I am strongly AGAINST…

I am strongly AGAINST removing existing bike lanes, or restricting the development of new bike lanes. I am deeply concerned about the direction Bill 212 is headed and oppose it for many reasons.

In Ontario, we need more active transportation corridors that are safe for users. Key priorities of the government should focus on reducing GHG in the transportation sector to get us closer to our GHG emission targets, which is more effectively done by getting people out of their single driver vehicles and onto bikes, walking paths, or public transport.

We need MORE dedicated bike lanes in Toronto and other cities, to improve safety for cyclists. Too many deaths have occurred due to cyclists sharing the road with careless and reckless drivers. Data from jurisdictions worldwide shows that dedicated bike lanes significantly reduce the number and severity of collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles.

Research consistently demonstrates that well-designed cycling infrastructure not only enhances safety for cyclists but also improves overall traffic flow and reduces congestion in the long term (Toronto Centre for Active Transportation, 2018). Additionally, studies show that businesses in areas with protected bike lanes tend to see an increase in sales, driven by greater foot and bicycle traffic (New York City Department of Transportation, 2014). These facts contradict the government’s claims that bike lanes negatively impact local businesses and inconvenience motorists.

The changing nature of work in large cities puts many workers on bikes: as couriers, food delivery drivers, and for workers who cannot afford other transportation options. Bike lanes offer a way for these workers to get to/from or to do their work safely.

Putting hundreds of thousands of bikes in Toronto INTO the vehicle lanes will surely create more congestion, not less? It's just common sense. Where will all the cyclists go when bike lanes are removed? They won't be stopping their cycling, they will now be jamming up traffic amongst the vehicles on the road. As "vehicles" under Ontario's MVA, we have a right to be on the road and need somewhere safe to ride.

To roll back the progress we have made on safe cycling infrastructure is to undermine years of investment in road safety, environmental sustainability, and economic vibrancy.

I urge the government to put the brakes on Bill 212 and focus on developing more active transportation infrastructure, not less.