All it takes is a quick…

All it takes is a quick Google search to see why creating additional barriers to bike infrastructure might be a terrible idea. As a cyclist, motorist, but most importantly a citizen who wishes for the continued growth and properity of our neighbourhoods, communities, and cities, I think this aspect of the bill should be scrapped.

Here are a few thoughts as to why:
-Roads should be a municipal issue, not a provincial one. It would be a huge overreach for the Government of Ontario to dictate how each city grows in this respect. It feels as if this aspect of the Bill is clearly and unfairly targeting the City of Toronto.
-Bike infrastructure is essential to building a thriving city. Looking to other great cities in Europe and USA, the data shows that having bike lanes can have benefits for health, for the economy, and so many more aspects of life.
-In the long term, bike infrastructure can help reduce congestion. If you can convince a person that commuting on a bike is safe and sustainable, that could mean one less car on the road. Isn't the point of this Bill to reduce Gridlock and not add to it?
-Bikes are more sustainable. Climate change is no joke. While we are fortunate in Ontario to be shielded from some of the major impacts thus far, we are not immune to climate change as evidenced by the increase in local wildfires. We have a duty to be global citizens in promoting a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle.
-Deaths/injuries from bicycle vs motorized vehicles are rising. As a hospital-based physician, it breaks my heart to see the people that end up in the ICU or the ward with life threatening/altering injuries from bicycle vs motorized vehicle collisions. These are fully PREVENTABLE with safer cycling infrastructure and it would be in the best interest of the Government to enhance this aspect of Public Health.

Ultimately, I think the Ford Government needs to take a hard look into what it wants for the future of the province. I feel that it may a bit shortsighted to think that additional roads (and less bike lines) will solve the multifaceted issues that have led to commute congestion in the first place. Besides, the collateral damage this Bill may have on Public Health and the health of our communities is too high.

It takes guts to look ahead beyond the upcoming election cycle and make decisions that might be controversial to some. It takes guts to sow the seeds of change and cultivate a better future that only the next generation may enjoy. It takes guts to be open-minded, to put aside prejudices, and to truly listen to opinions that might not align with your own.

I hope the Ford Government has the guts to reconsider its war on cyclists and to scrap this aspect of Bill 212.