The Ontario Provincial…

The Ontario Provincial Government's proposal to require municipalities to get provincial approval for bike lanes that remove a traffic lane is misguided and directly against public interest. Major Ontario cities, especially Toronto, face severe gridlock due to decades of inadequate investment in modern, safe, and effective transit options by several provincial and federal governments. Urban road networks cannot sustainably accommodate more cars without sacrificing livability, sustainability, travel times, and safety.

Promoting cycling and other alternative transportation methods is essential to reducing gridlock, increasing livability, and dealing with emissions caused by car traffic. The City of Toronto, funded by its own budget, is responsible for its transportation infrastructure, and the provincial government neither funds these roads nor should it have authority over local bike lane decisions.

This proposal is not a genuine attempt to address gridlock but a politically motivated move based on misguided assumptions. It undermines public safety, urban sustainability, and quality of life. The regulation should be dismissed to protect the interests of Toronto and its residents.