I'm writing to express my…

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock, Saving you Time Act and specifically the proposed restrictions on municipal authority to implement bike lanes. These restrictions will do nothing to reduce gridlock or save time and they interfere with the responsibility of municipalities to design safe roads and build strong local economies.

Bikes are vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act so the right-hand lane of any multi-lane municipal road (excepting 400-series highways) is a lane that is available for use by bikes.

Bike lanes take up half the roadway of a lane that is also available for use by motor vehicles. As such, within the right-of-way for vehicular traffic, they:
- allow more space for users of motor vehicles including dedicated turn lanes that facilitate the free flow of motor vehicles not making turns.
-segregate (generally) slower bicycle traffic which facilitates higher motor vehicle speeds (including by way of requiring fewer lane-changes).
- provide a buffer between motor vehicles and pedestrians and thus make streets safer and less stressful for all road users (which, in turn, helps small businesses - retailers and restaurants - on city streets).

We need smart, forward-thinking solutions to reduce gridlock. In built-up areas, good transportation alternatives (e.g. transit and bike lanes) concentrate demand for road space and so reduce traffic congestion.

Let's get Ontario moving, not engage in jurisdictional over-reach and divisive politics.