Regarding the proposed…

Regarding the proposed amendments to Part XII: I am deeply concerned about the negative impact this legislation would have on cyclist safety and sustainable transportation initiatives in our community and across Ontario. I strongly reject the arguments presented by the Conservative government in support of this bill, which seem to be rooted in short-sighted concerns about traffic congestion and parking availability. Research consistently demonstrates that well-designed cycling infrastructure not only enhances safety for cyclists but also improves overall traffic flow and reduces congestion in the long term (Toronto Centre for Active Transportation, 2018). Additionally, studies show that businesses in areas with protected bike lanes tend to see an increase in sales, driven by greater foot and bicycle traffic (New York City Department of Transportation, 2014). These facts contradict the government’s claims that bike lanes negatively impact local businesses and inconvenience motorists. I strongly urge you to remove the amendments to Part XII from Bill 212.