The proposed Bill 212 is an…

The proposed Bill 212 is an affront to local democracy, sound planning, and represents an intention on the part of the provincial government to reduce affordability and quality of life in the City of Toronto. It reflects a large, inefficient, and wasteful government. The requirement for municipalities to obtain provincial approval for new bike lanes is by definition “Big Government”, and I oppose this strongly, but I will focus my comments here on the portion of the bill that calls for the removal of bike lanes on Yonge St, Bloor St, and University Ave.

I am a young professional who lives on Yonge street, next to the existing bike lane. I own a car, drive, take transit, and cycle, depending on what is the most efficient mode of transportation for my trip. I consider myself lucky to have these choices, and to live in a city that has made great progress on delivering transportation options to its residents.

I am also a political conservative. I believe in small government, low taxes, and personal responsibility. It is because of my conservative principles that I oppose this bill.

First, this bill is wasteful, and shows complete disrespect for taxpayer dollars. Much time, effort, and resources have been spent developing and installing the existing bike lanes mentioned in the bill. In many cases, they have required complete road re-construction, such as along Bloor St. and University Ave. Ordering them to be removed so soon after they have been completed is wasteful.

Second, this bill would worsen affordability. Bike lanes provide residents with options for how they will get around the city. While cycling is not appropriate for every trip, it is very useful for short to medium commutes. I use the Yonge and Bloor bike lanes frequently to commute from my home in Midtown to my office in Leslieville. Of all my transportation options, it is by far the most affordable. Given the affordability crisis we are experiencing (which affects my generation most acutely) I find it absurd that the government would seek to make it more difficult to commute affordably. Cars, car insurance, and gas are expensive - why does the government want to incentivize citizens to spend more than they have to?

Third, this bill represents inefficient planning. I drive along Yonge street often, and I find it to be a better experience with the bike lane in place. I do not have to worry about cyclists who are too close to my car, and can focus on the road ahead of me. If the Province truly wanted to increase road capacity, they may start with removing the full lane along Yonge that is currently allocated to street parking.

Furthermore, removing these bike lanes will not solve congestion. Toronto is a big city. More cars on the road is not possible given the limited space we have. A government that was interested in efficiency would recognize the value of transport modes that use less physical space - i.e., bikes and transit, and work to improve their respective infrastructure.

Finally, this bill represents government incompetence. Ontario is facing numerous crises, whether that be affordability, health care, or housing. The TTC subway is in complete shambles (see the growing “speed restriction zones”), and the Crosstown LRT and Finch LRT are both delayed. The provincial government of Ontario focusing on three bike lanes in the City of Toronto is an attempt to distract from the real problems that the government is unable, or unwilling, to solve.

It is for these reasons that I strongly oppose this legislation. I hope the government will reflect and reconsider its position, and in future develop policy in accordance with the conservative principles it claims to hold.