As a cyclist from Ottawa who…

As a cyclist from Ottawa who relies on my bicycle as my primary means of transportation, I strongly oppose Ontario Bill 212. This bill, which proposes to use constitutional laws to override municipal law, addresses an issue that is fundamentally not a provincial matter. Removing bike lanes will not reduce congestion; in fact, it will likely exacerbate it by forcing more people into cars.

Toronto's historical data clearly illustrates this issue. In 2011, when bike lanes were removed from Jarvis Street, the city's own data showed that travel times increased and traffic slowed, contradicting the goal of easing congestion. Removing bike lanes endangers cyclists and discourages sustainable transportation options, leading to greater car dependence and worsening gridlock.

This proposal jeopardizes cyclist safety and sets the province back decades in our progress towards creating liveable and sustainable cities. We need to prioritize safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation options, not eliminate them. Let's work towards a future where all road users can coexist safely and efficiently.