I strongly oppose Bill 212,…

I strongly oppose Bill 212, the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024, as its provisions would severely endanger the lives of cyclists and other vulnerable road users. By prioritizing motor vehicle flow at the expense of safety measures for cyclists, this bill risks causing serious injuries and deaths.

Bill 212’s measures, such as reducing lane-sharing restrictions and encouraging faster road lane changes, will place cyclists directly in harm’s way. Increased proximity and speed of vehicles in lanes shared with cyclists will result in unsafe conditions, exposing cyclists to higher risk of collision, severe injury, and death. Research from jurisdictions worldwide has demonstrated a clear link between such road policies and increased fatalities among cyclists. Cities that prioritize vehicle flow over protected cycling infrastructure often see sharp rises in cycling-related accidents and deaths.

If Ontario aims to be a leader in sustainable and safe transportation, it should focus on creating protected bike lanes, expanding Complete Streets initiatives, and implementing speed-calming measures rather than pushing through policies that heighten risk for non-motorized road users. Prioritizing gridlock reduction over human safety is a shortsighted approach that ultimately undermines efforts to create livable, accessible communities.

I urge Ontario’s policymakers to reject Bill 212 and work instead on solutions that make our roads safe for everyone. We cannot afford a policy that will cost lives.