As commentary on ERO 019…

As commentary on ERO 019-9266, Bill 212 Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024,
I, (name)
● Support municipal authority in determining bike lane development without added
provincial oversight. Municipal representatives are closer to their constituents and better
able to respond to the needs/wants of the community regarding both vehicle and bike
transit as well as growth and development in neighborhoods. Research from major cities
(New York, Paris, Copenhagen, Montreal) shows that bike lanes significantly reduce car
commuter times.
● Back municipalities' efforts to decrease emissions and acknowledges the impact of
increased bike ridership, as seen in Toronto, where bike trips rose by 4 million over eight
years. More cyclists can alleviate road congestion and reduce vehicle numbers,
contributing to lower emissions.
● Highlight that cycling has a much smaller carbon footprint than cars, with the
environmental impact of bike manufacturing offset within a year of use, making bike
lanes crucial for combating climate change.
● Remind the government that cycling is an affordable, sustainable lifestyle choice and
cyclists are equally entitled as drivers to arrive safely to their destinations.
● Raise concerns about relocating utility infrastructure potentially leading to the
expropriation of more agricultural and Greenbelt lands, which are vital for food supply
and carbon sinks.
● Call for thorough environmental assessments for Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass,
ensuring compliance with species at risk legislation.
● Oppose the expropriation of Greenbelt and agricultural lands for highway projects and
● Argue against transferring regulatory powers for towing zones from the Lieutenant
Governor to the Minister of Transportation, as this reduces accountability for the
province.
Therefore, I oppose Bill 212 as it currently stands