To whom it may concern, I am…

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to say I oppose the Ontario Bill 212 (Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024) for several reasons.

The proposal to remove bike lanes as a means of reducing traffic congestion is fundamentally flawed and unsupported by evidence. In fact, removing bike lanes will not reduce traffic; studies and historical data have shown the opposite. This measure will likely lead to more accidents and fatalities, ultimately costing the city more in healthcare, emergency services, and legal expenses.

Historical data from Toronto highlights this issue clearly. When bike lanes were removed from Jarvis Street in 2011, the city’s own data indicated that travel times increased and traffic slowed, contradicting the intended outcome of easing congestion. Removing bike lanes only serves to endanger cyclists and deter sustainable transportation options, leading to higher reliance on cars and exacerbating gridlock.

Instead of pursuing policies that endanger lives and diminish the quality of urban infrastructure, the province should focus on investments that will help reduce traffic and congestion, such as building and enhancing transit options. This approach would better serve the long-term interests of Ontarians far better than dismantling bike lanes to placate drivers and suburban commuters.

As more people come to live in the GTA in the next decade traffic congestion will only continue to get worse as more people will want to commute to Toronto. Removing bike lanes will not make any meaningful impact on congestion and traffic. We need to greatly expand transit options so we can provide alternative modes of transportation and get cars off the roads.

In summary, Bill 212 is a step backward for Toronto and the province as a whole. Sustainable urban planning should prioritize multimodal transportation solutions that promote safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The government’s focus should be on creating a livable, accessible city for everyone, not just accommodating those who drive into the city for work.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

A resident of Toronto