To whom it may concern, I…

To whom it may concern,

I oppose Ontario Bill 212 (Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024) for several key reasons. The idea of removing bike lanes to reduce traffic congestion is flawed and lacks supporting evidence. In reality, eliminating bike lanes won’t ease traffic; research and past data show the opposite. This policy could increase accidents and fatalities, leading to higher costs for the city in healthcare, emergency services, and legal expenses.

Data from Toronto illustrates this issue. When bike lanes were removed from Jarvis Street in 2011, the city’s own records showed that travel times grew longer and traffic became slower, contradicting the goal of reducing congestion. Removing bike lanes only puts cyclists at risk and discourages eco-friendly transportation, which increases car dependence and worsens gridlock.

Rather than implementing policies that jeopardize public safety and undermine urban infrastructure, the province should prioritize investments that directly improve the well-being of residents, such as healthcare and education. This would be a far more beneficial approach for Ontarians in the long run than removing bike lanes to cater to drivers and suburban commuters.

Ultimately, Bill 212 represents a setback for both Toronto and the province. Sustainable urban planning should focus on multimodal transportation that ensures safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The government should prioritize building a livable and accessible city for all, not just for those who commute by car.

Best regards,
An Ontarian who walks, bikes, and drives