I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to Bill 212, which seeks to prevent the construction of new bike lanes in Toronto and potentially dismantle existing ones. As a resident of Parkdale and a daily bike commuter, this issue affects me personally, particularly the proposed removal of the bike lane on Bloor West. This route is vital not only for my daily commute but also for countless others who rely on it as one of the few usable east-west cycling corridors in the city.

The Bloor bike lane has been successful in promoting safe cycling and has become increasingly popular among users. Removing it will not only worsen traffic congestion—already a critical issue in Toronto—but will also compromise safety for cyclists, potentially leading to more accidents.

Ford's arguments against bike lanes are frankly ridiculous, and have no basis in reality. Dedicated bike lanes can significantly reduce the number of cars on the road, which is essential for managing congestion. To argue that it's bike lanes and not CARS that cause congestion is absurd, totally absurd. He is using this as a wedge issue, and turning something that should be strictly about policy into a "left-right" ideological issue. There is nothing left or right wing about alternative options to get to work.

Also, ripping out these bike lanes represents a massive waste of taxpayer dollars and effort, especially considering the city has already invested significant resources in designing and building them. It is baffling that the provincial government is opting to divert funding away from meaningful solutions for transportation, healthcare, and housing while targeting bike lanes as a scapegoat for the city’s congestion woes.

The arguments against bike lanes frequently overlook their benefits. Dedicated bike lanes can significantly reduce the number of cars on the road, which is essential for managing congestion. It’s important to recognize that cyclists will continue to ride, regardless of whether bike lanes are present. In fact, many drivers will likely prefer having designated lanes for bikes, as it allows for safer and more predictable travel.

Drivers who oppose bike lanes aren't understanding that we will still be here, bike lanes or not. This policy will make their commutes more frustrating, not less. Cyclists who return to their cars because they now feel unsafe will contribute to further congestion, while those who continue to ride will be in the way, forcing drivers to be hyper-vigilant of our presence instead of having us safely "tucked" away in dedicated lanes.

This situation also exemplifies a significant overreach by the provincial government. While technically allowed to override the city, it makes little sense for the province to micromanage municipal road infrastructure. The city has already developed a comprehensive plan—the Cycling Network 2025-2027 Implementation Program—into which time, expertise, and funding have been invested. It raises the question: why would someone in Kingston even care about bike lanes in Toronto? Bike lanes should be managed by the city, where local needs and conditions can be best understood and addressed.

Furthermore, it’s not lost on anyone that two of the bike lanes Doug Ford wants to eliminate—Bloor and University—are routes he himself uses to commute to work. This is an autocratic and plainly corrupt use of his position.