I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212, the so-called "Reducing Gridlock Saving You Time Act." This legislation, which includes the removal of bike lanes across the province, is deeply concerning and, in my view, misguided.

As someone who values efficient transportation and environmental responsibility, I am dismayed by the proposed elimination of bike lanes. Not only does this bill risk setting back progress in building safe, multi-modal infrastructure, but it also ignores the benefits bike lanes provide in alleviating congestion, improving air quality, and promoting public health. By removing these crucial pathways, the government appears to be shifting away from policies that prioritize sustainable, diverse modes of transportation.

Bike lanes reduce gridlock in ways that cars alone cannot. Every cyclist represents one less car on the road, helping to reduce congestion rather than add to it. The approach proposed in Bill 212 risks pushing more people into cars and increasing the very gridlock it purports to reduce. In an era where many cities and countries are investing in bike-friendly infrastructure as a way forward, it is disappointing to see our province proposing legislation that effectively reverses this trend.

Furthermore, this legislation feels like an overreach that undermines local governments and communities that have invested in bike infrastructure as a means to create safer and more vibrant urban environments. Municipalities should be empowered to choose transportation options that best fit their needs, and they need the flexibility to adapt to the growing demand for safe cycling infrastructure.

I urge you to reconsider the elements of Bill 212 that call for the removal of bike lanes and to recognize the value they bring in making our cities healthier, safer, and more accessible for all.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to seeing a government response that reflects a genuine commitment to addressing transportation challenges in a way that considers the needs of all road users.