Bill 212 is a deeply…

Bill 212 is a deeply concerning proposal that threatens to undermine the progress Ontario has made in fostering safer, more sustainable, and fiscally responsible communities. As a concerned citizen, taxpayer, and driver, I feel compelled to express my strong opposition to this bill. I am infuriated about the irresponsible spending of taxpayer money, as well as the inappropriate overreach by the provincial government to add bureaucratic red tape on municipal matters.

Fiscal Responsibility and Avoiding Unnecessary Disruptions:
Dismantling bike lanes would waste taxpayer dollars already invested in their construction. Additionally, the process of removing this infrastructure will create new construction projects, exacerbating traffic congestion—a leading cause of delays in Toronto. It’s crucial to consider the long-term costs and inconvenience this will cause to commuters.

Unnecessary Red Tape:
Requiring municipalities to seek provincial approval for new cycling infrastructure adds unnecessary red tape. Local governments understand their communities' needs best and should be empowered to make decisions without provincial overreach. This contradicts the government’s stated goal of reducing bureaucracy.

Focusing on Key Priorities:
Ontario faces significant challenges in education, healthcare, public transit, and affordable housing. Resources and attention should be directed toward addressing these pressing issues rather than dismantling infrastructure that promotes safety, health, and sustainability.

Biking Infrastructure: Essential for Climate Action:
There are commitments at municipal, provincial, and federal levels to combat climate change. Cycling infrastructure is a critical part of meeting our climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Removing bike lanes contradicts these commitments and risks reversing the progress we’ve made toward a more sustainable future.

Safer Roads for All:
As a driver, I feel safer knowing there are dedicated bike lanes. They create a clear separation between cyclists and vehicles, reducing potential conflicts and making roads safer for everyone. Removing these lanes increases the risk of accidents and undermines efforts to protect all road users.

The City of Toronto’s Vision Zero strategy aims to significantly reduce traffic fatalities. Bike lanes play an integral role in this initiative by protecting cyclists and improving overall traffic safety. Removing these lanes not only jeopardizes this goal but also puts more lives at risk.

Clarifying the Impact on Emergency Services:
There is no credible evidence that bike lanes have negatively impacted emergency service response times on major Toronto streets such as Yonge, University, and Bloor. It’s important to base policy decisions on facts rather than unfounded concerns.

Conclusion: Bill 212 risks undoing much of the progress Ontario has made toward safer streets, environmental sustainability, and efficient governance. I urge the government to reconsider this proposal and focus on strengthening active transportation, which benefits all Ontarians. Let’s work together to build a province that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and the well-being of its residents.