I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concern that the aspects of Bill 212 related to bike lanes go against the parts of Ministry of Transportation's Statement of Environmental Values related to active transportation and climate change.

Specifically, I am concerned that requiring municipalities to obtain approval to construct new bike lanes --- or keep recently-added ones --- where doing so would involve sacrificing a lane of vehicle traffic will have a significant chilling effect on climate-friendly active transportation projects. This is for two reasons: First, active transportation, including cycling, is most practical for short trips in highly developed areas where destinations such as shops, restaurants, and homes are closely spaced. Unfortunately, these dense areas are places where bike lanes would be most difficult to install without removing existing lanes of motor vehicle traffic. As a result, this bill could have the unintended consequence of imposing a near moratorium on bike lanes where they are most practical, while allowing construction of new lanes in low-density areas where they are less likely to be used. Second, the provisions in the bill to remove or consider removing existing infrastructure that was installed at a significant cost sends a powerful message that investing municipal property tax dollars into active transportation is a risky proposition. As a result, municipal governments may begin to avoid making infrastructure investments that could increase the modal share of active transportation in the name of fiscal prudence.

The direct and indirect negative effects of this bill go against the following environmental values of the Ministry of Transportation:

- "Promoting a multi-modal transportation network, including active transportation" (section 2 preamble).
- "[Promoting] an integrated transportation system that facilitates the use of public transit, active transportation, and other modes" (section 2C).
- "[Endeavouring] to reduce the impact of Ontario’s transportation sector on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change by increasing the availability of sustainable modes of travel" (section 8).

Although not specifically related to the Ministry's Statement of Environmental Values, I would also like to take this opportunity to voice my concern that this aspect of the bill will not help reduce gridlock or save people time. Removing bike lanes and preventing the installation of new lanes will make cycling more unpleasant and dangerous. As a result, more people may choose to drive to work or school or to visit shops, quickly filling up the extra lanes claimed for motor traffic.

To align with the Ministry of Transportation's Statement of Environmental Values, the provisions of Bill 212 related to bike lanes should be removed.