I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Ontario Bill 212, the “Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024.” As a cyclist living in Toronto, I am particularly alarmed by the potential safety risks and the undermining of local autonomy that this bill represents.

Firstly, bike lanes are essential for the safety of cyclists like myself. On August 31, 2009 I was hit by a car while I was cycling North on Yonge Street. There were no bike lanes and a driver passed me to turn in front of me causing a crash that resulted in my right arm being broken and needing surgery to have a plate installed. I live with this plate and the scars and am forever grateful I wasn’t killed, as on the same day another cyclist, Darcy Allan Sheppard was killed while cycling on Bloor. Removing existing bike lanes on Yonge Street and Bloor or any other roadway significantly increases the risk of accidents and fatalities. As someone who relies on cycling for daily transportation, I am deeply worried about my safety and that of my fellow cyclists. The presence of bike lanes provides a necessary buffer between cyclists and motor vehicles, reducing the likelihood of collisions. I regularly cycle to work from April through to October and into November. When winter hits I still cycle but often switch to using the BikeShare network and commuting by bike one way and by TTC the other. The stats you cite about the numbers of cyclists have been widely denounced as inaccurate and misleading.

Secondly, the bill’s requirement for provincial approval for the development or removal of bike lanes undermines the authority of local governments. Municipalities like Toronto are best positioned to understand and address the unique needs of their communities. This centralization of power is an overreach that disregards the expertise and autonomy of local authorities.

Lastly, the removal of recently installed bike lanes represents a waste of taxpayer dollars. Significant public funds have been invested in planning for and creating safe and efficient cycling infrastructure. Reversing these investments not only squanders these resources but also undermines efforts to promote sustainable and healthy transportation options. As minister of transportation you realize that transportation planning involves planning for the future, and removing cycling infrastructure is incredibly short-sighted and dangerous in addition to being wasteful. Focus instead on public transportation which will help many more people, including those in cars stuck in traffic.

I urge you to reconsider the provisions of Bill 212 and to prioritize the safety of cyclists, respect local governance, and ensure the responsible use of public funds.