To whom it may concern, I…

To whom it may concern,

I strongly oppose the passing of Bill 212. While I do support the effort of reducing congestion in our great city, I do not support increasing red tape and destroying infrastructure that provide a valuable means of transport for many people. This bill flies in the face of known methods of reducing congestion. It has been shown, through multiple studies over several decades, that adding car lanes offers diminishing returns in reducing congestion. In fact at a certain point adding lanes will only increase congestion.

What has been shown to improve congestion, is providing viable alternatives to driving. Whether it be busses, trains/trams, or bike lanes. I am a proud car owner, of a perky Hyundai Veloster in vitamin C orange to be exact. But, even I cannot deny that bicycles are a far more space efficient, fiscally responsible, healthier, and considerate means of transportation.

I currently live in North York, so the removal of the Bloor, Younge, and University bike lanes would likely not affect my life very much. However, perhaps unlike the writers of this bill, I can empathize with the people who it will affect. I can also say that I would greatly appreciate the construction of bike infrastructure in my part of the city. I'm sure that Don Mills, Leslie, and Bayview between Eglinton and Sheppard could greatly benefit from bike lanes. If this bill passes, North York will never see a network of bike infrastructure, and it will instead remain a shabby patchwork, which would be an incredible waste of opportunity.

I suppose it needn't be said that if this bill passes, I will strongly reconsider ever voting for this administration. And I'll be sure to encourage others to do the same. Let it be known that my vote will go to an administration that supports logical infrastructure supported by real world case studies, rather than the lunacy of a group who cannot fathom the concept of getting outside and using their legs.

Sincerely,
A concerned resident of Toronto