I strongly oppose Bill 212…

I strongly oppose Bill 212 being introduced in Ontario. Reducing traffic does not come from increasing car lanes. This will only temporary relieve gridlock, until demand increases and traffic returns to its current state. The only way to really alleviate traffic congestion is to get people out of cars. I would like to see the Government invest in alternate forms of transportation, so that people can access convenient and affordable modes of transit beyond cars. The more people that can reliably and conveniently use transit and bike lanes, the fewer people will need to use a car to get around - especially in a city as big as Toronto.

The explicit inclusion of the plan to rip out existing bike infrastructure in Toronto is especially painful to see. I am a bike rider in Toronto and I use the protected bike lanes daily. Every time I get on my bike I wonder whether that will be the day I get hit by a car. At least the protected bike lane on Bloor provides me some more relief for part of my journey. Without these lanes I will be forced to decide whether getting somewhere quickly and afforadbly was more important than my safety. Without these bike lanes I will be forced to consider driving instead for trips around the city.

Removing the already established infrastructure is a dangerous and short-sighted policy move. Investing in public transit and bike lanes will get people moving faster in an environmentally friendly manner. I implore the Government of Ontario to reconsider introducing this Bill.

Thank you.