As a citizen of Brampton,…

As a citizen living in Brampton, Ontario, who frequently travels to Toronto, I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212 and urge the Government of Ontario to reject it in its entirety. This bill would be a significant step backward for sustainable urban planning and transportation in our province.

A cost-effectiveness study conducted by Gu et al. [1] in New York City made the following conclusion: “…investments in bicycle lanes come with exceptionally good value because they simultaneously address multiple public health issues. Investments in bike lanes are more cost-effective than most preventive approaches used today.” This research clearly demonstrates that bike lanes offer a highly cost-effective solution to a range of public health and environmental challenges.

Additionally, an economic analysis by Smith et al. [2] found that bike lanes were beneficial to businesses along Toronto's Bloor Street. The study concluded: “…indicators show increased economic activity on Bloor Street. Most merchants reported a higher number of customers than before the bike lane's installation, visitors indicated greater spending and more frequent visits, and vacancy rates remained stable.” This finding underscores the positive impact that bike lanes can have not only on public health but also on local economies.

Moreover, a recent CBC article [3] cites numerous studies supporting the conclusion that bike lanes benefit society in several ways, including reducing traffic congestion, improving public health, enhancing safety, and boosting the local economy.

On a personal note, I can attest to the positive impact bike lanes have had on my own commuting experience. My trips are faster and smoother when cyclists use designated bike lanes instead of sharing the road with cars, which can slow down traffic and create congestion.

Unfortunately, Bill 212 appears to be an attempt to expedite the construction of Highway 413 under the pretext of improving daily commutes. Specifically, Section 2 of the Act grants exemptions from the Environmental Assessment Act for projects related to Highway 413, including its early works. This exemption raises concerns about the government’s disregard for environmental and public health considerations in favour of advancing a project that many experts argue will be detrimental to Ontario’s long-term interests.

The research overwhelmingly supports the idea that bike lanes are a positive investment in our future, both economically and socially. It is clear that this bill prioritizes the interests of developers and political supporters over evidence-based policy solutions that benefit the people of Ontario. I urge all Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to reconsider the implications of this bill, put the people of Ontario first, and vote against its passage.

References

1. Gu, J., Mohit, B., & Muennig, P. A. (2017). The cost-effectiveness of bike lanes in New York City. Injury Prevention, 23(4), 239–243. https://doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2016-042057

2. Smith, L. N., Verlinden, Y., Savan, B., Arancibia, D., Farber, S., Vernich, L., & Allen, J. (2017). Economic impact study of bike lanes in Toronto’s Bloor Annex and Korea Town neighbourhoods. Clean Air Partnership. Updated September 2019.

3. Mortillaro, N. (2024, March 6). Do bike lanes really cause more traffic congestion? Here’s what the research says. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/bike-lanes-impacts-1.7358319#:~:text=mo….