Bill 212, Framework for Bike…

Bill 212, Framework for Bike Lands is government overreach and an assault on local democracy with no evidence that it will alleviate congestion.

Truly world class cities and regions are embracing active transportation and public transportation, recognizing the primacy of the personal automobile has no place in a modern mega-region. Car dependency is economically inefficient, environmentally destructive and socially isolating. In a city like Toronto, bike lanes save lives, improve business on main streets and provide a safe means to get from point a to b that is cheaper, greener and healthier.

The residents of Toronto voted for a municipal Council that has voted for its cycling network plan, so the idea that the province will overrule local democracy is reprehensible.

This is cynical wedge politics with no basis in evidence.

This proposal will risk lives, cost money and not improve congestion. If bike lanes were truly the cause of congestion than why does every street and highway without a single bike lane also have congestion. This isn't common sense, it is the opposite. The problem is cars.

I urge the government to listen to the experts on real solutions to congestion, like congestion pricing, more frequent and reliable public transportation, less low density sprawl development and more active transportation. Do not take Ontario backwards, while risking lives. This is not good governance or smart decision-making.

References: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/cc/bgrd/backgroundfile-250545…

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bike-share-toronto-ridership-rec….