I strongly object to Bill…

I strongly object to Bill 212, as it would add unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy hindering local governments from advancing important transportation initiatives. Instead of creating more barriers, we should be focusing on improving infrastructure that supports sustainable and safe transportation for all road users.

Bike lanes are not a luxury, they are an essential part of transportation infrastructure. It's crucial that we prioritize the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and give them reliable, protected spaces to travel. The safety concerns of cyclists and pedestrians are very real. As a driver in Scarborough, I am often concerned about the lack of bike infrastructure. It's frightening to share the road with cyclists who have no dedicated lane, and it makes me nervous every time I have to pass them. I would feel much safer knowing that cyclists are separated from motor vehicles, with proper safety measures in place to protect them.

Bike lanes also support public transit by making it easier for people to reach transit stations. They’re not the cause of traffic congestion—cars are. If we want to reduce gridlock, we need to encourage alternatives to driving, and investing in bike lanes is one of the most effective ways to do that. With more bike lanes, people would have a safe, reliable mode of transport, and more would opt for biking instead of driving, especially for short trips like going to work, school, or running errands.

The reality is that many people drive simply because it’s the fastest and most reliable option available. If we had a network of well-designed, protected bike lanes across the city, people would be more inclined to choose biking over driving for daily activities. We need to make these investments now, not delay them with more red tape.

I urge lawmakers to reconsider this bill and prioritize the creation of safe, efficient bike infrastructure that benefits everyone in our communities.