In rapidly growing urban…

In rapidly growing urban centers like Toronto, bike lanes are not merely a convenience but an essential component of sustainable city infrastructure, much like sidewalks. Their removal undermines safety, reduces viable transportation alternatives, and works against the needs of a dynamic and expanding population. Without bike lanes, cyclists are forced to share lanes with cars, increasing the risk of accidents that disproportionately harm vulnerable road users. Cycling infrastructure on key corridors like Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street are essential for creating a connected and functional network, which is vital for both safety and accessibility.

Removing bike lanes to alleviate car congestion is a short-sighted approach that ignores the broader need for sustainable transportation options. As Toronto grows, its roadways become increasingly overburdened, and car-centric planning will only exacerbate congestion. Many new developments lack parking facilities, emphasizing the necessity of reliable alternatives to driving.

Bike lanes provide more than safety; they encourage sustainable, efficient, and healthy travel. Cycling is environmentally friendly, offers physical exercise, and is often the fastest way to navigate a congested city. Bike lanes greatly enhance real and perceived safety for cyclists, encouraging broader adoption of this mode of travel, and are an excellent way of integrating with public transit to enable multi-modal trips. To ensure Toronto meets the needs of its growing population, the Ontario government should empower municipalities to expand and prioritize cycling infrastructure. Removing existing bike lanes and creating a more restrictive process for establishing new cycling infrastructure would be a regressive step in building a dynamic and inclusive city. As a result of the above-mentioned items, I thoroughly oppose Bill 212.