To Whom It May Concern, I am…

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212, which proposes to add additional processes for implementing bike lanes and aims to remove some existing bike lanes in Ontario. As both a cyclist and a driver, I believe this bill would be detrimental to urban mobility, safety, and quality of life in our communities.

Firstly, I urge the government to reduce, not increase, red tape and bureaucracy in the implementation of bicycle infrastructure. Adding more processes will only hinder cities' abilities to install bike lanes where they are needed. This will impede efficient and responsive urban planning that meets the evolving needs of our communities.

As a regular cyclist, I can attest to the fact that bicycle lanes allow me to reach my destinations quickly and economically. Removing existing bike lanes or making it harder to implement new ones will negatively impact my daily commute and that of many others. This could lead to increased traffic congestion and higher carbon emissions in our cities.

Safety is paramount, and bike lanes provide an essential level of protection for cyclists of all ages, including children. Removing these lanes or making them harder to implement puts vulnerable road users at risk. Moreover, bike lanes create a buffer between pedestrians and vehicular traffic, enhancing safety for all. The traffic-calming effect of bike lanes contributes to safer streets for everyone, and we should be expanding, not reducing, this infrastructure.

From a driver's perspective, I find that dedicated bike lanes greatly simplify interactions with cyclists on the road. When cyclists have their own space, it eliminates the need for drivers to navigate around them in shared lanes, reducing stress and potential conflicts for all parties involved. Removing bike lanes would make roads more challenging and potentially dangerous for both drivers and cyclists.

In conclusion, I strongly oppose Bill 212 and its potential to create less safe, less efficient, and less sustainable transportation networks in Ontario. By hindering the installation of bike lanes and removing existing ones, we risk the well-being of our communities and move away from efficient, healthy and prosperous cities.

I urge you to reconsider this bill and instead focus on policies that promote and expand safe cycling infrastructure in our province.

Thank you for your consideration.