The proposal of Bill 212…

The proposal of Bill 212 affects me directly as a commuter that uses protected bicycle infrastructure year around in Ottawa. Studies show that bike lanes tangibly increase the number of people cycling, is good for businesses, improves congestion, helps meet climate goals, and keeps both cyclists and pedestrians safer. My primary mode of transportation is biking, I do not own a car – I live near downtown and many of neighbours also do not own cars (see link below). I bike throughout the year in Ottawa and cycling lanes help me safely get to work, run errands and get to appointments like my doctor and dentist (even in winter when there is snow on the ground). Getting around the city by bike means that I am not adding to the car congestion on the street both with traffic and parking, and I have a minimal impact on road wear and tear. Being able to bike safely has made my more connected to my immediate community, and allows me to get to many destinations around the city safely. Without bike lanes I would not feel comfortable biking through downtown or to a large grocery store near my house. Protected bike lanes also encourage women to bike more, and removing and/or preventing new bike lanes from being built will disproportionally impact women as many will choose not to cycle as they will not feel safe. Active transportation infrastructure is also an equity and quality of life issue as it doesn’t require individuals to shoulder the cost and maintenance of a personal vehicle. Being able to get around the city by bike has been tangibly beneficial for my mental health (a much better way to decompress after work than sitting in traffic) and was vital for me to get around the city during the first few years of the pandemic.

I believe that the provincial government is overstepping their power getting involved in preventing cities from implementing road infrastructure that often takes years of planning, consultation and study. Being able to veto cities infrastructure decisions and remove existing infrastructure is a waste of time, money and resources. The title of this proposal is disingenuous and misrepresents what the outcome such regulations would be able to control. It also ignores other targets various Ontario cities are trying to hit such as vision zero (reducing traffic related fatalities and serious injuries) as well as climate targets.

Bike lanes aren’t causing traffic, cars are causing traffic. Giving people safe, efficient, well connected, and affordable options outside of personal vehicles will reduce traffic.

https://kitchissippiward.ca/2024/07/13/vehicle-ownership-in-kitchissipp…
https://www.wired.com/2014/06/wuwt-traffic-induced-demand/
https://tcat.ca/resources/bloor-street-economic-impact-studies/
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/8f76-2019-Cycling-Pub…
https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation…