Bill 212: Reducing Gridlock,…

Bill 212: Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024

The purpose of this legislation is to reduce gridlock and save time for drivers in Ontario.

These comments focus on Part XII, which requires Government of Ontario approval/review of:
• municipalities’ plans for bicycle lanes that reduce lanes for cars, and
• bicycle lanes that have been built in the past five years (with the potential for removal of lanes that are in place.)

These measures will not significantly reduce gridlock.

There is no evidence that bike traffic and bike lanes contribute to gridlock.
The problem with gridlock is too many cars.

Increasing space on roads leads to increases in car use, more congestion, and eventually more gridlock.

Reducing infrastructure for cyclists may contribute to congestion and gridlock if they opt for motorized transport instead.

The legislation makes no provision for improvements to public transport which could at least absorb the trips of some of the cyclists who will ride less because they have lost bike lanes.

They will also degrade the benefits of cycling to Ontario.

Transportation

Eliminating or slowing the growth of bike lanes will drive cyclists back to motorized transportation--which will increase congestion.

The transportation system will be less efficient, incenting use of expensive (car/transit) modes over the less expensive one (cycling).

Health

Fewer bike lanes will reduce safety for cyclists, leading to more injuries and possibly, fatalities.

Reductions in cycling infrastructure will lead to less riding, exercise and fitness, which will reduce population health.

Environment

Cycling is the one of the most efficient modes of transportation in terms of space, energy and pollution.

More trips by car and public transit will only lead to more pressure on available space on roads, as well as increased energy use and GHG emissions.

Cars require much more land than bicycles: both while travelling and not in use (parking—which is often under priced). They require more public space per passenger mile--so are a less efficient use of that space.

Municipal Finances

Roads and car infrastructure are expensive. Municipalities across Ontario are struggling to build and even maintain the road networks needed to support “cars first” transportation.

In municipalities such as Ottawa, (which has a “revenue shortfall”) the huge investments in road building and maintenance are crowding out expenditure on other important public goods and services.

Municipalities, whose revenues are constrained by their narrow tax bases, tax increase commitments and dependence on other levels of government for funding, will not be able to support ever-growing road networks.

Cycling lanes are a fiscally responsible means to increase transportation capacity in Ontario, at a lower cost than roads dedicated primarily to cars.

Recommendation:

Remove section XII from the proposed legislation.