I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212, specifically the framework that prevents the construction of new bike lanes and mandates the removal of existing bike lanes to make room for additional car lanes. Not only does this undermine sustainable urban planning efforts, but it also disregards the well-established principle of induced demand, which suggests that adding car lanes may temporarily alleviate congestion but ultimately results in even more traffic over time.

Furthermore, I believe that decisions regarding bike lanes within cities and municipalities should remain under the jurisdiction of local governments. This bill represents an overreach by the provincial government, encroaching on matters that should be democratically handled at the municipal level. If Premier Doug Ford desires control over city-specific decisions like transportation infrastructure, he should run for mayor, not attempt to impose centralized control from the provincial level.

Local governments have distinct responsibilities that reflect the needs and preferences of their constituents, and citizens elect these governments to address local issues. This bill disregards those democratic choices, stripping communities of the autonomy to shape their own transportation systems.

The evidence is clear: according to research by the UK Department for Transport, expanding road capacity for cars does not resolve congestion but exacerbates it through induced demand. Likewise, findings from the Wuppertal Institute emphasize that investments in active transportation, such as cycling infrastructure, are more effective in reducing long-term gridlock than simply adding car lanes. Cities worldwide are realizing this, as seen in Paris, where dedicated bike lanes have reduced car dependency, lowered emissions, and improved urban mobility.

Bill 212’s framework, which restricts bike lane development and promotes car-centric infrastructure, feels undemocratic and authoritarian. This approach not only fails to address congestion sustainably but also centralizes control, undermining the principles of local governance. I urge the government to respect the autonomy of municipalities to make decisions that are best suited for their unique urban contexts and to reconsider this anti-democratic approach.

Thank you for considering this perspective.