The decision by Premier Doug…

The decision by Premier Doug Ford to remove existing bike lanes across Ontario is a reckless and short-sighted move that puts Ontarians’ safety and environmental priorities at risk. His administration’s argument that bike lanes worsen traffic congestion is not only misleading but shows a misunderstanding of how modern cities balance transportation needs.

Ford’s plan, which he claims will help alleviate gridlock, is a step backward in urban planning. Toronto, in particular, has made strides to improve cycling infrastructure to offer safer, greener alternatives for commuters. But instead of embracing this shift, Ford aims to rip up existing bike lanes, threatening the safety of cyclists and pedestrians alike. This policy will not only limit sustainable transportation options but could actively increase congestion by funneling more people into cars  .

Cyclists play a crucial role in reducing traffic, pollution, and the strain on public transportation. By removing bike lanes, the government is ignoring these benefits and overlooking the real issues plaguing Ontario’s roads, such as inadequate public transit infrastructure. Even Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has criticized Ford’s policy, pointing out that the real congestion problems stem from delayed provincial transit projects like the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRTs, which have caused years of road closures .

Moreover, this heavy-handed interference in municipal decision-making erodes local governance. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has slammed the move as an overreach, with no clear evidence provided to support the claim that bike lanes are the main culprits behind traffic slowdowns. This is a blatant disregard for the work done by local governments to design systems that prioritize safety and efficiency .

By pushing forward with this harmful plan, Ford is jeopardizing not just the safety of cyclists but also undermining environmental efforts to promote sustainable travel. It’s time for the province to support, not sabotage, the progress Ontario cities have made. Instead of undoing years of improvement, the focus should be on expanding and maintaining bike lanes to create a truly balanced and forward-thinking transportation system.