I am writing to express my…

I strongly oppose to this government legislation that restricts the implementation and removal of bike lanes province-wide. This decision represents a troubling overreach of government power that could have severe long-term consequences on the health, livability, and sustainability of Ontario’s cities.

Bike lanes play a vital role in creating accessible, balanced urban spaces where people can choose active and environmentally friendly forms of transportation. Removing them – or making the process to add or retain them unnecessarily difficult – places undue emphasis on car traffic, undermining decades of progress toward safer, more sustainable, and equitable cities.

This new restriction not only deprives municipalities of their autonomy but also disregards the preferences of communities that value safer, greener alternatives to car-dominated transit. By prioritizing motor vehicle traffic over cycling infrastructure, this act poses a real threat to the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, stifling efforts to reduce emissions, address public health concerns, and respond to climate change. Active transportation is a key part of creating vibrant urban areas, and bike lanes provide an essential foundation for cities to become cleaner, healthier, and more connected.

Furthermore, urban infrastructure planning should reflect local needs and concerns, not a one-size-fits-all approach imposed from the provincial level. Local communities and their representatives understand best what is needed to enhance their unique infrastructure, and by stripping municipalities of the ability to respond flexibly to local transportation needs, this legislation compromises their capacity to plan effectively for the future.

I urge the Ontario government to reconsider this legislation and advocate for a transportation policy that respects the autonomy of Ontario’s cities, supports safe and sustainable transportation options, and encourages an active lifestyle for all residents. Investing in bike infrastructure is an investment in Ontario’s future, and it’s one we cannot afford to compromise.