I am writing to share my…

I am writing to share my concerns about Bill 212, The Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, and its implications for municipal control over bike lane infrastructure. Although I understand the bill’s goal of improving traffic flow, I believe that placing control of bike lanes in the hands of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation would be counterproductive, especially for communities outside of Toronto's downtown core.

Local Decisions for Local Needs
Bike infrastructure decisions should be made by municipalities, which have the knowledge to address their unique community needs. The issues surrounding bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue are specific to downtown Toronto. Extending the scope of Bill 212 across the entire province is an unfair response to issues limited to a few streets. Other municipalities that have successfully implemented bike lanes—or are working to do so—shouldn’t be limited by decisions driven by the conditions in one concentrated area.

Easing Congestion by Offering Real Transit and Cycling Alternatives
Many Ontarians, especially those visiting or working in Toronto, would prefer not to drive downtown if there were viable alternatives. However, transit options, especially for people coming from regions like Kitchener, often don’t provide sufficient flexibility. For instance, the lack of weekend GO Train service means that a resident of Kitchener wishing to attend a Saturday event in Toronto has no train option, forcing them into a car. Even when GO Train service is available, its frequency and speed are often limited.

Expanding all-day, two-way GO Train service would significantly reduce the number of cars entering Toronto, benefiting all travelers while easing road congestion. This improvement would align with the broader goal of reducing gridlock by making public transit a more practical choice for those currently dependent on driving.

Prioritizing Safe and Sustainable Infrastructure
Investing in safe bike lanes and reliable transit is essential for making Toronto—and other Ontario cities—more accessible and sustainable. By offering alternatives to car travel, we can move more people with less congestion. Effective bike lanes and improved GO Train service both help create a more balanced, multi-modal transportation system that benefits drivers, cyclists, and transit riders alike. Removing or restricting bike lanes would undermine this goal and likely increase car dependency in downtown Toronto and other areas, contrary to the bill’s intent of easing gridlock.

I urge you to consider a more balanced approach that allows municipalities to control their bike lane infrastructure and directs provincial resources towards enhancing the GO Transit system. Supporting accessible, dependable, and frequent transit is a more effective path to reduce gridlock than eliminating bike lanes, which would only discourage sustainable transportation options.