Dear Minister Sarkaria and…

Dear Minister Sarkaria and Members of the Legislative Assembly,

I am a frequent cyclist in Toronto, and the protected bike lanes that exist on my daily routes have made me feel far safer on the road. A few months ago I was riding along a busy arterial street with no bike lane when an impatient driver swerved into my path, striking me and forcing me off the road. I walked away with bruises, but the incident left me shaken and reminded me how vulnerable cyclists are when they lack dedicated space.

Key concerns:

Local decision‑making: Bill 60 strips cities of the authority to implement projects that are backed by data and strong community support. Residents should retain the right to shape their streets.

Traffic congestion: Numerous studies—including those cited by the provincial government—show that bike lanes do not create gridlock. In fact, they can improve traffic flow by encouraging modal shift and reducing vehicle trips.

Road safety: Protected bike lanes dramatically lower serious injuries and fatalities for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike. Eliminating new lanes would make streets more hazardous for everyone.

Other road‑space uses: The restriction threatens transit‑priority lanes, safe school‑street crossings, curbside access for patios and deliveries, and other community‑focused designs that rely on flexible road‑space allocation.

Climate and public‑health goals: Ontario’s climate commitments and public‑health objectives depend on shifting travel toward active modes. Locking streets into car‑dominant layouts hampers emission reductions and discourages healthy transportation choices.

This issue is not about being “pro‑bike” or “anti‑car”; it is about respecting local expertise, adhering to proven research, and preserving safe, sustainable streets for all Ontarians. I urge the government to amend Bill 60 so that municipalities may continue to convert vehicle lanes into protected bike lanes where safety benefits are demonstrated, and to clarify that transit‑only lanes remain unaffected.

Thank you for considering these points.