. This move directly conflicts with Ontario’s stated goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly transportation.

Cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of injury or fatality for cyclists by providing a safer, separated space for them on the road. Reverting bike lanes to vehicle lanes on high-traffic streets in Toronto and other cities would make cycling more dangerous and discourage a mode of transportation that promotes physical activity, benefiting public health. Cities across the world have recognized the safety benefits of bike lanes, and Ontario should support—not undermine—efforts to make active transportation safer.

Increased congestion is often used as a justification for removing bike lanes. However, evidence suggests that bike lanes reduce congestion by encouraging alternative transportation methods. Bike lanes help alleviate traffic by reducing the number of cars on the road, contributing to a more balanced and efficient transportation network. Many cities that have invested in bike infrastructure have witnessed smoother traffic flows, even in dense urban areas. Removing existing bike lanes - where time, money and effort has already been spent by municipalities for planning and installation - would reverse progress in making these areas more livable, walkable, and accessible.

Bike lanes stimulate local economies by attracting cyclists who are more likely to stop and shop at local businesses. Studies have consistently shown that bike-friendly cities benefit from increased foot traffic and stronger local economies. Returning these lanes to general traffic could harm businesses along these routes and weaken Toronto’s vibrant street life and economy. As our cities grow, supporting bike infrastructure aligns with economic growth and job creation goals, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it is essential to consider the role of MUNICIPAL AUTONOMY in shaping urban environments that reflect the unique needs and values of local residents. Municipal governments and their citizens are best positioned to make informed decisions about bike lanes and road use in their communities. The provincial government overriding these decisions undermines local governance, disregarding years of work and consultation by municipal staff and elected officials, and all of the associated costs related to this work and construction of the lanes themselves.

Ontario’s urban areas need forward-thinking policies that align with global sustainability, health, and livability goals. Bill 212, with its proposal to override municipal decisions on bike lanes, runs counter to these objectives. I respectfully urge the government to withdraw Bill 212 and instead collaborate with municipal leaders to expand sustainable transportation options across the province.

Thank you for considering this perspective.

Sincerely,

Resident of Toronto