RE: Bill 212 - Reducing…

RE: Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212, specifically regarding the proposed removal of bike lanes from major roads in Toronto. As an international student and regular cyclist in the city, I have serious concerns about the safety and accessibility implications of this proposal.

First, as someone who relies on cycling for daily transportation due to financial constraints, the removal of dedicated bike lanes would force me to share regular traffic lanes with vehicles. This creates an unacceptable safety risk, particularly given the documented increase in aggressive driving incidents in Toronto. Recently, I witnessed a near-miss collision between a cyclist and a vehicle, highlighting the very real dangers cyclists face even with existing infrastructure.

The economic impact of this decision should not be overlooked. Many students and low-income residents depend on cycling as an affordable transportation option. Removing bike lanes effectively discriminates against those who cannot afford other modes of transport, myself included.

Furthermore, Toronto's cycling network is still developing, and removing existing infrastructure is counterproductive to building a comprehensive, sustainable transportation system. The current bike lanes have demonstrated their value through regular usage, and their removal would be a significant step backward in Toronto's progression toward becoming a more sustainable and accessible city.

It is particularly concerning that this bill proposes to remove infrastructure that was only recently implemented. This represents not only a waste of previously invested public resources but also undermines the city's commitment to sustainable urban planning and climate action.

I strongly urge the government to reconsider this aspect of Bill 212 and instead focus on expanding and improving cycling infrastructure. This would better serve the diverse transportation needs of Toronto's residents while promoting safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.

Removing bike lanes will not effectively address gridlock; it will only make our roads more dangerous and less accessible for vulnerable road users while discouraging sustainable transportation options.